The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-21
CITY OFFICER ARRESTED.
COLLECTOR OF BAYONNE AC-
CUSED OF STEALING $4,000.
Is c. l.. Robinson, Who Is ~ Years OF Age
Called Home From Vacation TO Face
Arrest-Peculations, Extended Over
Seven Years, May Reach S4O,OO

Cyrillus l.. Robinson. who for the last
| twelve years has been the Collector OF
Revenues for the city OF Bayonne, n. j.,
was arrested last night at his home in that
city. charged with the enbezzlenent Of
81, 900 from the city funds. The amount
specified in the charge is only one of the
discrepancies that were discovered by ex-
perts who have been at work on his books
during the past week. 1t Is said that the
total amount OF his populations may be
between $50 900 and $4,000.
Mr.. Robinson. who is 70 years old and
lives in one OF the finest residences in the
city, was not taken to Police Headquarters
but was allowed to remain in his home, at
20 West Thrty-third street, after bail,
amounting to $4,000, had been furnished.
This was accepted by Recorder Lazarus,
who went to the home OF the Collector in
company with Mayor Thomas Brady.
During the day all manner Of rumors
had been ahoat In Bayonne con corning
an alleged defalcation of city funds. just
who had embezzled could not be learned,
and the populace was greatly agitated,
Collector Robinson was so highly respected
and had held such high place in the social
life Of the town that he was not suspected
OF being implicated, even when he returned
to the town Unexpectedly yesterday.
Robinson left week ago for bis annual
vacation and his return was taken as an
indication that he had been called back
to help find the guilty one. Consequently,
when Mayor Brady and Recorder Lazarus
went to the Collectors home last night
and the Mayor later announced the arrest,
great excitement prevailed.
chNr Tin, Va annual In n fiOp
Of the city accounts was made. and experts
employed for that purpose found irregu-
larities in the accounts Of Robinson, who
collected tie property ta1os. This dis
cove was reported to Mayor Brady. who
at first was inclined to think that the
experts we're mistaken.
However, when Robinson left for his
vacation, additional experts were put on
his books and the shortages were shown.
While Mayor Brady and other city officials
seemed anxious to evade discussion OF
the case last night, it was learned that
the populations had been going on for
the last seven years. They began long
before the present administration. 1t was
said that the shortage was in the accounts
of the Standard Oil Company, the largest
taxpayers in the town.
Satisfied with the revelations made
by the experts, Mayor Brady on Saturday
sent word to Collector Robinson that he
was wanted on urgent business. Mr.
Robinson arrived home yesterday morn
ing. He Immediately was closeted with
the Mayor, and the latter's nephew, who
is the City Treasurer.
During the day, Robinson transferred
to Joseph Brady property at Bergen Point
said to be valued at about $685. 900. This
property he had bought at Sherin's sale
several years ago. At the time that Robin
son purchased the property many others
invested in Bergen Point real estate, think
ing that the place was to become profit
able summer resort. The property never
paid and was no doubt somea hat Of an ele-
plant on the Collectors hands. He is
also said to have specialized heavily in
Wall Street.
Many Bayonne residents last night were
inclined to the belief that the real estate
investment was the cause OF the collectors
trouble and defalcstions. Robinson, while
he has lived in handsome residence and
entertained considerably, has lived within
his means. He was man of good habits,
and as far as Bayonne knew never specu-
ated or INDUCED In any costly habits.
Mr. Robinson would not make any state |
ment concerning his case last night. He
refused to see those that called to question
him. Mr.. Robinson is a widower. His
daughter Marion, who is very popular In
Bayonne social circles. lives with him. The
Collector has a married son, Cyril, who is