The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-07-13
sl6oo.oo MYSrERloUSLY DISAPPEARS.


Dispensary Inspector Clarence L. Brown Finds
Large Sum Missing.
A very peculiar story became known
yesterday when it was discovered that a
few days ago Dispensary Inspector Cla-
renee L. Brown mysteriously lost over
$1,000, which he received from county
dispenser to make up shortage in the
mans accounts.
Inspector Brown went to Charleston a
few days ago, according to his statement,
and in the course of his duties went to the
general dispensary of S. S. Matthews and
checked up the books. He found the dis
penser $1,64s short in his accounts and
asked for payment Of that amount. He
was given a check, and one of Matthews
clerks went with him to the bank to get
it cashed. The money was obtained at 2
o'clock in the afternoon and Inspector
Brown came to Columbia on the afternoon
train. Dispenser Matthews accompanied
him. Mr.. Brown would make no state
ment concerning the reason why the dis
penser came, but it is prot able from what
can be learned that he held that the short
age did not exist, and so came to consult
with C Commissioner Tatum.
Mr.. Brown says that he parted with
Matthews at Branchville, the dispenser
going to Columbia and Mr.. Brown to
Barnwen, his home. Arriving there he
found that his handbook, in which were
the greenbacks, had disappeared. Not
alone had the money which he had col
lected disappeared, but also about $500,
some of which belonged to the dispensary.
He came to Columbia the next morning
and reported the loss. Inspector Brown
is bonded officer and when his friends
learned of his predicament they made up
the amount lacking and it was paid in to
the dispensary's funds, pending further
investigation.
When the facts in this case were heard
of yesterday The State telegraphed its
Charleston correspondent and instructed
him to investigate the matter. Late last
night the following dispatch was re-
ceived:
Dispenser Matthews was seen by The
States representative this afternoon and
asked for statement about the shortage.
He stated at first that he knew nothing
about the matter, coupling the remark
with an inquiry whether Inspector Brown
had charged him with being short in his
accounts. Showing no disposition to dis
cuss the matter, Dispenser Matthews was
asked if he had ever been robbed-which
might account for the shortage-to which
he replied: Il know nothing at all about
the matter" He later said that he pre-
ferred to say nothing, but when told that
he would be quoted in this way, he added,
Il think itbest."
A member OF the county board OF con-
troll was seen about the story and he said
that while he had heard the rumor of
shortage, he could say that the board knew
nothing about it officially. 1.-THE stock is
regularly taken and the reports sent to
Columbia" he said, "and any short
age which might occur would be discov-
cred through theinspector's examination.
If such discovery has been made, no re-
port of it has been received by our board"
Mr.. Brown could not be found until
late last night and would make no state
ment regarding Dispenser Matthews visit
to Columbia. Commissioner Tatum was
likewise taciturn. 1t is almost certain,
however, that the dispenser came to the
city to deny the shortage. He had re-
ceipt from Mr.. Brown.
The story is very peculiar one and
will be investigated to the bottom. There
have been rumors of a shortage in Charles
ton for some time, but it was learned last
night that they could not be confirmed
The State, Thursday, July 9Th.