Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-10-05
Expert Accountants at Work
on Books of Unfortunate
Mining Companies
MRS. HAMILTON BACK IN PLACE
It is Generally Believed That She
is Proceeding Very Cautiously and
Cannot be Held Legally Liable--For-
mer Treasurer Miller Expected at
Iowa Falls This Week.
ecial to Times Republican.

L
closed for couple Of weeks follow
ing the announcement that there was
something wrong with the finances of
the companies, the offices of the Iowa
Lillooet Gold Mining Company, Ltd,
and the Hawkeye Gold Mining and
Dredging Company, were opened last
evening, and the work of checking up
the records of the former company
was commenced. The records cash,
etc, of the Hawkeye Company have
been moved to Cedar Rapids, and are
in charge Of the new secretary, George
L. Hedges who was elected to sue
coed B. b. Bliss, as secretary, and II.
C. Miller, as treasurer.
1t Is admitted that the work just un-
dertaken will occupy a number of days
and it may be week before any an
nouncement Is made by the officers of
the Iowa-Lillooet Company. Profess
sor Loren Hezzelwood, formerly sup
erintendent of the schools Of this city.
and ex-county superintendent or
schools in Humbolt county, is one of
the experts selected by the stockhold-
ers and directors to assist in the work
Of checking UP the records The other
accountant is William Schilke, who
SAYS his home is in Des Moines, but
who was formerly employed as q
bookkeeper in a bank at Radcliffe.
President Hancock was in his office
last evening, and when asked for a
statement, said that thorough inves-
tigaton had been commenced and that
no charges would be made until the
absolute facts in the premises were
known. He said that the directors
were not there to do any 'W'hiteWash-
ing" but this statement can be 1udg-
ed better when the announcement OF
the result Of the proceedings now I'M
der way is given to the public
Mrs. Maude Hamilton, the former
assistant secretary of the companies
involved, is back in her old position
in the office and while no public state
ment is offered it is intimated that
she will aid in trying to stralghten out
the tangle in which the two compan-
les appear to have become involved.
1t is thought that Mrs. Hamilton, con-
corning whom much has been said ana
written, will proceed very carefully
and that her actions will be studied
and will follow mature deliberations,
since the lady is known to have con-
suited able legal counsel and In view
of the reports put in circulation, she
will probably be very cautious In max
ing any step that might involve her
legally. While Mrs. Hamilton was
evidently in full charge Of the affairs
of the two companies, it is not known
and the general belief Is that she cam
not be held legally liable since she
claims she can prove that her actions
were directed by officers of the conn-
pany. General Counsel L. G. Hurd OF
Dubuque leaves today for his home IN
Dubuque and will not return unless
some legal complications arise that
demand his presence here. President
Hancock will remain on the ground
and supervise the investigation now
under way. It is stated that Mr.. III. c.
Miller treasurer Of the two companies,
left Lillooet, B. c., last Saturday Tor
Iowa Falls and that he will be here
this week is thought certain. 1t is
the prevailing opinion that he can aid
materially in Strengthening out the at
fairs Of the companies since he was Ia
miliar with the business policies of Mr..
Bliss, altho not having any active as
ISOLATION with the company so far as
handling the funds is concerned.
Much speculation is INDUCED In re-
garding the contents of a book now
deposited in the Home Savings bank
and placed there by the mutual con-
sent of Mrs. Hamilton and the direct
ors of the company. 1t is stated the
book was removed from the office the
morning that the directors learned
there was reason for investigation,
and refused to give up the book, altho
legal steps were taken to secure pos
session Of the record the book is sup>
posed to contain. B. B. Bliss, the sec
rotary of the two companies. up to a
few weeks ago, Is still reported as IN
a critical condition, both physically
and mentally. None are admitted to
his room except the medical attendant
and the immediate members OF his