The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-05-07

reticent man. and never discussed his
affairs. Certainly he never mrntioped
them to me. In fact don't believe we
had any kind OF conversation for a
month CT more"
Many theories are advanced to ac-
couut for the shortage in Mr. Jacobs
accounts. but the most generally ac-
cepted is that most of the money went
into a losing prfyate business. as 1t is
known that his business as a merchant
was behind over $4,000 a year or so
ago. He has also been considerable of
plunger on horse. races. and it is
now presumed that he lost considera-
BILE money on the Montana circuit and
through the pool rooms. His bondsmen
have been informed that he ''staked"
friends to considerable sums. and IL is
also limited that he suffered for the
wrongs of others. II is a lamentable
fact that he made no effort to raise the
money necessary to make good the
shortage. There is not a man in Butte
who had more wealthy and influential
friends than Mr.. Jacobs. and under or
dinary circumstances he could have
raised 100000 without any difficulty.
II he had admitted his defalcation he
might not have been able to raise the
money so readily, but there is no doubt
that he could. under any circumstan-
ces. have secured enough money from
his hosts of friends to make good the
shortage. 1t is evident. however. that
his high standing in the community
and his good name stood In the way of
such a course. and that he had not the
courage to face his friends and the
public after his defalcation became
known.
There is little doubt that the short
age covers a period of three years or
more. About three years ago he over
checked some OF his funds. but he
claimed that It was through a mistake
and the county treasurer helped him
out by giving him a check for the
money then in his hands and due the
city, and the money overdrawn was
replaced. About a year ago he got his
funds in a similar condition and ex-
planned to Mayor Dugan that by mis-
take he had paid lot of warrants
ahead, but he said he could produce
the amount overdrawn in five minutes
IL necessary.
At the election two years ago he was
the most intensely interested of all the
time was commented on; and that fact
is now referred to as an evidence that
he had more reason to fear defeat than
any other candidate. Last fall he was
a candidate for county treasurer. and
worked hard and spent a great deal Of
money i'm a fruitless effort to be elect
ed.
The different finance committees OF
q he. .ft In N g.
ure, to blame in making such n great
sefeication possible, because in check
ing up the treasurers accounts they
never ascertained the amount OF war
rants and cash on hand. as required by
law.
Simon Jacobs was born in Magnolia.
Miss, "a years ago last September. and
was unmarried His father was the
first mayor of Butte. and died about
six years ago. His mother. a beloved
and respected woman, survives him.
and the news of her sons sad ending
completely Frustrated her. Her shrieks
and screams were pitiful to hear. and
her life is in danger from the terrible
shock, as she has been Ill for several
weeks. Another son, Julius, Is also
dangerously sick with pneumonia. Still
anOtner DrOtner, Mdnuei JdCoDSs diSo
made his home at the family residence,
201 West Granite street
Simon has been city treasurer. con-
tinuously since the spring OF 1855. and
that fact alone is sufficient evidence OF
his popularity and of the confidence
the people had always reposed in him.
He was a Mason and an Odd Fellow I'm
high standing. and a member OF the
Jewish society. B'Nai Birth.
Friends in Helena and other places
were early notified of the terrible af-
fair, and they arrived in Butte this
evening to console the young mans
mother and family. Coroner Richards
this afternoon empaneled a jury and
the inquest will commence at the Butte
undertaking rooms at 10 o'clock to-
morrow. The jury is as follows: L.
III. wey. ]. b. Knight. c. L. Harris.
James warfield, f. III. Bruce and NJ.
+. Hotchkiss.