The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-10-24

NEW YORK. Oct. 2s-charles L. Al
word. note teller Of the First National
bank OF this city. is fugitive and a
defaulter to the extent of 100000.
The announcement OF the defaicaticn,
which was made this afternoon, created
the utmost excitement in financial circles
In this city. but tho well-known stability
OF the First National and statement
issued by the bank. had a quieting effect.
The statement was as follows:
The note teller. who has been in the
employ of the First National bank for
many years, Is defaulter to a large
amount Hts operations have continued
for considerable period, and have been
skilifully concealed through a manipua-
tion OF his balance books. The discovery
was made by one of the banks employees
examination OF the bank by the United
states examiners,
During the continuance OF his pecua-
tons periodical examinations have been
made by several district corps of exam
iners representing the comptrollers de-
partment. all expert accountants, and
the bank has also had frequent indepen-
dent examinations, none OF which has
developed any irregularities.
The aggregate OF the false entries.
amounting to 500 900, has been charged
serve fund. without diminishing the sur
plus and profits OF the bank as reported in
its last published statement. II is ex-
~ reduced by substantial sum of which
there IN fair prospect Of recovery
with Bank Twenty Years.
Alvord has been with the hank for
twenty years. and was one Of the most
trusted men IN the institution HIS steal
ings extended over long period. but no
suspicion OF the truth was known until
ten days ago. when he sent word that
he was ili at hts home After he had
h.a. flr A..F h.. l<as Il
put experts at work and some irreEulari-
ties were found. Az the experts delved
deeper and deeper into Alvord's books
the extent Of the robbery began to dawn
on the officers. until they were over
whelmeh 10 find it reached the enormous
hgure OF Soo.pa, Whether that sum Is
all that he took ls not known.
II has not yet developed how the note
teller was able TO put his hands on 80
much money but one OF the directors Is
reported 20 have said that Alvord was
enabled 10 take such large sum because
as note teller he was In charge OF the
mail This he opened every morning
and he had ample opportunity to abstract
notes drafts and checks. aS well as
money. OF course he had 10 he especially
skiliful 90 make hts accounts balance
This director admitted that he was at
loss 10 account for the failure OF the
bank examiners TO discover Alvard's ir-
regularities at their last examination.
All a Mystery.
what Alvord did with all the cash Is
also a mystery as vet. except that az
usual IN such cases II Is said that a
large amount of it went In stock specuia-
tions The story is that he lost SO noa
in ore deal. but what deal II was Is
not stated.
II has been discovered that during m.
summer Alverd visited Saratoga where
he cut a great figure. spending money
Ike n prince He rented and kent a
hne stable OF horses. and beside PLAYING
the races is said 20 have frequented
gambling places
X these stories are true Alvord dis
played entirely different characterlstics
than those he showed ai home In this
city ne was known Of as a man ~ very
regular habits. Among hiH associates he
was looked up % and on Wall street was
known as Happy AlYerd. because Of
his CHEEKY ways His home was in the
subarb " Mount Vernon This home ts
q magnificent place. locsted on Chester
hill. one of the most artistic sections ~
the town. II T. surrounded by sasutipps
grounds. and there are extensive stRbies
Rig Man In New York.
Alvord has long been considered cne
of the hig nen ~ the town Ills family
entertained lavtshly ard gave large sums
20 charity He was prominent in church
circles ana his wife Is considered one
~ the most beautiful women In Mount
vrynon.
Invitations bad been sent 0ut Tor s
grand dinner ~ the Aivnfd henas = week
aga tomorrow night The SAY set feF the
dlnner messengers scuTFicd thTQgghout
Mount Verman recalling the taeitatione
That nlght thc house was in darkness.
Frteuas 20 ths family were toia that Mr.,
Alvova vas ui The daFkeued windows
since then and the fact thas 10 callers
ware admitted, lea the neiShe9rs to be-
nev@ thAf his Illness was svrious
II was not untA this afternoon that the
restaents - Chester hil heard 20 the
big aefaicattou There Has rumor that
AfvorA left the town the SAY the invita-
tf,,rs were cancelled and thai h. took =
steamer for South AuseFica- This could
not be corrobor2ted
Wife Tn Tears.
/ Late this afternoon Mrs Aivord. wife
81 the missing note teller Was seen a.
hsr Mount Nsruan home. she wRs weep
INK bitterly and would not talk about
the case The family consisted of Mr.
ana Mrs. Alvord. two girls ard boy
I Thev kent -FOUR or ave servants
I Mrs Aivord s. said 70 have told friends
( that oWiug 20 bis position IN the bsnk
Mr.. AlVord was able 10 obtain tipS which
( enabled him 10 make sse.ls3 te 81 90 d
T wear over his salary By dea4lng tn Wal
I street. She Is said 20 have boasted that
/ .-~rtsr,,as n. Par. TZn