The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1909-07-02

dulnrle, OKla,, July Zine com
mission appointed by Governor c. N
Haskell to investigate the matters con
tanned in the Taylor report, criticisine
the bookkeeping methods of former
Dispensary Superintendent r. e
Lozier, and involving Fred S. Caldwell
state enforcement attorney, and At
torney General Charles ]. West in the
criticisms, met yesterday morning in
the governors Office and conducted an
all day session.
State Examiner Charles A. Taylor
who made the report, was asked by
Governor Haskell and Rev. Mr.. Con.
ger, a member of the commission,
whether, in his opinion, he considered
that any money was misappropriated,
or is still unaccounted for Mr. Taylor
repeatedly refused to express any opin.
ion, declaring that all that he had
found was contained in the report.
Il believe that / have a right as
governor, to ask of you, Mr.. Taylor,
whether or not you believe from your
investigation any money was stolen,
for if such were the case it would be
my duty to take immediate action"
Il don't wish to be discourteous,
governor" replied Taylor, but every
thing that we found is included in
that report"
Governor-"Did you make any at
tempt to procure the checks and ap-
proved statements in possession of Mr.
Caldwell or Attorney General West,
which have since been produced for
the benefit of this commission"
Taylor cannot answer that ques-
tion. except to refer you to my report"
Governor Haskell then called Dep
uty Alexander, who made the investi-
cation, to the stand, and inquired:
Mr. Alexander, did you call upon
Mr. West or Mr.. Caldwell for the
checks and statements to show where
the money went?"
Alexander can only answer by
the report
Governor believe ] am entitled
to this information and insist upon
you giving it,"
Il do not intend to tell you whether
did or not; the report contains all
hat | care to tell, replied Alexander
with some wrath.
To similar request from Mr. Con-
ger, Alexander replied that he would
answer in court, but not elsewhere.
The commission was organized by
he appointment of w. S. Wylie of
Nuskogee. chairman, and Rev. L.
of Ada, secretary. Rev |
George d. Conger, superintendent of
he Anti-Saloon League, was the other
member. The investigation was pub
ic. The first person examined was
attorney General West, who stated |
hat he had filed sworn statements
With the auditor, showing where all
he money spent under his direction
rom the agency funds was expended,
nd offered to furnish these state 1
lents to the commission. The attor-
ey general explained that vouchers
Tere not issued and warrants drawn
irectly to the persons employed by
i'm as detectives to assist in the en-
)rcement of prohibition, but that
ley we're drawn to the account of
ttorney General West and the money
len paid over to them by checks duly
pproved. This was done to keep the
entity of the detectives secret as he
ad found that as soon as the name
detective was known his efficien-
: was destroyed. and in some cases
S life endangered.
State Enforcement Attorney Fred S.
aldwell, who was criticised in the
port for alleged attempts to act as
easurer and collector for the men
nployed by his department, stated
at the reasons assigned by the attor-
y general for the method of paying
nployes would also apply to his de-
rtment
Mr.. Caldwell stated in substance
at in all about twenty detectives or
Id men were employed by him for
ort periods at different times. He
i'd them out of the fund from the pro
S of the agency, and when the funds
the agency would become exhausted
would then have vouchers issued
on the $4,000 appropriated by the :