Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1904-05-02
IRREGULARITIES IN
HhO LAND 0FF|Ct
Ragsdale Is Out As the
Result Of Pratt'S
investigation.
RAdSDALE SAYS he WAS
FOLLOWING OLD CUSTOM
PRATT SAYS RANGER USED BAD
JUDGMENT IN HANDLING
PUBLIC FuNDS-woulD
MAKE GOOD.

Hilo, April 29.-Cousiderable Of a
sensation was caused yesterday by the
investigation OF the Hilo Office OF the
Sub-Agent Of Public Lands and the
summary dismissal of William X.
Ragsdale. ranger Commissioner Of
Public Lands Jas. w. Pratt and Deputy
Attorney General Peters arrived by the
Kinau Wednesday evening and were
busily engaged all day. yesterday in
checking UP books and looking into ac-
counts of the local land Office. While
ell the official funds and records OF the
office, during the administration Of
Sub-Agent Geo. II. Williams were found
intact and In order, there were sus-
picious circumstances surrounding the
transfer of accounts and government
funds which have to be accounted for
William X. Ragsdale. who has been
the ranger for the two districts since
the change In official head % the Office.
was found to have made personal use
of moneys paid into the office by lease
holders and purchasers in payment Of
interest and rentals. which did not APP
pear on the books or official records Of
the Office. The total amount thus di-
verted from its proper channel Is not
made known. but is sufficient at least
to warrant removing the delinquent of
fetal. When confronted with the
charge Of misappropriation Of funds,
Mr.. Ragsdale stoutly denied any inten-
ton to defraud the Government, and
stated that all such amounts which
had been paid to him during the alb
sence OF Sub-Agent Williams had been
deposited In bank to his personal ac-
count. Whatever shortage appeared
he stood ready to make good. and In
defense OF his action, II appears, he
followed custom which has prevailed
heretofore to hold on deposit the final
payments of landholders until the re-
ceipt OF the Land Patents from the land
Office at Honolulu. An official receipt
would then be given, together with the
Patent II desired, and the suspended
funds turned into the treasury.
When interviewed on the subject,
Land Commissioner Pratt said Yes,
Mr.. Ragsdale's connection with the Of
fee ceases today. l am not prepared
to say whether legal proceedings will
be commenced or not. This matter is
in the hands OF Deputy Attorney Cen
tlui ItltIs, WIN 10 lnNtstibdtlub lit
facts and the extent of the Irregular
tiles. Mr.. Ragsdale appears to have
used bad judgment and while he Is
willing to make good any shortage, the
Department cannot countenance the
misconduct of It's officials. We pro-
pose to have subordinates whose ac-
tons and accounts will bear the light
Of day at all times, and IL is a source
OF genuine regret when an official de-
parts from the path OF honesty and
rectitude.
II have determined to appoint two
rangers to I'LL Mr.. Ragsdale's place
one for each land district, at salary
of $50 and $50 respectively. Heretofore
one man held both positions and re-
ceived the combined salary, but the
Legislature has prohibited such an ar.
arrangement. I might say, so far as
am concerned. that shall be pleased
to receive applications for these Offices
but will insist upon the applicants re-
celving the endorsement Of their pre-
cinct club and the district committee
We want party men to I'LL these posi-
,tions, and the party organization here
lshould have no difficulty In finding two
capable men here willing to MI tn,
two positions. OF course, do not ex
lpect to be tied down by the endorse
Iment of your committees In the selec
ton Of appointees. but will determir,
upon a choice from the several en-
dOrsel