The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1905-11-07
THE FINAL REPORT
THREE Ex,CoUNTY CLERKS
OWE THE COUNTY.
Misinterpretation Of Law Governing
Charges for Filing Papers Respon-
sible for Shortage

East Oregonian: Friday evening
the official report of Experts Clark
81 Buchanan was submitted to the
county commissioner, and, as was in
timated in this paper several weeks
ago, irregularities wero found in the
office of county clerk. However, the
amount found to be due the county
from that Office was much larger than
was expected. According to the re-
port total of 81, ,331.47 was found to
be due the county for fees which were
not collected by the officials who have
had charge of the office during the
past five years.
OF this amount SAIL. 10 is due from
B, S. Burroughs, $830.37 from w. d.
Chamberlain, and 500 from Frank
Sailing. Mr.. Burroughs held Office
for two terms, but only the work OF
his last term was investigated. Mr..
Chamberlain was in Office also two
years, and consequently the shortage
under his administration is merely in
proportion with that of his predeces-
sor. OF the amount due from Sailing
considerable had already been paid in
by the parties owing the fees, but as
the payments were made after July
/, they were not regarded by the ex-
perts.
Most of the items charged against
the three clerks were small amounts,
many being for $2 and 80. 1t is ex-
peoted that some OF the amounts will
be explained away or else found to
have been paid already. In their re-
port on the clerks Office the experts
made the reservation that some of
the charges contained therein were
likely subjects to explanation and re-
bate. Also, they cleared all three
officials of any criminal blame in the
matter, saying that it was evident
that the errors had occurred through
a misunderstanding regarding what
should be charged for the filing of
papers.
The report on the sheriff's Office was
not submitted, as it is now in the
hands of District Attorney Phelps,
who is at Heppner.
Regarding the offices Of treasurer
and recorder, favorable reports were
made, and the latter office especially,
was complimented for the work it has
done. Practically no errors were
found in the work of j. w. Maloney,
who held the Office for two terms, and
of William Folsom, the present in
cumbent, who has been in office over
year.
In the introduction to their report
Messrs. Clark. and Buchanan made
general statement regarding the CON
ditiun of affairs as follows:
with one exception, poor account
ing, cumbersome, complex, out-of-date
and, in too many instances, total in
correct, has prevailed. The laws
have not been carefully regarded nor
have they been wisely evaded or alter
ed. By reason of these improper
methods, omissions and perversions,
| the taxpayers have been caused to
suffer pecuniary loss which cannot be
recovered, large shortage has been
found which, while fortuntely restor-
ed, should have been impossible in oc-
currence and criminal prosecution
costly aud deplorable faces you.
"It is the accepted rule that public
affairs in the handling require the like
simplicity, accuracy and thorough
ness as do those of private individuals
with the added mandates of the law
which cannot be too vigorously adj
ministered. For the safety OF the
public and the protection OF it's ofiic-
ials, means and methods should be
provided to conserve the interests of
all, and it is apparent that had such
been done in the past history Of this
county, many thousands Of dollars
would have been saved to certain of
You ex-officials privately and to the
county as q whole.
| Also, they filed with the court a
petition that the provisions OF their
contract with the Umatilla county
court that the total expense Of their
work should not exceed $1,000 be
waived, and that they be paid for
their work at the rate of $l5 per day
for two men. Two hundred and
twenty-five days in all are said to have
been required for the work, thus max
ing bill Of 81, 924. 60