The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-02-05

The city Of Manchester loses at least
$S,122.21 by Frank H. Fitzgerald, the
refugee clerk of the Southern Railway
Company. This amount belonged to the
school fund of Manchester, and was uu-
der the control of the School Board. Of
which Fitzgerald was the clerk He had
the position since 1893. The thefts are al.
legged to have been committed at inter
avals during this period of office
The above facts came out last night
at probably the most interesting meeting
the Manchester School Board ever held.
The special committee appointed to ex-
anime the accounts Of Fitzgerald made
its report. That report is printed above.
The committee was continued, as a state
ment was made that other losses would
likely be disclosed. 1t is not unlikely
that special accountant may be en-
.ployed, to still further examine the books
of the former clerk. The office Of clerk
was declared vacant
GOTTEN Up HASTILY.
The meeting was called ia,e yesterday
afternoon and few persons knew about
1t. But all who found it out in any way
attended. It was an open session The
reading Q ftha report from the committee
was heard with brealhIess interest. 1t
Ewould appear from the discussion that
Fitzgerald got the money - presenting
forged warrants to the city treasurer for
payment This was one way. Another
was to make out the amount, get the
warrant signed by the president of the
School Board, then Captain John O,B-ien
and later raise the sum. This could be
done; and 1t is asserted was done in a
consummate manner. For instance. sun
pose the Board had approved the dill OF
a publishing house for $50 That amount
would be written on the warrant the
plainly, the 20 IlldistinctIy, or faint.
ly. After the signature of the president
it was an easy matter 10 raise the arnc un 8
to So. The clerk could get a check fo-.
that omunt, forge it, send the right sum
tc the publishing house, and pocket the.
difference.
The question was asked by a member
If the bank We're not responsible for TIL,
money. as the checks We're alleged te
have been forged. This matter was
passed by for later consdera ton 1t
sas the opinion of ali that Treasurer
sronaugh ought to lie and was ex ne rat
ID He really had nothing to do with
he transaction except honor the wa
ants, which were evidently signed by tfz
president of the School Board.
HAVE. AN EXPERT.
: Captain SO'Brien the former president
Of the Board, suggested the employment
of an EXPERT accountant to examine the.
books of Fitzgerald still further No.
& ction WIS then taken on tho suggestion,
t',,,+s Il, cor, r1,it tee c-nt 'n,ie
Tho minutes of 1905 have never been
found thoueh the committee looked dill
gently for them.
I Superintendent Pulliam was the acting
secretary of the meeting last night.
s Mr. L. NJ. Nunnally was elected clerk
/ of the Board to fill out the. .unexpirct.
term. Eight persons have applied alread
& for the pesitiolL
The report that.the session of the Mar
chester schools would be shortened on az
count of the shortage is erroneous Be
!; fore it was ever dreamed that the clerI5
was other than the most upright man II.
1 ,worId, earl y. Ia st fall. it was deter
mined to- have only an eight calendar.
months session for 1901 1902 This viii
!. .ba done now.
The none was not taken last year
{ that is but a small part of 1T. p-nbo s.
4 rot enough to- pay one teacher. but the
false account continue q. number of years
hack. :
N The people2o Manches are distressed
beyond measure because of these reve-s
lations-sorry for he unfortunate man
swhoswentsast a housand times sorry
for the stricken wife and children and