The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-08-05
WARRANT
FOR MAYOR
BELCHER

New York, Aug 5-The authorities OF
Passaic have decided 10 bring william
II. Belcher the renegade reform mayor.
10 the bar OF Justice The decision was
not reached hastily but only after de-
liberation for several days and a lengthy
conference in the office OF County
Prosecutor Emley this morning
Late yesterday afternoon a warrant was
issued for his arrest. II is believed re-
ward will be offered within a few DAYS
The warrant charges embezzlement. The
complainant IL John G. Rec of Haledon.
treasurer OF the Manchester Building and
Loan association. and a co-indorser with
Secretary Alice of a Belcher $500 note.
He BASES the accusation upon the ap-
preparation by Belcher OF Ss2e paid 70
him for tho loan association by Mrs.
Cecelis Marini on Feb. 90 1905 The pay
ment was in discharge of a mortgage
indebtedness 20 the associa ton.
Soon after the warrant was issued a
Paterson newspaper man reported 10
Prosecutor Emley that Belcher had left
his home in Mdvale with the disguise
OF shaven moustache. and was on
train arriving in Jersey City AZ 5:o7.
Mr. Emley excitedly telephoned
City. The chief met the train. but failed
10 find the mayor. He had a personal
acquaintance with the mayor. and was
absolutely certain he was not among the
passengers.
TRUSTED HIM FULLY
The extent OF public knowledge OF the
mayors peculations broadened during the
day. II was learned. for instance. that
OF the late Congressman James A. Stew
arts estate. OF which Belcher was execu-
tor not only was there not n penny left
but that Belcher has left the congress
mans widow and daughter six months IN
arrears for the rent OF the house in which
they 1--we
He also left unpaid the congressmans
funeral expenses and the price OF the lot
in which his remains were laid at rest
in Cedar Lawn cemetery.
The congressman trusted the mayor 70
such an extent that in drawing up his
will he expressly stipulated that the
mayor should not be required 10 furnish
the customary executors bond
Another crooked mortgage deal was re-
ported by Giovanni Biolacqua. Like the
Merini mortgage. It was given 20 the Man
chester Building and Loan association,
Biolacqua paid a balance OF $500 n
Belcher and took his receipt, Belcher
kept the money.
KEPT THE MONEY.
Another and perhaps the largest theft
Of all was reported from Florida It was
OF the property OF Joseph Meisterman.
who conducted ribbon block factory in
Paterson up 10 four years ago when he
sold II out and moved 70 Orlando. Fla
He left securities valued AZ $4,000 IN
Belchers hands. but two wears later
wrote him 20 realize on half Of them and
forward the money. Becher realized.
but kept The money, and there was
demand made that he settle or stand
prosecutions
The demand came while Belcher was en-
gagged In the political campaign. in which
the reform candidate was denouncing tho
standing OF Democratic Candidate John
son.
Belcher raised what money he could.
made q AyinE trip 10 Florida and man
aged both 20 appease Meisterman and -
convince him of his integrity. Meister-
man accented Pelchers note in partial
payment and left the remainder OF the
securities IN Bclcher's possession.
Mr. Mcisterman is now on hts way north
70 find out how he stands. Some pay
meut. have heen made on Belcher's note
to him. but at any rate he is n loser by
several thousand dollars.
DIsBEIIEvE SUICIDE STORY
Tho extent ~ tho petty larceny. ,hiev-
cry. he appropriation " small amounts
rAid 20 Pelcher as president ~ the loan
association will not be computed for SOW
eral days
Altogether ~ is known that the mayor
has appropriated over $4,000
Bank Examiner Conkln devoted all of
his time Yesterday 20 inspection ~ tho
affairs % the Manchester Building and
Loan association lie would not reveal
the result oi the inquiry.
No movement has been begun 10 Gust
the mayor from oNlce. nor has such
movement been suggested. II he returns
tomorrow Is arrested and released on bail.
he will have full power TO act as mayor.
40 one believes. however. that he will
return There IL general feeling that
he ls thousands ~ miles away. IN some
place carefully selected during years ~
his criminal lfe I'm Paterson The theory
of suicide r. secuted.