The sun., 1897-12-07
SHORT IN. HIS ACCOUNTS.
Frank L. Wrighfs Books Do Not
Balance.
HE CONTROLLED THE COUNCIL
Expert Nlachinist Says Electric Plant
Is Ruined BY Incompetent
Management.

Management.
Special to THE Sun
SMYRNA, DEL, Dec. 6.-An investiga-
tion of the water and electric light plant,
has brought to light the fact that the
plant has been ruined by incompetent
management and that the town has been
embezzled by an ex-otficial.
One man controlled the Town Council
and brought about the above result.
Under the rule of Frank L. Wright the
electric plant was going to pieces and
council committee of investigation found
that he was short in his accounts $640.
Since Henry S. Anthony, the present
secretary of the Town Council resigned
the position of Superintendent Of the
water and electric plant, there has been
more or less confusion at the plant here
and the councilmen have, at times been
at their wits ends to keep the trouble
from getting out. Finally Frank L.
Wright, of Philadelphia, was elected to
the position Of Superintendent of the
plant with two engineers and fireman
under him. A new set Of rules were drawn
up by the membeas Of the town council
and as Mr.. Wright was highly recon-
mended it was thought the trouble was
at last adjusted. The new Superinten-
dent was also to collect the water and
electric light rents and the town and
school taxes.
For while all seemed to work we'll.
Then came murmurings, which culmi-
mated in the business men Of the town
protesting against the quality of the
light which they were receiving. AL
though the representative men of the
town were loud in their protestation
against such service, yet the town coun-
Gil seemed to be in trance and took no
action.
Then Wright showed his hand, at and
a meeting one night of the Council, told
that body he and he alone was respon-
sible for the light and wished no inter-
ference from them. To a man the coun-
cilmen set still and listened to their new
ly elected superintendent. Meeting after
meeting Wright appeared before Coun-
ellis and told first one tale about the
plant and then another. Frequently he
contradicted himself, yet the Council
men, or rather majority of them, SEEM
ed to be completely under his influence
and he was quick to see that he had a
certain following that would stand by
him.
He was drawing good salary and
was doing little himself
The first move on Mr. Wright's part
was to make Samuel Jackson, an mex
perienced man, one Of the engineers. and
to reduce the salary Of Abel Taylor, who
who has been employed by the town as
engineer of the water plant since it was
put in, twelve years ago. Taylor accepted
the cut and said nothing, being advised
by his many friends to do so, as it was
clearly seen that Wright was against him
and wanted to get rid of him, SO as to get
around him set of men whom he could
rule as he pleased. Although Jackson
knew little or nothing OF the electric bus
mess, Wright seemed to think it was all
right to leave the plant the greater part
of the time in his charge Soon the
lights grew poor and complaints were
made. The arc lights were not in good
condition and half the time were not
lighted Wright stated the plant was in
bad shape and upon every occasion when
opportunity presented itself, slurred the
work OF the former superintendent.
Finally an investigation was made and
it was found that the work was not
being properly done. Wrights scheme
to take off the arc lights, which came
very nearly being carried by his sup
portcrs in councils was originated 50
that he would have less to do. Matters
went from bad to worse End finally
Taylor was discharged and had to bring
suit for his months salary.
Wright was under $1,000 bond but
upon "a further investigation it was
found that the bond was utterly worth
less and as one OF the members of the
councils said ''tlcy had to handle him
with kid Gloves The council de-
mandcd Il new bond which many thought
would some day have to be paid for
damaging the plant.
He had two noviccs with him and
was lord of all.
A fewcvenings ago the plant suffered
severe break jackson could do nothing
and Secretary Anthony who has been as
sisting the engineer since wright left
hurried to the plant. 1t was found the
plant had been over loaded and skilled
mechanic had to be sent for from Pitts
burg. lie arrived late Saturday night
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