The Savannah morning news., 1903-04-05
BANK WAS A MARK
srUs FLoURIsHED IN ATLANTA ON
ITS MONEY.
CLERK ROBBED 1T OF $4,000.
MS THIEvING EXTENDED OVER
PERIOD OF EIGHT YEARS.

= mailman Sims Was a High Flyer
IN Society-First Suspicion of His
Reing short Was Aroused by
Deposit Certificate Being Raised
Al OOO-COnfrOntedb by the officials,
tts Made a Frank COnfessiOn-Sur-
prtsed Them So They Would Not
Relieve 1t.
Atlanta. April 4.-G. Mailman Sims,
collection clerk for the Capital City
National Bank, has been placed
under arrest by United States
Deputy Marshal Scott upon a
warrant sworn out by President
George A. Speer of the bank, charging
Sims with embezzling a sum estimated
at $4,000.
Sims refuses to talk about the af-
fair.
The first suspicion of a shortage in
Sims account arose yesterday. Expert
accountants Immediately began work
on the books. and it was soon disclosed
that large sums had been distracted
at various times, extending back sew
oral wears. The warrant was then
sworn out by the president of the bank.
Sims has been in the service of the
hank for eight years, and was regard
Cd as one of the most reliable en-
Moves. He moved in the most ex-
elusive circles of Atlanta society and
was popular as a young man OF
fashion"
Bank Perfectly Safe.
Prominent outside bankers have
made a thorough examination of the
hanks condition and have given out
q signed statement that it is abso-
lutely safe. A portion of the defal-
cation is covered by Sims bond, and
he also owns some property, which
will be turned over to the bank. The
directors state that the amount of
the defalcation has already been
charged to undivided profits.
National Bank Examiner Desaus-
sure also states that the bank is in
no danger.
Sims, who has admitted his guilt,
will be prosecuted by the United
States government. He is unmarried,
and is the son of Thomas L. Sims, a
prominent resident of Kirkwood, one
of Atlanta's suburbs.
How 1t Was Discovered.
When the discovery of Sims short
age was first made through a change
from $3.50 to $1,15O in a deposit certifi-
cate from an Athens bank, the bank
officials last night, after discussing the
matter called Sims in and asked him
what he had to say about it.
well, l guess you have got me-"
was the reply.
He exhibited no sign of nervousness
and was the coolest one of those
present
How long has this thing been going
on asked President Speer.
For eight years." Sims answered
promptly That is the period during
which he has been connected with the
bank.
"How much have you taken," was
the presidents next question.
About $4,000" Sims answered
promptly.
The bank officials were astounded.
They thought at the time that Sims
was Iaboring under nervous excitement
and was talking wildly.
1--WE had no idea even then" one of
them said, "that he had taken over
$1,000"
The examination to-day proved that
the exact amount taken by Sims was
$99, 457.42. Previous to the issuance of
the statement tonight. showing the
bank to be in good condition in every
respect, there were many evidences Of
confidence on the part of the banks
customers, which were greatly appre-
ciated, though not badly needed. One
man called and paid a note for $4,000
which was not due for ten days
Several made deposits tonight, one of
them amounting to $4,000.
Tonight Sims was taken from the
Piedmont Hotel and lodged in Jail.