The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-11
The Astounding Revelations of
State Accountant
The One Theme of Political Dis
cussiOn.
SHAMEFUL SITUATION.
Brazen Attempts to Shield State
Treasurer
From Official Showing of Thou
sands of Dollars Shortage.
The Mysterious Draft - How
Some Money Came Back.
Governor Bailey and Attorney
General in Conference.
2 State Treasurer Kelly Makes
From Official Showing of Thou
sands of DOllnrs Shortage.
The Mysterious Draft - How
Some Money Came Back.
Governor Bailey and Attorney
General in Conference.
State Treasurer Kelly Makes
Charges Against Enemies.

The Rowett report is the theme of
conversation everywhere.
The governor and attorney general
are in conference over the sensational
findings of State Accountant Rowett.
State Treasurer Kelly is now shout
ing that there is more corruption, and
makes charges given below.
Attorney General Coleman would
only briefly discuss the report of State
Accountant Rowett today.
What do you intend to do about
it2' he was asked.
'I can't tell that until I know my
self" he replied. LAS soon as I be-
come satisfied that there has been a
shortage and I am so directed by the
governor, I will try to recover it,
Are you not yet satisfied that there
is a shcrtage?"
81 would not want to answer that
one way or another" said Mr.. Cole
man. 1T certainly looks like it.
would like to add that Governor Bailey
has not yet directed me to proceed in
the matter
Governor Bailey and Attorney Gen
eral Coleman went into conference on
the matter at , o'clock this afternoon.
Kelly Makes Charges.
State Treasurer T. T. Kelly today
in & letter to the attorney general
makes charges against various state
officers.
Kelly charges receipt by James NJ.
Nation, assistant auditor of state. of
money said to have been appropriated
by the last legislature for the state
board of railroad and telegraph assess
ment
He charges that the Orient railway
paid $1,000 to the Republican state
committee, while Albaugh was chair
man and that only s2.5OO was ac-
counted for.
Mr.. AIbaugh says: ''The Orient
contributed only $2,5OO.OO."
Mr.. Kelly in his letter makes whole
sale charges against Accountant Row
EFT and Governor Bailey He alleges
that money has been paid C. w. Myers,
steward of the insane asylum, and w
c. Van Neyes by the state board of
charities at the Topeka state hospital
for the insane for extra attendants
service and in an irregular manner.
and asks for an investigation.
The friends of State Treasurer Kelly.
when confronted by the absolute proof
by the State Journal through sworn
dispositions of bank officers that he had
used the. states money to handle the
Comanche county bond deal, admitted
that Mr. Kelly was legally guilty of
embezzlement.
Think OF it,
They admit the charge when it is
proven.
They explain now that it is only
technical embezzlement. Yesterday
State Accountant Rowett made an Of
he says:
This examination has developed
shortages. Irregularities and ciscrep-
ancies amounting to many thousands of
dollars in the twelve counties examined,
nearly. In my judgment the same con
ditions existing in the twelve counties
investigated will be found in the re-
naming counties of the state, not only
in the permanent school fund.- but in
the normal and agricultural funds
More technical embezzlement?
~ Mr.. Rowett's report says that johnson
county in July, 1900. paid $2,625 to the
state treasurer and that this amount
has not been accounted for on the books
of the state treasurer
Mr.. Rowett's report says that the
county treasurer of Reno county De-
eember et4t IT. II; 1900. paid SS?o to the
has not been accounted for on the
books of the state treasurer"
Mr.. Rowett's report says that Gar
den City paid $1.402 to the state treas
urer in August, 1900. but says mot
entered on the cash book until Aug
us. 70, 1904"
Mr.. Rowett's report says that Abb
lene city paid $1,175 direct to the
state treasurer, receipt of which was
acknowledged July ,, 1900, but not |
entered on cash book until September
z, 1904"
And yet Mr.. Kellys friends claim
the report is tamei
What did they expect of the report? ? !
Did they expect Mr.. Rowett to find |
millions of dollars of shortages, in |
stead of only thousands?
Treasurer Kelly says: "I am satisfied
with the investigation The accountant |
found all of the states money that has
been in my hands and I guess that is |
the important feature of the examina- |
tion, so far as the public is concerned. |
The accountant nas found no money |
missing from the treasury during my
term that should rightfuliy be there
For unparalleled effrontery this |
statement is certaily an unequaled in |