The times., 1897-07-10

MI Robert II. Martin, formerly secre-
taFy and treasurer OF the Columbian Uni
ycrsity, was yesterday indicted by the
grand jury for the embezzIenent of
$l3,950 Of the funds Of the uni versity dur
ing his fneumbency as treasurer of the in
stitltIon The accused will he arrLgneI
ia the Criminal court in few days, and
District Attorney Davis will endearor- 10
have the case brought up for trial somc
tine this month. 1t is probable, however,
that Inc counsel for the defendant VIII ask
the court to grant posJponemenU oi the
trial until the fall term
The indictment is somewhat lengthy
and is in five counts 1t sets forth that
Martin was an officer OF the Columbian
University, a body corporate. and alleges
that, while in that capacity, he embezzied
and wrongfully converted 10 his own Use
sums that came into his hands To the
amount Of S13,95o The Iirst Count
charges that, on November 20. 1894, he
came into possession of $4,000 OF the
funds of the university, which amount.
it is alleged, he emhezzled.
The second, third, fourth and firth counts
sums: Iune II, 1888, $500; December
10, IS95, $3.50; February 8, 1896, s. 500;
and June IT, 1896, $500.
DR. Samuel H. Greene, pastor o Calvary
Baptist Church, and a. ID Caindry directors
OF the university, have been summoned as
witnesses
The accused man was arrested at his
residence, No 1919 street northwest,
on May 4, last, by Detective Mattingly,
On the charge OF embezzling the funds
CT the university The arrest was made
on a warrant sworn out by Rev. Samuel
H Greene, Samuel W. Woodward, and
Rev. Benaiah L. Whitman, the board of
directors OF the university. lie was
taken before the police court, where, after
waving an examination, he was held to
await the action OF the grand jury, and
gave haiI In the sum OF 5000, Mr.. Emil + :.
kupfer becoming his surety.
The facts which led up TO ex-Treasurer
Martins arrest are still fresh in the public
mind. In March last Rev. DR.. Whitman
issued statement that the trustees had
discovered a shortage in the accOun Is Of
Treasurer Martin. AT first it was thought
that the defalcation would not exceed
50 600, and it was agreed that the deficit
would be made goodby Martin sbondsmen,
which would obviate the necessity OF eX-
posare, scandal and prosecution.
when the facts leaked out a sensation
was caused in educational and religious
circles, in which Mr.. Martin had been a
prominent figure for years in this city.
Mr. Martin stated at the time that the
shortage had occurred in his accounts
only during a short period, and he Tad
lost it in unfortunate speculation. AS u
matter Of fact, il was asserted that he had
fallen from grace in church work and rad
become fond OF fast horses ana living
considerably beyond his income.
Further investigation OF Mr.. Martins ac-
counts by the university officials r.lade adj
ditiuns TO the original So 900 defalcation
and then It's prosecution was decided tpon.
Some years ago Mr.. Martin acted as
treasurer OF the First Baptist Church build
ing fund and handled the entire amo1nt,
something like $4,000 or $s0,o00 The
members OF that church Were particularly
shocked at the turn affairs sad taken.
Most OF the persons connected With the
case were reticcnt when approached on
tie subject and refused to talk for pub
lication.
The Officials OF the Columbian Univer-
sity refuse 10 talk about the case until it
is brought before the courts.
A reporter for The Times called at Mr.
Martins residence last evening, but was
informed that the eX-treasurer had gone
out for the evening.
The penalty for embezzlement is fine
not exceeding $4,000, or frnprisonm ent
for not more than five years in the
penitentiary, or both fine and imprlson-
Inent, in the discretion OF the court Each
count OF the indictment alleges a separate
cffense.