Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-03-07
Communicated.

Editor REGISTER ne writer reefs sorry
to again fill your columns with contro-
versy as to the towns financial statement
published last spring, but in view OF some
published statements and differences made
by one who knows nothing OF the Sub
jcct, and, like some others, is proceeding
on faith alone, feel it necessary TO ex-
plain the councils latest action.
In lengthy statement published some
fine ago. the treasurer said: "ln con-
clusion, let me say to S. and all others OF
his kind, that whenever he desires any
information, ETC., let him come before the
council in session, and information will
be given or-he will be referred TO COM
mittee." Well, made my appearance
several times and mailed registered re-
quest. but evidently some committee that
never meets was handling my request
probably some of the members who are
not allowed to get beyond the "Second
the motion" stage.
The writer then made all arrangements
for a mandamus from the court. This
seemed to alarm the town officials, and
through the corporation attorney an ar
rangement was made for the books to be
seen. One OF them was in an incomplete
state, the footings not all being made.
The orders passed last year tailed with
a list given by former recorder. Although
il was said to be "phantom OF dis
eaSed brain in the swelled head oil the
writer" something like fifteen amounts
were paid out by the treasurer without
order OF the council. Eight hundred dol
lars was borrowed, the proceeds OF two
notes being jotted down lightly with
lead pencil, and interest and repayment
OF same was made without any written
authority OF the council, although it could
not have legally been given.
The treaSurer's book totaled IS, lI9.OO,
and the published statement &,5O3.OO.
As to the four items making up the $lZ Is
order, no order for these several amounts
was shown, and the stub OF the order
examined last spring by several gentle
men was found scratched and noted,
postage supplies, etc. take notice, OF
postage being the principal item In an
order issued month after organization.
Several times the officials were asked as
to the two 86-Cent items, and only one
order was found for that amount, so isn't
il a repeater?
The sergeant had receipts from the
treasurer Tor ~, 25O.7O, beside the public
corporation taxes, oul the amount on the
treasurer's oook was $2,2ll .65 counting
two dollar difference. ne has kindly
given him credit for $3905 this year,
lnankS 10 the agitation. he writer mas IN
his possession cneCK Tor Sll.UO gwen
IN electric reoale, and he defleS them TO
show II on ms sworn statement, ana
cou,d lind no evidence OF II III last years
book-It may come along TINS year.
Ii was found thai YIo2.UO OF unpaid
orders were not published aS indroIeu-
ness, as PROVIDED by law; one OF these
orders issued over d year ago seems mol
pdlu yet. Wnen Oetore aid council
mere 20 out OF office not Paying It's Sal
ares Ii Is likely to happen again soon.
IusI few nlUnlnS previous 10 borrowing
$50, I'VE $IUU oonuS not due until 1913
were reeueemed at $iO2 each; these
were al IL per cent interest, so The
money Stood IL per Cent, and per
cent was PAID OH amount porrowed-suIt
vi IrenZIeu tindnce.
Now aS 10 Inc filty-dollar hour-and-a-
hall audit, mysIerlously ordered anu mIue,
II Is not eveh on the record suppose
II Is Tor private use. MS seems ~ &c
the keystone vi their contention now:
iney have quit 0etcnuing the puoilSneo
statement, Allowing II was wrong, diiu
defend Inc books. IL would DC hulliildl-
ing 10 have those coming ALTER Us kno"
thai no one IN this town seemed cdpdole
vi auditing lis simple accounts. II Inc
former IIedSureTS had any SuCn trouoie,
Wish they would Say SO.
A statement vas made that according
10 some VINO had interviewed the wTitei
Inc >boukS were Iuund correct. One town,
ofnclal was tUlu l1dt the DOCKS sustained
my contentious, and he Wanted ME 10
SHOW him now. We'll Is II remembered
mat ne SAID 10 the writer that he cuuiu
not understand the statement, out ne ildu
the worn VI the treasurer mat It Was cor
rect. 80 it would have oeen washing
time. Let them get some partial ana
impartial citizens together, and | viii
convince them thai the statement wds
incorrect and ridiculous.
he DOCKS should snow general BAL
ance OF $yU7.03 due the town from oil
sources al the end vi last Year; the State
ment shows Si6O.4l. Lei US nave puo-
liz explanation Of the difference. No"
the writer Is accused OF being political
gameSter anu trying TO emOarrdSS Inc
present administration, If this Is possible.
90 not want to indulge in personalities
line people know all about every one
OF us. FOR the firSt time in my memory
It was Impossible for taxpayers to see
their own books. a lawful night, and IL
was necessary to 60 10 court 10 get II.
1t certainly snoulu oellltle the present Oh
ncials in the eyes OF well-tnlnKing per-
sons. 10 take up all the discrepancies
would take several columns. | Was de-
lermlned TO see the BOOKS, and hope nov
any taxpayer can see them wnen ne
wants And IN Inc meanwhile the writer
would like to meet the council and some
citlzenS jointly and see VINO IS VINO, and
see how muCn is grapevine information.
S.