The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1910-10-27
CHARGES SHORTAGE.
Robert E. Brice, of Columbia, Ar.
rested Last Wednesday.

Columbia, Oct. 19.-Mr. Robert E.
Brice, manager of the Columbia Grain
and Provision Company, No. 715
West Gervais street was arrested by
Magistrate JAS H. Fowles, Jr., Wed
nesday morning, at his home, No.
1915 East Gervais street, upon war
rant, sworn out by Mr.. Bunyan r.
Cooner, proprietor of the Grain anc
Provision Company, charging breach
of trust with fraudulent intent" to
the amount of Approximately S10,-
00O."
As soon as the warrant had been
sworn out, Constable R. O. Thackam
was sent to the Brice home to serve
it. He found Mr.. Brice in bed and
so reported to Magistrate Fowles.
The later summoned a physician and
went himself to Mr.. Brice's residence.
The physician reported that examina-
ton of Mr.. Brice failed to reveal
condition so serious as to make SER
vice of the papers perllous.
Granted $4,000 Bond.
Before it became necessary, how
ever, to proceed in the matter, Messrs.
A. E. King and H. G. Werts offered
bail. The sum Mr.. Fowles fixed at
s2,5OO, and the bond was soon signed.
The officers left Mr.. Brice in bed.
Mr.. R. Beverly Sloan, attorney for
Mr.. Brice, was seen at his law office,
No. 1928 Washington street, and
asked if he cared to make statement
in behalf of his client, for publication.
"We have nothing to say" he re-
piled, "at this time
Hammond Packing Company.
Mr.. Brice was also connected with
the Hammond Packing Co., (whole-
sale,) for which Mr.. B. R. Cooner is
Columbia agent. Mr.. Cooner had
charge of the sales and Mr.. Brice re-
ceipted to him for payments due the
company. An official of the packing
company informed Mr.. Fowles, in
response to an inquiry, that his con-
Germ had no charges to bring against
Mr.. Brice, as Mr.. Brice was bonded
to them and they would look to the
bonding company for their protec-
ton, in case the interests of the
Hammond Packing Company should
be found to have been affected by
the alleged shortage.
Covers Six Months Period.
Mr.. Cooner reported that in his
opinion the alleged shortage covers
period of about six months. No
definite period is mentioned in the
warrant, however. Mr.. Cooner
claims that payments made on ac-
count by customers were not credit
ed to them on the books, so that in
many cases the books exhibit a. large
debit, where the real debit was small
or the account had been settled alto
gether., It was through the discov-
cry, according to Mr.. Cooner, that a
customer who apparently owed him
about $1,000 really owed him less
than s100, that Mr.. Cooner's suspi-
cions we're aroused.
Member of Fairfield Family.
Mr.. Brice is member of an old
and distinguished Fairfield family.
He has lived in Columbia for years
and has the affection and high es-
TEEN of very many people. His
friends were greatly surprised by the
news of the proceedings against him,
and utterly refuse to believe that he
has been guilty of any Intentional ir-
regularities in his accounts. A num-
Der of intimate friends hurried to his
rescue Wednesday on learning of the
issuance of the warrant and offered
bail or any service in their power.
Mr.. Brice Consults Son.
Mr.. Cooner having in conference
with Mr.. Brice made known his dis
!, satisfaction with the books, Mr..
Brice went Saturday to Richmond,
to consult with his son, promising
young business man of that city.
The latter came home with him. On
his return the elder Mr.. Brice became
i'll, The institution of the proceed
ings Wednesday came as a surprise
to both father and SON.
Nobody knows what is the real
condition of the business" said the
younger Mr.. Brice. 'Mr. Cooner
does not know; we do not know.
But my father is not thief. We will
show that when our opportunity
comes"
An Insurance Injunction.