The Paducah evening sun., 1910-03-10
Iiquidators Overworkcd.

ing politicians. t
Liquidators Overworkcd.
The chamber of deputies Is not In
session at present, but interpretations
are expected in the senate. The gov
ernment. while admitting that the
task set for the liquidators was too
large, IN one case a single liquidator
having charge OF the disposal OF the
property OF seyenty-four congrega-
tions, declares that when the report
OF irregularities was first bruited two
years ago IL did It's full duty by re-
llevlng some OF the liquidators OF a
part of the work. calling for their
accounts and appointing an investi-
eating commission, Of which former
Premier Combes was president, be-
sides initiating the legal investiga-
tlons which resulted in the arrest Of
Duese.
Duese was what is known as an
"ofncial receiver" which is a sort OF
branch OF the magistracy. In addi-
tion to his deficit in the congregation
accounts. the liduldator admits that
he is short 5000 900 In connection
with other affairs confided to his
charge. He had the management Of
the liquidation for 13 congregations,
involving more than 100 900 docu-
ments and accounts. These are in
such confusion that it is impossible to
determine accurately the total of his
defalcation, which may greatly ex-
ceed the $1,000, 900 originally esti-
mated.
Besides the admitted shortage
Duese is charged with having pocket
ed rake offs for aiding a genealogist,
who acted as his accomplice. The
eenealogist sought out the heirs to
the funds which had been left TO the
congregations. many Of whom were
living at distant points and ignorant
OF the fact that they were entitled
to recover anything. From these he
obtained contracts. IL is alleged,
through which they relinquished to
the gencalogist for SERVICES oo per
cent of what was due.
II is believed that the scandal will
prove 20 have had wide ramlfication.
The Eclair cites other evidences of
crooked practice. in which II Is alleg-
ed that Duese or his agents corrupt
~ bargained for commission on
LAWYERS fees. which in same cases,
Il is claimed. we're excessive. M.
Delasalle and NJ. Brunei are the other
two principal liquidators, and NJ. Sar-
raute. NJ. Lemery, Albert Clemenceau
and NJ. Millerand, new minister of
public works, posts and telegraphs,
are mentioned by the Eclair as
among the attorneys who appeared
before the courts in cases conducted
by Duez.
The cabinet considered the AFFAIR
at a meeting and decided to detail
auditors from the ministry OF finance
to inspect all OF the accounts. and
also TO place an inspector from the
ministry at the disposition of the
court which is investigating Duez.
The iatter's house has been searched
and his safe deposit box at his bank
placed under seals.
The papers submitted to the SEN
ate commission by NJ. Combes show
that Duez's defalcation approximates
$4,000 900. During a discussion OF
the affairs by the commission the pub
lie prosecutor was severely censured
for not having acted more promptly
and the commission was unanimous
in an expression that a fatal mistak,
was made in confding so many case,
to a single liquidator. NJ. Lecouter
Ter had fifty-six cases, NJ. Mango tel
and NJ Duez thirteen.
The commission adopted resolu
tions providing for an investigation
OF the circumstances surrounding thu
appointment and retention OF Due
and inviting the government to hav,
all of the accounts OF the liquldator
audited by the ministry Of finance.