Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-10-06
REPORTS RIFE.
Statements of Men Promi-
nent in Lewiston Mill Affairs.
Talk bout '.Nanipulaied'' eocks and Indig-
nani Denlais.


has been considerable interest awakened in
business circles today over rumor that
something is wrong in the Lewiston Mil
Corporati pms affairs.
Rumor had ii that the treasurers books
of the corporation had been manipulated
and that the former treasurer, Francis W.
Parker, bad left suddenly for Boston. Mr..
c |. Barker, agent of the Lewiston mill,
was seen by the JOURNAL and that gentle
man said, substantially, the following
Until the recent election of the directors
of the corporation, Mr.. Barker had been
one of the board of directors, but, as Mr..
Barker says, Mr.. Parker had by securing
proxies of stockholders, succeeded in get
ting himself elected instead of Mr.. Barker.
Mr.. Barker also says that Mr.. Parker
told him just before the annual
meeting that the corporation was
only about $4,000 under water
but at the annual meeting Mr.. Parker
stated that the corporation was Sl30 600
behind. The directors asked Mr.. Parker
to explain why he should make TIE two
statements, but he declined to do so for
some reason.
A few days ago Mr.. Parker resigned as
treasurer and went TO Boston, where he was
to enter businass with brother. Mr.. Bar
ker has been asked TO loan the Lewiston
Mill Corporation 100000, and says he is
willing to do it after an expert has examined
Mr.. Parker's books. The plant of the cor
poration has recently been appraised at
5000 0OO, and in the opinion of Mr.. Barker
can be run to make money. no matter what
msy be developed from Mr.. Parker's ac
counts.
A peculiar feature of the whole affair is
the statement by Mr.. Barker that Trea.-
nrer Parker has, in his opinion, been trying
for some time to have the mill put into the
hands of receiver and to get himself ap
pointed as that receiver. Mr.. Barker
clsims that Mr.. Parker, being an expert
accountant, could do this by "manipulat-
ing" the books.
Francis ". Parker has long been resi-.
'ent of this CRY, and hiss been regarded
as an honest, upright business
man. The confidence of Lew
ietonians has been unlimited, and
few there are, none who know him best,
who believe that he IS guilty of any wrong
doing in connection with the Lewiston mills
affairs.
FRANCIS w. / dTkpT dT'lNtu III lllls Cltt On
he afternoon train and was met at the de-
pot by the JOURNAL. When asked if he
had seen the statement in the Boston paper
he said he bad.
"Have you anything to say on the sub
iect?"
"Well, guess | have"
"Do you wish to deny the statements of
Mr.. Bsrker?'
"Most assuredly do. Why, I was just
sitting down to my breakfast when picked
up the paper and saw that article. | did
not take breakfast. left at once after
wiring Mr. White of the Law firm of Frye,
Cotton & White TO meet me as | was com
ing by this train"
How about Mr.. Barker's statement that
you told him before the annual meeting Of
the stockholders that the corporation wss
but $4,000 behind and that at the meeting
you said there was debt of Sl3G,0 ,000?'
1T is not true. Mr.. Barker came to me
before the meeting and wanted to know
how the affair stood so he could know what
to say at the meeting. ! told him then that
the Indebtedness WAS between $50, 600 and
$40 900.
Were you ever asked to make an ex
PLANTATION as to The exact condition of the
company, and refuse to do so, at the annual
meeting?'
"No, never was, and those who were
there know it."
"Have you ever made move toward
getting a receiver appointed for the mi.l,?'
"No, sir, never. Mr.. Barker has ssi
that to iuiure me. He and Mr.. Reed want
TO get the mill themselves and for nothing"
is there any i'll feeling between you and
MIR. Barker?'
II should say there was
"About your proxies, Mr.. Parker was
that move made purposely to oust Mr.
Barker and your election effected?'
81 don't want to say anything about thst
now"
was your going to Boston and going
into business With your partner sudden
move oil your part;'
at was not. The company have known
about that ever since last spring and Mt 'hs
annual meeting told them that had better
not be reelected but they insisted snd | was
elected"
"What do you propose to do about this
natter
II propose to do all that can be done
about it. am going now 10 see Mr.. White
| will ask that a meeting of the stoCkholdtr
he called and the matter investigated, anG
it i'll he done at once. ! do net care to
say any more now.
Mr. Parker was indignan. and in;imated
that some interesting developments nigh
ensue.
Mr.. Barker is one of the first citizens, an
er-mayor and very wealthy. His friends
say that he is too honorable man to make
a1v statements like these asssi.ing Mr.
Z .rker if there was not the best reason for
it On the other hand, Mr.. Psrker's
friends are numerous and coming to the
from. in his defense They claim that it is
personal enmity toward Parker that has
prompted Mr.. Barker, and that it all comes
out of long and bitter feud in the man
agement of the Lewiston mill affairs.
New Haven's Parkhurst.