The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1921-07-29
SMALL, ILLINOIS
GOVERNOR, HELD
Lieut.; Gov. Sterling and Banker
Vernon Curtis Indicated in
100000 Theft From State.
100000 PLOT ALLEGED
Part Carried In Separate Fund While
Officials Were In Treasury Post,
Grand Jury Says-Governor Tells
People Foes Plot His Fall.

Springfield, Ill..-Warrants we're is
sued for Gov. Len Small, Lieut.. Gov.
Fred e. Sterling and Vernon Curtis,
banker of Grant Park, Ill, following
their indictments on charges of en-
bezzlement, conspiracy and confidence
game through the alleged use of inter-
est on State funds for their personal
gain.
Four indictments were returned.
They covered charges of fraud by the
trio during the terms of Small and
Sterling In the State Treasurer's of
flee between 1917 and 1921.
The first indictment charged the
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and
Curtis Jointly with embezzlement of
100000. A separate indictment
against Small charged him with en-
bezzlement of 100000, while Sterling
individually was charged with en-
bezzlement of 100000. The fourth
ind ctment charges the three with con-
spiracy and confidence game involv-
ing 100000 interest on State funds.
Alleged illegal operations by the
Governor. Lieutenant Governor and
Curtis named in the indictments cen
tered around deposits of State funds
with the Grant Park Bank" held by
the Grand Jury to have been a tic-
titious institution since 1918, when it
ceased to function.
Individual bonds on each Indictment
were fixed at $4,000.
The "Grant Park Bank" established
many years ago by the late Senator E.
G. Curtis and Alonzo Curtis, father Of
Vernon Curtis, although having ceased
to function several years prior to
Small's term as treasurer, was used
by the alleged conspirators as the
agency through which to make loans
Of State funds to Armour & Co. and
Swift 4 Co., Chicago packers, accord
ing to the indictments. Although the
packers notes drew Z and s per cent
interest it is charged that less than
2 per cent was turned into the State
Treasury during the Small and Ster.
ling terms.
Under the law I'm operation then the
State Treasurer was required to obtain
at least 2 per cent on State funds, but
according to Attorney-General Brun-
dage, who pushed the investigation,
the law did not permit the Treasurer
to use for private gain any interest
earnings in excess of per cent
States Attorney Mortimer declined
to indicate the scope Of the testimony
before the Grand Jury, saying 1t would
be used In the court of trial.
AttOrney-General Brundage, poltl-
cal foe of Governor Small, and prime
mover behind the investigation, said
"The Constitution of Illinois says In
plain language that the Treasurer
shall receive for his services his
salary, and that he shall not receive
for his own use any fees. requisites or
other compensation.
1T has been common gossip of !
Springfield for quite a time that the |
iiahhiahS VI AhN BublAN luhuS was u |
business of profit for the officials |
charged with their custody.
"When the new State Treasurer, Ed |
ward L. Miller, brought to my atten- !
ton apparent confirmation of this mis- |
use of public moneys, l deemed ii my |
duty to lay the entire matter before
the States Attorney for preservation to |
the Grand Jury.
''The action of the Grand Jury in re-
turning indictments is the view II took |
Of the sufliciency of this evidence"
Governor Small issued a statement
ito the people of Illinois" declaring his
innocence Of every charge made and !
the charges were the result
Of a conspiracy to accomplish his ''po-
litical assassination"
The Governor said that I'm his efforts
to cut State expenses he had vetoed
of 100000 for the
office Of Attorney General Brundage,
whom he accuses Of heading the move
nent against him