The Washington times., 1903-06-27

ndI6.
faulty system of account keeping
and the failure OF friends and fellow
officials TO tell him what they knew of
the record of J. NJ. A. Watson. jr.. are
the defense which James T. Petty, Audi
tor for the District, presents in an OK
PLANTATION of the defalcations in his
Office filed with the Commissioners yes
terday afternoon.
Mr.. Petty's report on the alleged theft
of $4,000 from the District deposit and
assessment fund opens with a complete
history OF the method of keeping the
accounts relating 10 the funds, and
closes with a recital of the events which
took place just before the announcement
OF the shortage
Few District officials escape criticism in
the report Mr.. Petty bemoans the fail
ure of Commissioner West. Major syl-
vester. Chief of Police; Dr. A. P. Far
don. and other acquaintances and friends
TO tell him what they knew OF watson's
criminal career before his embezzIs-
ments were made known.
Nobody Ever Told Him.
II have learned since June g. 1903"
the report says. that scores. possibly
hurireds. OF people in washington knew
that of which l was utterly ignorant in
Watson's character and antecedents,
but not one solitary custodian of this
knowledge. although IL now appears they
were about me on every hand. passing
in and out OF my Office daily. ever whis-
pered a word Of warming in my ear. and
I was left ensnared in the meshes OF a
net spread for my feet by a consummate
trickster and manipulation of accounts
whom so implicitly trusted that on the
day before the discovery of his awful
crime 1 would not have feared to leave
him alone with uncounted treasure.
He won my regard and confidence by
a pleasing address. appealing often for
advice and counsel in his private af-
fairs as If he were my own son, scorn-
ing. in speech. every unworthy senti-
ment, and displaying in outward manner
a seeming devotion TO every duty.
MY duties for years have been such
as to require that l work nights at the
Office. and. knowing my habits. many a
time when thus engaged he would softly
open the door and come TO my desk with
offers of assistance, and then go 10
work upon his books with zeal which
appeared worthy OF all praise. but was.
alas, in the light Of intervening events,
the very acme OF unspeakable vice and
criminaIity.'
His Failure to Report Shortage.
Mr. Petty makes the following explain
alton OF his failure TO report the en-
bczzlement to the Commissioners with
out delay:
The most serious accusation. next q
that OF failing 10 investigate Watson
criminal record. which has been made
against me in connection with this de-
ploTable affair Is that, with full knowl-
edge Of the crime, ! concealed Il from
the Commissioners, my official superiors
in order that / might secure a settle
ment OF the shortage from Gen. Johr
II. Bryant. watson's father-in-law.
1T is not possible. by the use Of
human language, TO frame a charg'
more absolutely devoid Of truth, moi
more cruelty unjust in all that 1t say
or implies. than is contained in this &C
cusatiOn.
THE task OF uncovering the evidence
OF watson's crime, which he had con
cealed with a skill that almost battle
belief. and setting forth the extent o
his defalcation in plain. undisputabl
figures. was exceedingly difficult, requir
ing the united efforts OF three OF tn
IN, no
Why Watson Was Not Bonded.
IN discussing his failure TO put Wat
son under bond Mr. Petty makes tn,
following statement:
Y have been criticised for not bond
ing Watson and for instrusting Iarg
sums Of money 10 his custody withou
careful oversight upon him to see tina
# was not Incorporated. This criti
cism is based upon total misapprehen
sion The only money that went int
Watson's hands IegitimateIy, or viii
my consent or knowledge. was when tn
rolls OF the street railway crossing 20
llcemen, or OF laoorers under the Roc
Creek Park Commission were 20 be paid
II IS possible that in the earlier histor
OF disbursements in connection wit
these accounts I sent him once or twic
10 the bank for the cash. Being fo
payrolls. the check was accompanied ,
a statement showing the various dc
nomin5 lions o. notes. and the quarters
dimes. nickels. and pennies required t
make the payment. which would max
clear to the bank teller the Legitimate
OF MS GRAND.
mo money was ever lost in cashin
checks FOR those payrolls. Feeling ap
prehensive OF this method. however
went TO Mr.. Rogers. the disbursing NJ
ficer of the District. asking him I
allow me 10 indorse all payroll check
over to him. remark!ng at the sam
time that. in my opinion, he was tn