The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-05-17
PLAYED HOCKEY WITH THE FUNDS.
Postmaster Thompson Juggles the Funds OF the
Havana Postoffice But is Detected,

(By the Associated Press.)
N Havana. May 16.-Warrants were issued
A-shis evening for the arrest of r. P.
Thompson. the Havana postmaster; W.
H. Reeves, deputy auditor of the Island
and Edward Moya and Jorge Mascara,
Cuban clerks in the stamp department
and by seven o'clock all were lodged in
the Vivac the Tombs of Havana. This
was done under the advice OF Postal In
spectors who arrived today. 1t is con-
sidered now that Reeves is equally guilty
with Nicely.
Postmaster E. P Thompson, OF
Havana local office, has signed
a sworn statement in which he
says that September 10th last, being in
need Of money he took from the money
order funds $435, giving his memorandum
as a receipt for the same. When the in
spections were held Mr.. Thompson or
dered clerk in charge of the money or
der department to place remittances re-
ceived that day which would not have
TO be accounted for until the next day,
sufficient to cover the 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ceipt which was then withdrawn until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 receipt
which Mr.. Thompson then paid. He also
admits that Charles F. Nicely, late Finan-
cial agent of posts at Havana Endorsed
a bill for $3.50 which Thompson had dis
counted by the North American Trust
Company. Thompson admits other irreg
ularities in connection with his depart
mcnt.
It is asserted by lawyers, that on
Mr. Thompson own statement, he is
liable to arrest fer emDe2Zlement ac-
cordng to the provisions of the postal
law, which are very explicit. Much SYM
pathy is expressed for him, however, as
il is felt that nothing would ever have
been heard regarding the action to which
he has confessed had not the present in
yestigaton, growing out of the general
postal frauds brought the matter to light.
His friends are positive that the money
would have been repaid the memoran-
dun receipt taken up and the incident
thus closed.
Four postal inspectors arrived this
morning and after conferences with Gen
eral Wood and Mr.. Rathbone imme
diately began work. Mr.. Rathbone de-
clares that there is not the slightest
jealousy between the military authori
ties and the postal department here, and
that General Wood and himself are work
ing in perfect harmony with reference
to all steps taken
Early development connected with the
frauds, it is asserted tends to show the
far-reaching influence of Nicely and every
man who is placed under arrest brings
to light additional facts. The only per-
son, however, who will be accepted by
the authorities as witness for the State
is Carrydon Rich, who will not be placed
in jail but will be closely watched, as
it is felt that his testimony in abso-
lutely indispensable.
AS the cases are for the civil courts it
has been decided that it would be mis-
take to confine 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 be sent to the
Carcel. Probably this will occur tomor-
row.
Washington, May 16.-Fourth Assistant
Postmaster General Bristow received his
final instructions today and left at three
o'clock for Tampa, Florida. from which
place he will sail for Havana, reaching
there early Saturday morning.