Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1904-10-14
hiORE ROTTENNESS, UNEARTHED BY THE
STATE ACCOUNTANT.

Some time ago, Governor Bailey appointed &
state accountant This did not suit some o.
the other state officials, but the Governor sale
he thought the state needed accountant, and
he appointed one. The accountant has been
going over the books of the various state off
Gals, and has made a report to the Governor
The report is somewhat sensational in its char
acter, as it shows bad state of affairs. State
Accountant Rowett says in bis report:
''This examination has developed shortages
irregularities and discrepancies amounting to
many thousands of dollars in the twelve coun-
ties examined. In my judgment, the same
conditions existing in the twelve counties in
vestgated will be found in the repaining
counties OF The state, not only i'll the perma-
nent school fund, but in the normal and agri.
cultural funds"
Mr. Rowett's report says that Johnson coun-
tv, 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 treas
urer"
The report shows that Garden City paid
s 400 to he state treasurer in August, 1900
but says, "not entered on the cash book unit
August 70, 1904"
Mr. Rowett's report says that Abilene city
paid $I,175 "direct to tie state treasurer, re-
ceipt Of which was acknowledged July 3, 1900
but was not entered on cash book until Septeln
Der 7, 1904"
These are only few instances of the rotten
ness that exists in the state house, aud espec-
iaily in the state treasury. Within the past
few weeks, since the state accountant begun
his work, several of the shortages have been
paid back into the state treasury in secret
manner Two instances, at least, in which
money has been paid back involve interest
payments in Garden City bonds and Abilene
bouds In both instances, the money has been
credited on the state treasurers books since
Mr. Rowett begun his investigation. Another
instance in which the money was paid back
dates back to Treasurer Grimes administration,
when Kelly was assistant treasurer Over four
years ago, the city of Abilene paid $I,I75 in
terest on bonds held by the state school fund.
This payment was made direct TO the state
treasurer, and was receipted for by the treas
urer on July 2, 1900. No record was made Of
it on the treasurer's books until September 7
1904, just about month ago
We wish we had the room to give the full
report of the investigation, for it would Ger.
tanly be an eye opener to our people How
ever, it is too lengthy for us to publish.
The Topeka State Journal publishes the fi'l
report of the investigation, while the Capita
and the Herald only publish portions of it, and
claim there is nothing serious in the charges
But Governor Bailey seems to take different
view of it, He has instructed Attorney Gen
eral Coleman to proceed in the defalcatior
cases and recover the shortage in the state
treasury. The Governor offers to employ coun
Sc! to assist Attorney General Coleman.
State Treasurer Kelly undertakes to divert
attention from the charges agast him by corn
ter charges against Governor Bailey. But
Governor Bailey has never been accused of be-
ing a thief, while Tom Kelly has been proven
a thief and an embezzler, and his counter
charges will have no effect upon the minds Of
the people, unless it be confirm them in the be-
lief of Kelly's kDavery.
In the face of existing facts, it does not seem
possible that the people of Kansas will again
elect to the responsible Of office treasurer such
man as Tom Kelly, Notwithstanding the as.
sertion of Henry Allen that the Republican
ticket would be elected if every man on the
ticket was thief.
The people are saying very little, but their
apparent apathy is no proof that they are not
interested in the political situation They ale
doing some quiet thinking, and there is likely
to be lot of scratching at the polls.