The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1909-04-09
Ex-REcoRDER MAKES A REPLY
Answers Charges Made BY Expert on
HOdapp's Accounts


Editor Free Press: | wish to state
a few facts in reference to the ceie
brated report of Accountant Robinson
which cost the city over $500 and fails
Ito give value received 1t is much less
thorough than the report of former
accountant over five years ago, COW
ering same period, for price less than
5000.
But it appears that this expert was
secured in haste by some individuals
to be used as tool TO do some one
harm, also probably for political GAIN
and in particular, to revenge grievances
Iof two certain aldermen whose enmity
/ have made by opposing some of their
wrongful actions; and now taking adj
vantage of my sudden resignation,
(which was brought about under coer-
sion from them, giving rise to the cir
culation of rumors of shortages in large
sums. whereupon this mcalled for ex-
animation of the records was ordered
The report shows on it's face that it is
lpreilidiced from beginning to end, which
anyone with ordinary intelligence will
acknowledge. As to the finance, 1T
shows no more than what | could pro-
iduce at any time in thirty minutes
after receiving the treasnrers report;
gives no credit to the accuracy of the
recorders records. from which the ac-
icolmtant has taken all his figures, but
at least does not mention of a single
error i'm the accounts or the bOOkkeep-
ing, 50 it must be correct. He states
there is no record of bonds outstand-
ing. this is false as a detailed list
appears i'm each of my annual reports.
The man roasts all along umeason.
ably, even criticises the management
of the treasurers Office. This reflection
on Miss Dmkee is certainly nnwar
ranted. but yet believes the records
to be correct He rambles about OPP
pOrtInities for populations: this is all
nonsense. the manner of which he does
not point out proper reason-he can
not He makes several recommends
tons, of course, that are expected. and
in line. rs he must show something
for his money. although much more
might be said. Will not 90 farther in
to this elaborate typewriter report, of
which the fancy sheep skin cover has
the most value, but remain with my
personal matter
As to the shortages claimed to be
unquestionably liable. but ] think are
very questionable. schedule 80" brought
out in glowing display and figures sim
gled out showing TO be dictated and
there for a purpose. FIRST. telephone
bills were regularly made out from the
company's office. same as private
phone of chief of fire department. also
city engineer, properly allowed by the
council and would not have been men
toned by the report unless prompted
and list furnished by someone else
Next. gas and electric light bills were
to meet personal accommodations will
he seen, run for just one year. ending
u November, and all accounted for months
prior to this examination have no bus
mess herein, and no reason why should
be mentioned unless urged by the
pushers. BY the way. Robinson says
bills removed from files. Il little in
quiry would locate them with the city
attorney, and would not required the
formation
Old sidewalk is another one dug up
. by Il very interested party. otherwise
would never reached the examiner; a
. bunch of rotten planks in which / mad
about half interest and where I ac-
cidentally omitted to give city credit
/ for its $40.
/ O. Throdahl bill is conundrum ia
2 me, hut will find out. Overpaid to
: Coughian. now | suppose if Couehlan
2 received that much more than was
coming. ne will refund the $40 Mum
l cipal court items, etc, total 1920
} might have been overlooked in a rush
as often happens, nevertheless think
D can find them checked up. Extension
! of liquor license he says certain sa
+ loonmen-this came about when a bus
2 mess had closed several days for re-
pairs; also from occurrences wher
2 license expire on Sunday; then the
INV IlttISt Is uatPu the next Uay
THAT is Monday, and this happening
on an average twice to each license
t during my term, this all would evi
: IDENTIFY make the amount claimed and
e fact not thought of by the expert
) Now it can readily be seen that tho
t whole matter is drummed IN lob
k and dwindles down to practically moth
Y ing. and think will be able to cut thu
e extensive Oscillations of the enormou.
: amount of 1924 down to the respect
able sum of one hundred and twenty
r four cents during the whole six year,
II OF my incumbency.,
2. Although respectable, thorough ac
counting of the affairs was necessary
:. which | many times urged. this on
rs OF little value to the city. hut
e am glad it came about, as with m,
explanations l believe the public vii
2 he satisfied. and myself indicated
e ). d. Hodapp, eX-recorder