The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-19
CROkE IN COURT.
He Says He Has Only
Committed Errors.
Ex- Superintendent Gilleran Is Indig.
nant and Defends His ADJ
ministration.

Thomas Croke. the defauting deputy of the
Street Department, appeared 10 Judge Joach-
imsen's court yesterday morning. and, by con-
sent the case was continued till Thur sday, De-
cember 81.
Although charged with the crime OF felony
ENLIGHTENMENT by Superintendent Ackerson. no
formal complaint has yet been filed.
CrOke was taken from The courtroom to the
Street SuperintendenPs office. He was ques-
toned as TO his methods. but he only gave
eVasiye replies He was kept there for about
an hour. but as he showed no inclination TO
afford the experts any help he was sent back to
the City Prison. Meantime the exporting OF
his books and accounts is being pushed ahead,
and the full extent OF his defaleations will soon
be known
He was seen In the City Prison and was more
communicative than at the time OF his arrest
on Monday night. He assumes The air of a
man who is more sinned against than SHINING.
81 admit he said in answer 10 questions
that there are errors In my accounts. but am
not alone in that respect. Every one in the
office has made the same sort OF errors, and
am made to bear the brunt OF II.
when my books are fully exported il will be
found that the amount has been very much
exaggerated. l deny that there has been any
enlightenment on my part and will fight it to
the bitter end. They can't prove 1t against
me-"
before you disappeared from the office ?''
THAT was mistake. /. of course, intended
10 account for 1t when i returned TO the Office"
But you did not RETURN"
We'll 1t is nothing unusual for man to be
OFF duty for day or two when be is sick"
James Gllleran, proprietor OF the Windsor
Hotel, at the corner OF Fifth and Market
streets. who was Sup -rintendent of Streets
prior 10 Mr.. Ackerson assuming the duties of
that office. Is somewhat indignant at the man.
ner in which his name has been brought into
The Croke ENLIGHTENMENT case. In speaking of
the matter last night he said:
when Mr.. Ashworth left the office he turned
over everything TO me and gave him receipt
for 1t. There was among other things some
money In the Pacific Bank which he gave me IA
cheek for and which still permilted to remain
on deposit. This money was what is known
as permit money or that which is de-
posted by persons who wish 10 make improve
mrnts which necessitate tearing up the streets,
etc, and for which a deposit is required to
cover possible damages
when started in opened up a new set OF
books, among which was what we called the
permit BOOK in which was entered all the
moneys received and paid out in the manner
specified. This book was checked up every
night with care and no possible defalcatiGn
could have occurred without my finding it out
"When Mr. Ackerson took charge OF the
office he announced his intention of running
the business in different manner from tha
followed by myself and that he would not per-
NIT his deputies 10 reign supreme. He secured
the services of an expert, who went over nv
books and found them all right, tn re being In
fact. balance of S13 and some cents due me-
Il don't see how Mr. Ackerson can Justly
connect my administration with this unfortun-
ate affair. During my charge of the Office there
was more money passed through it than has
ever been handled before or since by a Super
intendent and every cent of it was accounted
foi"