The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-03-06
JOHNSON COMPFLS
BARRY TO TESTIFY
Public Examiner Forces Expert
Accountant to Appear
Before Him.

S. T. Johnson, public examiner for
the commonwealth Of Minnesota, is
having more than his share of official
grief. Only two weeks ago he dismiss
ed one of his subordinates for alleged
INSTRUMENTATION, and now he comes to
the front with subpoena and drags
another of his henchmen before him to
explain his whereabouts since some
time in January.
P. A. Gunders was dismissed from his
position as second assistant bank ex-
aminer for INSTRUMENTATION, Johnson
says, in writing a letter to r. G. Dunn
saying that he had been unable to find
anything in the records of the state
auditors Office rejecting on Mr.. Dunn's
official record. There are those who
are uncharitable enough to suggest
that Gunders' friendship for Dunn was
the reason for his removal.
John Barry, a Minneapolis expert ac-
countant who was employed by john
son to delve into the records of the
state auditors office in the hope Of I'M
earthing something that might furnish
basis for attack on Dunn, signally
failed, and now Johnson has dragged
him from his home at Minneapolis by
means of civil process and brought
him before his desk to explain his alb
sence from the Office for some weeks.
Barry was Friday night served with
a subpoena by the sheriff of Hennepin
county, issued on the advice of Frank
lin H. Griggs, special attorney for the
public examiners Office, and he came
to the capitol yesterday morning in
answer to the summons.
He spent several hours in close con-
fnement with Johnson and Griggs, and
1t was announced at the conclusion of
the interview that a further conference
would be held early next week.
1t is understood that his answers to
questions were taken in shorthand and
a report Of the entire proceeding will
be submitted to Gov. Van SAINT.
The subpoena, which is something
new in the Jurisprudence of this state
in connection with a public examiners
office, was issued, the examiner says,
Laws Of 1894, which gives the exam
liner authority to issue subpoenas and
to compel attendance and testimony
where the public interests are involved.
There is a grave question in the minds
of able attorneys whether or not the
law can be stretched to cover the Barry
incident.
In explanation Of his somewhat ex-
traordinary conduct, Examiner john
son makes the following statement:
I have not seen Mr.. Barry since the
9TH of January, and he promised me then
he would be down on the 18th and finish
up his work. I have expected him every
day since. He did not put in an ap-
pearance, although his friends frequently
promised he would be here.
AS it was necessary to get his work
done and the report made, this depart
ment issued its subpoena yesterday. 1t
was served by the sheriff last night and
Mr.. Barry is here this morning. These
things explain themselves and there is
nothing further to say at this time.
Barry drew his pay weekly for con-
Quoting the examination of the state
auditors Office and his notes are said
to be valueless unless he personally
explains them. It is not claimed that
he has been on the pay roll of the ex-
aminer's office for some weeks.
The Republican city and county COM
mittee met yesterday afternoon at the
Lincoln club rooms in the Endicott
building and instructed President War
ner and Secretary Gronewald to call
meeting for the Republican judges and
clerks, to be held some day this week.
At this meeting Attorneys w. J. Dona-
hover and Frank Haskell will instruct
the judges and clerks as to their rights
and respective duties.
The Fourth Ward Colored Demo-
cratic club is preparing to hold rous-
ing meeting Tuesday evening, March 8,
at 40 East Third street. All candidates
for nominations on the Democratic
ticket are invited to be present.
Arrangements are being perfected
for a meeting Of the Second Ward
Democratic club for Wednesday even
ing, March 9, at Lucker's hall, corner
Margaret and Forest streets. The Dem
ocratic candidates are all invited to be
present and address the voters Of the
club.
The Fifth Ward Young Mems Demo-
cratic club will have a big rally on Fri
day evening at Beseda hall, corner
Seventh and Western, Friday night Of
next week.
A. T. Koerner, Of Litchfield, former
state treasurer, was caller at the
state capitol yesterday, where he ex-
changed political "reminiscences with
his successor, j. H. Block, and others
of the occupants of the building.
Frank M. Eddy, of Glenwood, car
ried the war into Africa last night
when he visited ST. Cloud, the home of
Judge Collins. Friends of the Glen
wood man explain that the visit was
purely one of fraternal regard.
Capt. Gallick, who is reputed to carry
the Hebrew vote of Ramsey county in
his pocket, delivered the first install
ment at the Minneapolis Hebrew Col
Inns meeting early in the week.
Congressman Buchanan left last
night on his return to Washington
after spending a week in the Sixth dis
trict Buchanan says he has heard of
no serious opposition to his candidacy
for denomination. II am not worrying
any," he said. IF I am to have a fight
for denomination and reelection shall
fight the best know how
4
J. M. Dickson is the first candidate
for the legislature to file notice of his
candidacy with the secretary of the
state. He gives notice that he will be
a candidate for the Republican nominal
u L. I'M II