Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1903-12-21
DECAMPS WITH $4,000?
Contractor Wells Makes Dupe of
Partner, Leaves City And
Many Firm Bills
Unpaid.

Notice is hereby given that the CO.
partnership heretofore existing be-
tween Wells and Ward, builders
and contractors, is this day dis
solved, Mr.. Wells having left the
city.
Back of the above simple little an
nouncement, on the surface but an
ordinary business dissolution, Lies u
story of ruin, traceable to a greater or
less degree, to the old, despoiling tri-
umvirate, wine, women and cards.
From out the wreck comes a partner,
who trusted to the fullest the man
who brought the business into disre-
pute, and woman or two who are
also losers by reason of one man. S
Unsuitable craving for the flesh pots.
For some days past three have been
many rumors flying about, 10 the
effect that Mr.. Samuel Wells, of the
firm of Wells and Ward, had left the
city, leaving behind number of bills
of the firm unpaid, but which Mr..
Ward thought had been fully settled
as they came due. These rumors
crystalized into certainty Satur
day, when Mr.. Ward announced that
he was out some So, 900 as the result
of his partners peculations, and that
a portion of this sum had been loaned
the firm by Mrs. Ward. In order to
meet certain obligations incurred by
reason of Wells conduct, the remain
ing partner has turned over to his
creditors his bank account, and with
firm resolution announces his determ-
ination to continue the business in his
own name.
The firm of Wells and Ward have for
years done a successful building and
contracting business in Annapolis and
adjacent territory, the finances of the
firm being handled jointly. Some
weeks ago, it is alleged, Mr.. Wells be-
gan making frequent visits to Balti-
more, and on the occasion of each
visit there was some little bill to pay.
A check for the amount was given
him, and it now develops that
Mr.. Wells instead of cancelling the
obligation of the firm, cashed the
checks and pocketed the coin.
This sort of thing kept up until
two weeks ago, when some of the
older creditors became importunate,
and Wells thought it time to leave.
Before going, however, he secured
an additional sum from the bank, his
unsuspecting partner willingly sign.
ing the check presented by Wells.
When at the end of two days, the lat
ter did not return, Ward began cur.
sorry examination of the accounts.
Then IL was the double dealing Of
Wells came to light, and each day has
added to the sum diverted from iti
rightful course, until the whole
reaches approximately So, 900. Oh
this Mrs. Ward loses about $400, which
she drew from her Savings Bank
account and loaned to the firm.
On Friday Wells was seen at Ben.
ning's race course, near Washington,
and later in the day was a visitor tC
the United States Senate. At the
track, the missing partner is said tC
have been very much under the influ.
ence of liquor, and that he spent
money freely, being credited with
losing an even $500, during the after
noon ON the races.
Samuel Wells has wife and several
children in Annapolis His wife, il
is said, joined him in Washington,
though for what purpose is not known
The misfortune that has come tC
Mr. Ward is deeply regretted by his
many friends and those with whom
he has had business relations. The
creditors of the old firm will, it il
thought, give Mr.. Ward all the time
he desires in which to make good his
partners extensive pilferings. There
appears to be no legal redress that may
obtain against the missing partner