The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-09-23
BANKSPAYINC
CLERK 4 BONUS
UPON DEPOSITS
Mr.. Preise Admits Practice. But
Board Refuses to Pass COndem-
natOry Resolution
Especial to The Argus.)

Aledo, Sept. ga resolution
presented at this mornings session
of the Mercer county board OF SUI
pervisors, presented by Supervisor
Frank McCutchin Of Ohio Grove
township, condemning the alleged
practice of G. A. Freise, county
treasurer, for accepting interest or
bonus from bankers in the county
for county funds deposited in their
hanks, failed to pass. The vote was
IL to 2 against the passing OF the
resolution. J. c. Keilman OF Sea
ton and Frank McCutchin of Ohio
Grove were the only supervisors
voting in favor of the passage or
the resolution.
Further wrangling developed at
this mornings session of the board
when Supervisor McCutchin again
brought up the question Of the
county treasurer accepting interest
on money belonging TO the county.
Following the reading of the reso-
lutions condemning this practice,
Supervisor Johnson objected to
such a statement on the ground
that no proof had been presented
that the county treasurer did col
lect interest on money deposited.
Supervisor Keilman moved that the
resolution be adopted and Super
visor Mack seconded the motion.
Supervisor P G. Parker objected
again on the grounds that no proof
of the treasurer's dishonesty had
been laid before the board. After
considerable debate it was decided
to send for Mr.. Freise and let the
members of the board question him
if thew desired. When questioned,
Mr.. Frefse admitted that he had re-
ceived bonus from various hanks,
but denied that this was in the
form of interest or as a part OF MS
salary. He also denied that his ac-
ceptance of the bonus was queS- /
tionable or Illegal, challenging any
member of the board to produce a !
law which would show the prac-
tice to be illegal. Following con-
siderable discussion between mem
bers of the board, it was decided &c
put the passing of the resolution
to 3 vote. Only two supervisors
McCutchin and Keilman, voted in
favor of the passing Of the resOlu-
ton. The failure to pass the reso-
luton practically generates Mr..
Freise from the charges made
Supervisor C. A. Botes again
brought up the question of recon-
sidering the request of the home
bureau for an appropriation. Su-
pervisor Keiln1an objected to re-
considering the matter. but when
put to a vote the home bureau was
given an appropriation CT $500. |
The vote was to 4 in favor of the
motion.
It was voted at today's session to
call for bids on county printing
purchases for the ensuing year. and |
a committee, composed of Super |
visors Church, Parker and John |
son, was appointed by Chairman !
Sharer to have sole charge of the !
letting of such contracts. Super
visor Church was named chairman
of this committee. !
A motion was made by Suner-
visor Keilman TO have the refund !
ing of an overcharge on last years /
assessment list publication as made .
by the Times-RecOrd company of /
Aledo entered upon the minutes Of
the board meeting and made mat |
ter of public record. MIR. KeiIman /,
withdrew his motion when County !
Clerk f. ~ Gibson explained that !
the amount Of the oyercharge,
$12510. was repaid the county as |
ordered and that the transaction
would be a matter OF record as de- |
sired