The herald., 1894-02-26
A BADLY ABUSED NAN.
WIMAN MORE SINNED AGAINST
THAN SHINING.
A Statement by His Private Counsel
The Animus of His Prosecution.
II. G. Dun Guilty of Base
Ingrstitude.

New York, Feb. 25 Albert B.
Boardmsn, who has many years been
Wiman's private counsel, made the fol-
lowing statement tonight regarding
Erastus Wimsn's case
"R. G. Dun & Co. employed Nicoll as
counsel, and he prepared a careful
statement of the case for the press.
Anyone would suppose on reading
Nicoll's statements that Wiman was
cashier or bookkeeper for Dun & Co.
and had no individual business reatio n
OF any kind. either with Dun or the
parties in whose favor the checks were
drawn. The fact is, ior years Wiman
has not only been member of the firm,
but in the conduct of the business has
been the responsible head of the con-
cern. | suppose 90 per cent of all the
checks drawn by R. 6. Dun & Co. dur
ing that period have been signed by
Wiman. Probably Wiman has made
the came percentage OF all the firm 8
important contracts.
"Again, no reference is made in
Nicoll's statements to Wiman's intima ate
personal and business relations with
the drawees of the checks described in
the indictments, nor the admitted fact
that the Endorsements of the drawees
named bear no resemblance at all to the
signatures, nor to the admitted fact that
Endorsements were not used to obtain
credit from any third party, but simply
for the purpose of transferring credits
in the bank, from an account against
which Wiman had a perfect right to
draw. The above statement will suffice
to call attention to the obvious omis-
sions and inaccuracies in the statement
prepared by Nicoll and published by the
firm for the apparent purpose Of preiu-
dicing Wimen's case with the public
before he had an opportunity to be
heard"
As showing the animus Of the prose-
cution, Boardman recitea the peculiar
circumstances OF Wlman's arrest and
hie refusal to accept bail proffered by
men worth $2,00O,000. He also refers
to the manneY in which Wiman WAS in
dicted and railroaded into the Tombs,
the carefully prepared statement to his
injury and Dun's interview ready for
prompt publication.
"Wiman has handled millions be-
longing to the firm and practically
signed 90 per cent of its checks.
From the moment Wiman took charge
OF the business the profits increased
until Dun's share amounted to $400, 900
per annum. The public and any fair
minded jury will find it hard to believe
that while Wiman was making for him
self $75. 600 to 100000 per annum and
for Dun 100000, he was scheming to
deiraud the firm of about $40, 900 through
the forgery OF names in no way resemb-
ling the genuine signatures"
Boardman draws attention to Wiman's
splendid record in public enterprises
and charitable work, and to the fact that
as soon az it became evident that he WAS
insolvent, he transferred all his prop.
erty to Dun as security for any sum
finally adjudged due upon settlement
of accounts.
"If these cases are ever brought to
trial the public will have chance to
ascertain the motive prompting the
prosecution, and shall be much sur
prised If there are not a number OF very
eetimable gentlemen who, like McBeth,
will tremble in well-appointed dining
halls, and say with ouivering lips I:
Shake not thy CORY locks at me; thou
canst not say did it, As a matter of
fact, notice some Of them are already
doing So"