The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-04-24
DOTHERS KNOW
ABOUT SHORTAGE?
Method Of Handling Accounts in
Collectors Office Subject Of
Speculation.
WOOD MAY QUIT RACE
Salary Feature and Public Cam
paign Render Place Less
Attractive.

Close friends OF Frank w. Cunning
ham expressed the belief yesterday
that he had received no pecuniary
benefit from the recent shortage in
his accounts. but that 1t had been
used to cover old indebtedness: in
other words that the Collector has
been more or less behind for some
time and had used the amounts ro-
Gently refunded by his friends 10
square former transactions. 1t is stated
that funds were raised and the ac-
counts balanced after the investiga-
ton of December. 1909. and that the
COLLECTOR then promised that such
shortage should not continue. Previous
to that he had been reported short
and had sold his house TO raise money
to meet the deficit.
Developments are expected at the
trial tomorrow before Mayor Richard
son. when efforts will be made to as
certain how far the alleged Juggling
of accounts was known TO others than
the Collector himself
WOOD Illus Not Decided.
Superintendent of the Pcnitentiary
j. b. Wood said last night that there
was no change in the situation as re-
CARDS his candidacy. Many of his
friends anticipate that he will with
draw from the race for the collector
ship. since The Council has already
shown its disposition to take advan-
tage of the opportunity TO place the
Office on a salary basis and also since
the appointment b. the Council at
this time is only until the next gen
eral election in November II appoint
ed he would have to go before the
people at n primary in August or Sep
TENDER of this year.
Tho Committee on Ordinance. Char
ter and Reform has already recon-
mended adoption Of resolution in
structing the City Attorney to secure
through Richmond representatives in
the next General Assembly n charter
amendment abolishing the Office after
January l. 1914, and placing the duties
on the City Treasurer. City Treasurer
Pace holds Office until that date. and Is
Ineligible for re- ELECTION. 1t has been
suggested that If the office Of COL
lector be continued as a separate de-
partmcnt Mr.. Pace might then be
candidate.
May Reduce Fees.
Settling tho point raised by Mr..
ITohson at the last meeting of the
board of Aldermen, City Attorney Pol
lard has rendered an opinion to Coun
Gilman John !. Lynch TO the effect
that the Council may at any time
either Increase or diminish the salary
of public officer unless there he some
constitutional provision or Legislative
act prohibiting such increase or
diminntion. There is no such prohibit
tion in the case of the Collector of
Taxes, and MIR. Pollard rules that the
Council has the right at any time
either to increase or diminish hts com
pcnsation. and that the Council may,
In lieu of a commission basis. fix a
stated SALARY. either more or less than
the commissions. Mr. Pollard further
says that the suggestion that the com
pcnsation should not he diminished
during the term of office Is illogical
and without merit.
Entrance of dark horse" Into the
race for the collcctorship Is anticl-
pated, especially should MIR. Wood re
tire, as some Councilmcn have cX-
pressed the view that there should he
complete change in the Collectors
Office that new man not conversant
with cid conditions should take hold.
and for this reason there is opposition
TO Mi Hulcc, although personally he
is popular with the members, and con-
hdcncc is expressed In his ability. VI