The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1904-06-30

man H. s.. Doster read the report and
1t evidently made a deep impression.
Invesfigaffng Commfttee's Report.
To the Press Association of Alabama:
We, your Committee appointed to In
vestigate the charges against J. A.
Rountree. Secretary of your Association,
in connection with the recent excursion
to Canada, respectfully report that in
accordance with public notice previous
of the Commercial Club in Birmingham,
October is. 1908, and made as full and
complete investigation as was practical
BILE.
Our investigation involved a general
charge and specifications as follows:
Charge-That ]. A. Rountree, Secre-
tary, has used his Official position for
his personal gain.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES the said
J. A. Rountree. for his personal benefit,
charged a much larger sum against
the members of the Association than
was necessary to meet the reasonable
expenses of the excursion.
Second-That in securing hotel and
other accommodations for the excur-
sion party, he improperly sought and
received commissions for his personal
use.
Third-That he connived at and en-
couraged the fragrant violation of the
bylaws and rules of the Association in
securing transportation from the rail-
roads for persons not members of the
Association and not entitled to the
same.
Upon the first specification it is suf-
ficient to say that Mr.. Reuntree ac-
knowledged he had made money out Of
the excursion: and though he positively
danIinad 70 1tannfzad
ment, your committee believes the tes-
timony sustains the conclusion that he
proflted by the excursion to the ex-
tent of between $500 and $4,000
Upon the second specification, the
testimony shows that Mr.. Rountree de-
manded of the hotels a commission for
his Partially as well as the "compli-
mentary.'' free for himself and imme-
date family. The verbal testimony on
this specification is sustained by writ
ten evidence under Mr.. Rountree's own
hand.
The third specification is sustained
by mass of circumstantial and direct
testimony and your committee is of
the opinion that in securing transport
tation from the railroads, the secretary
became personally interested in vio-
lating the rules of the Association In
order that he might profit thereby.
Your committee in presenting the re-
suit of their Investigations are deeply
upon our body by the action of the Sec
prompt and decisive action in relation
to IT.
H s. Doster,
M. w. Camper,
]. c. Lawrence,
Committee.
When Mr. Doster concluded. Editor
Meeks of Gadsden, jumped to his feet.
He had substitute of the white
wash" resolution and he read 1t in a
firm voice.
This was the substitute:
Meels's Vigorous Resolution.
Resolved, That we hereby severely
condemn ]. A. Rountree for using the
Alabama Press Association through its
trust and confidence reported in him as
it's secretary for his personal graft and
consider that his conduct in such po-
sition make him unworthy of member
ship in this association"
AS a substitute for all pending meas
ures, Mr.. Mel OF Selma, submitted a
Harmony" resolution.
1t deplored and condemned frauds on
railroads by officers and members,
naming Rountree only. and promised to
do better In future. Mr.. Mel has been
regarded as bitter against Rountree's
conduct and his resolution was a sur
prise.
After a hurried conference with
Rountree and his friends, Mr.. Read
arose and said in a most conciltatory
way that il Mr.. Meeks would withdraw
his resolution, the 'FWhitewash" reso-
luton would be withdrawn and the as
sociation could unanimously adopt the
Mel resolution.
The venerable Gadsden Editor got
mad and talked right out.
I'd stultify my honor he cried hot
ly, If 1 voted for that thing. haven't
stole anything and I'll not vote for 1t.
Those are my views and I'll stand by
them if am the only man to vote for
them"
There were more warm passages and
Mr. Judson moved to Law the Mel sub
stitute on the table. Mr.. Meeks de-
manded an aye and nay vote which
was recorded as 40 TO 81. the associa-
tion tabling the harmony resolution
The recurring question tomorrow
morning will be the Meeks substitute
Rountree and his friends are out
looking for more proxies tonight. There
are three candidates for secretary. ia
cob Pepperman, Editor Rosson of the
Cullman Democrat. and J. H. Hard, an
insurance adjuster and prominent citi-
zen of Bessemer who is Rountree's
friend.
Editor Judson OF Bessemer, will
probably be chosen. president.
Bessemer is entertaining the editors
lavishly. Bunting Is all around town
and money which came from subscrib-
ers is not to be spent here.
Two large social affairs in honor OF
the visitors are in progress tonight.