Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-03-25
Ex-Auditor Merriam Says He
Can Only Imagine What
observation-disclosures of Him
MESSAGE ONLY INFORMATION
Return of Merriam Considerable of a
Surprise at the captal--says He Is
ignorant Of the Nature of the
Charge. Against Him-WiI Make a
Defense.
Special to Times Republican

Il Special to Times Republican
Des Moines, March 25.-Ex-State
1 Auditor Merriam appeared before the
MONT legislative committee this after
moon for the purpose of explaining his
fees while state auditor. He stated he
was ready to make full statement OF
his accounts and operations.
Des Moines, March 25.--Ex- Auditor
Frank F. Merriam, VINO is under accu-
ration of misconduct while in office ar
rived in Des Moines Wednesday. When
seen at the Victoria hotel yesterday
evening, he declined to say anything as
to the probable outcome of the invesu-
gsIt1on concerning his actions, prefer
ring to await the decision OF the COM
mittee after the matter has been thor
4 oughiy gone over.
Mot knowing the charges against
me, 1 am not in a position to say any
\ tsling about the investigation, said Mr..
Merriam.
The only intimation ! have seen
with regard to the matter is the refer
ance made In the governors message.
Outside of this l am entirely ignorant
OF the matter expect to meet with
the committee today and assist
them with every means in my power
to arrive at a conclusion in the case.
after which shall be in position
to state more positively what the direct
charges are and what my actions have
i been.
1 II did not come to Des Mones upon
the receipt of my first letter from Sem
ator Hayward. chairman OF the leg-
aslative committee, requesting my pres
! ence here, for the reason that business
matters detained M noavoidably in
I oklahoma However ~ soon as my
business was disposed vi 10 such an ex-
tent that was able TO leave II, MADE
/ arrangements to return TO meet the
committee in whatever work they had
undertaken for the investigation OF my
official actions. / understand from the
reference made in the governors ines
sage, that affidavits have been MADE ps
different insurance companies as to the
charges made by Mr.. Beehier Tor the
examinations made
| .sWill Mr.. Beehler come before the
committee2" was asked
81 do not think So answered Mr.
4 Merriam Il saw him in Chicago whiie
/ there a short time ago. and 90 not
1 think that he is physically ahle 10 come
10 Des Moines at this time. he Is
troubled with an affection OF the throat
TO such an extent that any eAertlon
causes him much inconvenience. he
told me that he had not peen apoaro
train for over year
"Hayen't YOU heard anything beyond
common report as to the charges
against your
MOT a thing answered the ex-audi-
tor. II wrote to the committee Tor
something specific in this regard and
got nothing but a copy of the govern
or's message in return. The specific
charges have never been given to me
that | might see just what the actlon
IL The executive council as l under
stand it. went over the ground prima-
rily. and nothing more was done until
Governor Cummins took the matter UP
in his biennial message to the leglsla-
ture. This is what received from the
committee on Investigation.
IT had a conversation with Senator
Hayward today, although nothing was
said as to the work of the committee.
Mr. Hayward preferred to say nothing
until he had conferred with the other
members. ana consequently mourning
will be done until the meeting which
expect will be called today. The only
position l maintain is that of a defense
OF my administration of the auditors
office. In this regard the work OF Mr.
Beehler wifi be defended by me. as his
4 actions were under my supervision, anu
/ am of course responsible"
mo. / don't have any blame to at
.tach for this talk about me. for am
entirely at sea as to the nature or the
charges, the makers of the affidavats
or as to what the legislative committee
will do in the matter. am IN the city
to defend myself and my work for the
state, and therefore cannot say any
thing specific with regard to the mat
ter In any way. / do not wish to cast
the slightest inference or blame on the
governor. and therefore do not wish TO
speak in that direction further.
"T think. however. could name a few
responsible parties. but this hasn't
aq,ything to do with the present mat
ter. am perfectly willing to speak
of anything know. but don't ndsun-
derstand me when l say that have
not read the charges, and know abso-
t,tely nothing OF what will be brought
a eainst me by the committee. Senator
HAYWARD tells me he Is anxious to call
the committee tomorrow and with this
An View I think that our work wall be
completed in a very few days. Two or
thTn days viii complete the routine,
believe, at least 4 hope so, for l wish
tn return to my business In Oklaho-
ma"
BANQUET AT BROOKLYN.