The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-07-22
THE SHER|FFS' CONVENTION
REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY AND
TREASURER READ AND
REFERRED.
SUBPOENA ACT READ ANDEXPLA|NED
Mr.. Frank Gallagher Gave His Inter-
probation of 1.-THE Lake Case
Reviewed-LarSe Number
in Attendance.

Dallas, Tex, July 14.-(Special) 1.-The
day was much larger than on the previous
days. Several new members were en-
rolled and several old members of the
association arrived. among the latter be-
ing that well known officer, capt. Hughes
of Grayson. The attendance now is by
all odds the largest in the history of the
organization. -
The following names were added to the
Trayler, ex-sheriff of Hood county; Mrs.
Sam H. Reese and Miss Lilly Reese of
Colorado county; Mrs. Lizzie Hughes,
John w. Rowland and j. w. Stephens.
Secretary Kirk read his annual report,
which was as follows and which was re-
ferred to the finance committee:
dallas, Tex, July ID, 1S97.-John H.
Texas: Sir-The following is state
ment of my receipts and expenditures
for the year ending this date: Twenty
nine initiation fees at s. each, $145;
amount of dues collected, $13S; total re-
ceipts, 1888. l have drawn on the treas
urer for the. following amounts: Postage,
stamps and wrappers, $22.5O printing
kilograms, $40; express charges, 25
cents; secretary's salary, 5000; secreta-
rvs expenses, $3.50; total expenses,
$243.65. All of which is respectfully
submitted JOHN P. KIRK,
Secretary S. A. of T."
The following report of Treasurer
White was next read and referred:
lowing is my report for the past year:
Amount on hand at date of my last re-
port, $59.45; received from secretary
since, 1888; total, $342.45. l have paid
out of same on drafts from secretary,
$243.65. leaving a balance of $3.50. Re-
specially, r. E. WHITE.
Treasurer s. A. of Texas"
Sheriff Bell reviewed the Lake case,
and said it was the duty of the sherffs to
stand by Lake, who had discharged his
plain duty, and defray the expenses of his
trial to be had at Waco for contempt.
After some desultory discussion it was
decided that the best way to raise the
money was for each member of the asso-
citation present to step up to the secreta-
rvs table and lay S1.OO thereon. This
was done, each delegate responding and
amount contributed being S153.25.
Sheriff Stell moved that the chair ap-
point committee of three to recommend
a form of badge. The motion prevailed,
and President Beckett appointed on the
committee Messrs. Stell, Hunter and Sec
rotary Kirk.
Sheriff White stated that Hon. Frank
Gallagher of the comptrOller's Office al
Austin was present, and suggested that
he be requested to read and then EXPLAIN
the subpoena act passed by the legisa-
ture to the convention. He said the sher-
ifs would like to know what Mr.. Finley's
ruling was going to be in regard to wit
nesses to whom they advanced money. In
other words. if he advanced money to a
witness in justice court or examining
trial. how was he to get that money back
in the light of Attorney General Cranes
ruling that such witnesses would get no
pay from the state? Mr. Gallagher said
the comptroller had made no ruling that
would authorize him to state what the ac-
ton of the department would be. He
could only place his own Interpretation on
| the statute. The new law was read to
| the convention by Secretary Kirk, and
numerous questions We're asked Mr.. Gal
| agher by different delegates. Mr.. Gala
gher's construction of the law was that
| sheriffs could get back money advanced
| to witnesses carried before grand juries,
| but could not get back money advanced to
witnesses in examining trials. In Il case
! where witness had been advanced mon
ey by a sheriff and then failed to show up
at court. he did not believe the sheriff
| could get his money back.
AT the afternoon session Sheriff McTier
| nan of Nueces county offered resolution
| condemning Judge Surratt's action in the
| Lake case. which went to the committee
| The convention then adjourned until to-
morrow at 9 a. M, and the sheriffs boarded
the street cars to ride out to the park.