The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-09-26
HOLMES. RETURNS,
FACES The WORST
Mysterious Disappearance Of De-
troit's Postmaster Is Cleared
.5,,l -E@E-Ht - x ~ ~
Up-His Accounts Short.

Special to The Journal.
Frazee, Mimi, Sept. 26.-The
strange and mysterious disappearance
and ghost-like temperance of Ed
Holmes, formerly postmaster of De-
troit, will most likely be revealed in
United States commissioner s court and
later before the grand jury Of the next
term Of the district court at Fergus
Falls. IT..
Mr.. Holmes suddenly disappeared at
Minneapolis about April 9, two days
after he had left Detroit. Search was
made for him, and even body was ex-
humed at Portal, N. D., in hope of solv-
ing his mysterious disappearance. 1t
was also suggested that he might have
met foul play somewhere in the. twin
cities. His family was totally in the
dark as to where he had gone. lt'Was
thought that he had, a sum of money,
and was going on business to Canada
for land company. >t.
! Last Sunday, Mr.. Holmes returned to
| his family, just as mysteriously as he
had disappeared. ~. :.s...s
| For eight years Mr.. Holmes was the
efficient postmaster of Detroit, and was
| we'll and favorably known to most peo-
pie in Becker county. His hosts of
! friends were alarmed to hear of irregu-
| larities in his administration of the
postoffice. -
Shortage in P. o. Accounts.
Mr.. Holmes says that there were,
prior to his retirement, shortages in
the postofice funds for which he could
not account satisfactorily. His health
was very poor for some time, and his
! financial troubles in the office combined
to unfit him to meet the difficulty. The
trouble weighed upon him, and at last
he became unaccountable for his acts.
In this alarming state of mind he
thought Of flight and left suddenly for
| Minneapolis, then on to Chicago, to
cisco, scarcely knowing what he was
doing or where he was going, impelled
onward with the thought of the short
age at the office.
In San Francisco his health returned
and with it desire to return home and
face the difficulties and charges.
Meanwhile the postal authorities
were investigating the office at Detroit.
For over five months the investigation
was quietly continued by the inspect
ors, and shortage Of 5000 was discov-
cred in the general postal account. This
shortage was promptly paid, without
loss to the government or any trouble
to the bondsmen. Last week another
serious shortage was found of 1891 in
tho money order fund. This also was as
promptly paid and the postoffices ac-
counts were balanced without cent Of
loss to the postal department.. 4.
Prosecution Inevitable.
The final shortage and the result of
the inspector s investigation were re-
ported last week to the United States
district attorneys office for Immediate
action and doubtless ere this is printed
action will have been taken.
Mr.. Holmes never was drinking
man nor gambler nor a Speculation, on
the markets. He was always efficient
and courteous. Scarcely anyone. be-
lieves he intended deliberately to de-
fraud the government. But when his
accounts became involved he lacked the
courage to face the matter, and this
may be. partly attributed to his con-
stantly increasing poor health. {.
The affair has caused much comment
in Becker county and the action Of the
United States district attorney 81 of
flee is awaited with great Interest,"