The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-05-22
THE CUBA POSTOFFICE FRAUD.
Mr.. Thompson, Postmaster at Havana,
Admits Having Used Some of the
Funds.

Havana, May 16.-Postmaster Z. P.
Thompson, of Havana local office, has
signed a sworn statement. in which he
says that September 18th last, being
in need of money he took from the
money order funds s435, giving his
memorandum as a receipt for the
same. When the inspections were held
Mr.. Thompson ordered a clerk in
charge of the money department
to place of remittances received that
day, which would not have to be ac-
counted for until the next day, suffi-
Gent to cover he amount of his re-
ceipt which was then Withdrawn until
after the inspection. This was kept
up until April eth when the special
agents Unexpectedly discovered the re-
ceipt, which Mr.. Thompson then paid.
He also admits that Charles F. Nicely,
late financial agent of posts at Havana,
endorsed a bill for $3.50, which ThOmp-
son had discounted by the North
American Trust Company. Thompson
admits other irregularities in connec-
ton with his department..
New York, May 16.-Edward Jones,
of this city, has been appointed special
assistant United States attorney gen
eral in the matter of the proceedings
against Charles w Nicely and other
officials and employees of the United
States government in Cuba.
In speaking of the Nicely case today
United States District Attorney Burnet
said that h hearing set for tomor-
row before Commissioner Shields would
most likely be adjourned for a week
and the extradition hearing in Albany
postponed for a day or two.
Havana, May 16.-It is asserted by
lawyers that on Mr., Thompson's own
statement he is liable to arrest for
embezzlement, according to the provis-
explicit. Much sympathy is expressed
for him, however, as it is felt that
nothing would eve lave been heard
regarding h action ITO which he has
confessed had not the present investi-
cation, growing out of h general
postal frauds brought the matter to
light. His friends are positive that
the memorandum receipt taken up and
the incident thus closed.
AS the affair stands now, Mr..
Thompson's career in the postal SER
vice must necessarily cease, even if he
escapes a term of Imprisonment. More
over, his action in giving orders to
postal clerks to alter figures regarding
stamps at the request of Carridon
Rich without notifying Mr.. Rathbone,
makes things look worse, even if he
acted in the belief that everything was
correct.
Four postal inspectors arrived this
morning and after conferences with
General Wood and Mr.. Rathbone i'm
mediately began work.
Mr.. Rathbone declares that there is
not the slightest jealousy between the
military authorities and the postal de-
parment here, and that General Wood
n himself are working in perfect
harmony with reference to all steps
taken.
The local papers praise General
Wood for the indefatigable in
which he has handled the ~investiga-
ton.
Every development connected with
the frauds, it Is asserted, tends to show
the f~ar-reaching influence of Nicely,
n every mar who is placed under ar
rest brings to light additional facts.
Each one seems willing to tell all he
knows regarding Nicely while endeav-
oring to exonerate himself. The only
person, however, who will be accepted
by authorities as a witness for the
state is Carridon Rich, who will not
be placed in Jail, but will be closely
watched, as it Is felt that his testimony
is absolutely indispensable.
AS the cases are for the civil courts
1T has been decided that it would be a
mistake to conf1ne the arrested persons
in a military prison, either at Cabanas
fortress or elsewhere. Consequently.
when the men now under arrest, who
are temporarily detained at their
homes, are placed in Jail, they will he
sent to the Garcel. Probably this will
occur tomorrow.