The Indianapolis journal., 1903-05-05

the books, and since said time have found
additional errors and made settlement ac-
cordingly. which will continue TO do until
/ am positive the books are correct. This
investigation of the books was long and
involved the examination of over 10000
cases. There were over 6,5oo cash entries
made. which must be compared with the
original docket in order TO detect the
errors, If any. / made this examination
voluntarily and without any suggestion
from the Citizens League or any person,
and the money found due was paid over TO
Judge Stubbs in open and frank way
without any attempt or disposition on my
part TO cover I'D or avoid the result of the
examination in any way, and am unable
TO see where the Citizens League is en-
titled to any credit for having found what
1 myself had voluntarily done in making
good the discrepancies of the Office. The
Citizens League never examined the books
of the Office, and so far as ! know never
offered or threatened to do SO; and all that
has been done and all errors that have been
found by my own voluntary act and
made public record as soon as found, the
same as all other transactions in connec-
tion with this office. The money found
to be due in this examination and volun-
tarily paid over by me has at all times
been secured to the city and State by rea-
son of my official bond, as its receipt was
originally entered upon the court docket.
The city and State have at no time been I'm
danger of losing single dollar. and
whether the money was in my hands or IN
the hands of the judge could make but
very little difference to the city or state,
as under the law the judge is not required
to settle with the treasurer oftener than
once in six months or one year. which has
been the practice of all the former judges.
LAWS PROVISIONS.
1T is true the law provides that at the
close of each days session of court the
clerk shall make out and deliver TO the
judge written report of all cases in which
he has received or collected any money
during said day and shall forthwith pay
over all such moneys TO said judge ana
take his receipt therefor.
Whether this is intended to be manda-
tory or simply directory L do not care to
discuss, but 1t is apparent to any one that
the clerk cannot settle with the judge un-
less the judge desires TO settle with the
clerk. Judge Stubbs. as well as other
since the present charter was adopted
has found 1t impractical on their part to
settle with the clerk every day and have
not done nor desire to do All the
judges, except Judge Stubs, settled with
the clerk once in thirty days. instead of
once in fifteen days, as has been his prac-
tice. In fact, the clerks have not been re-
sponsible for this practice at all. and. while
the executive committee of the Citizens
League may deem no excuse for violation
of the plain requirements of law and sound
tion, think any of the ex-judges can un-
doubtedly explain to you why ii is imprac-
UcaDle and why they nave not desired a
settlement with the clerk every day better
than can do il.
'I deny that L have not performed my
duty in the collection of money due the
city; on the contrary, assert that the rec
ords will show that L have collected over
$1,000 more in costs and fines than my
predecessor had collected for the same and
corresponding period of time.
ASKS FOR INVESTIGATION.
"As to taking worthless security in stay
ing executions, / wish to state that unless
otherwise ordered by the court the persons
giving bond have been required to qualify
as being worth in excess of $1,000, and to
say that no losses should occur in the col
lection of these costs and fines would be un-
reasonable and contrary to the experience
of every business man; but to say that 1
have not been diligent and careful in the
collection of these fines, or that 1 have ia
yored certain classes of lawbreakers of this
city, is untrue.
II say now the books of this Office are
absolutely correct and that every dollar
that has been received by me through this
office has been turned over to the proper
parties, and / now invite and request your
honorable body or the Citizens League or
any person or persons, to make a thorough
gate my conduct in reference to the dis
charge of my duties In any way and for
any purpose that may seem desirable"