The San Francisco call., 1898-01-30
DARK PAGE IN HANCOCK'S LIFE HISTORY The Revolutionary Patriot w as an
 Elm bezZler. Failed to Account for the Harvard College
 Funds. Finally Ousted From His Posi- ton as Treasurer of the
 Institution.
A FOE OF WASHINGTON.
His Greatest Desire Was to Be the Colonial Arnny's Commander
 in-Chief
Special Dispatch to The Call.


 BOSTON, Jan 29.-A startling his- torical discovery has just been made here, showing that John Hancock, the famous patriot and merchant prince, was not only an embezzler, but bitter enemy of George Washington. His let ter book, just found, shows the follow ing facts:
 typical instance of his yearning for power was his desire to be commander in-chief of the Continental Army. It is probable that he never forgave George Washington for having been appointed to this post, and thus car ried off the military glory which Han cock really believed to be within his own reach. The wellknown and scru- pulous exactitude which Washington exhibited in financial matters was in
 marked contrast to the methods of Hancock. The latter's career. as treas
 urer of Harvard College, instances
 these methods. It's history is most readily accessible, and it was hoped his letter book would cast some condoning light upon it, if this indeed be possible
 in the face of the many records and letters still extant.
 In 177S the college corporation elected
 ftdnCOCh as treasurer lie QudillSu anu
 received the college funds, but at the
 proper time he rendered no account.
 When he continued in default a meet
 ing between him and the corporation
 was appointed for March 21, 1775. On
 that day, instead of Hancock and his
 accounts, came a letter from him. No
 accounts or payments were forthcom-
 ing then or thereafter, though often asked for, and, moreover, Hancock aIl ha nd tn
 be taken across country from Boston to Philadelphia, where they were at great hazard from the enemy.
 At last the college, in great and war
 ranted fear of losing not only the in-
 come but the principal of its funds,
 sent a messenger for the securities. be- cause Hancock, pressed in the most delicate but urgent manner, refused to
 resign. He was removed from his of fee as treasurer in 1777.
 Meanwhile, the college funds had been much reduced in value, but this loss the college was willing to assume,
 and even to pay Hancock's salary dur ing his term of office. It sought noth- ing but an accounting, which it prayed
 for in the most humble and patient
 manner, though its rights and necessi- ties would have justified far different language.
 Hancock became angry at the college Constant attempts at settlement were made by the college. and votes were passed to put Hancock's bond as treas
 urer in suit, but nothing more was done. especially when Hancock became Governor, and as such presided over the meeting of the overseers of the college. Hancock's incumbency and his offices prevented his prosecution, which would otherwise have followed; but his con- tinued resentment undoubtedly caused l nf NOllnpGS which during administration, grew up between the commonwealth and the college, which had hitherto been closely allied. | When about to resign his Governor ship until the troubles eliminating in S:,ay's rebellion should blow over, he settled an account acknowledging an indebtedness on his part of over e1000. Two years after Hancock'S death, his heirs paid nine years simple interest,
 and in six or seven years the principal of the bond was liquidated.
 Hancock left large estate, much of
 which was in cash or it's equivalent. | The most charitable view to take of his | conduct is that of President Quincy | that the causes of his unjustifiable neg | lect were his great wealth and his un- | bounded popularity. These accidents | of fortune, together with his peculiar | temperament, doubtless led him to feel ! that he was above the law and the ob- | legations binding ordinary persons. and | thus he was seduced into pecuniary | slackness. This was manifested also | in other particulars.