The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-10-03
Say Majors
Used State
Property y
Affidavits Allege Peru Nor
NAL Chairman Used States
Material and Workmen
for Private Gain.
"Rule or Rum Claimed
Special Dispatch to The Omaha Bee.

Special Dispatch to The Omaha Bee.
Lincoln. Oct. 2.-Disappointed at
the failure of Governor Charles w.
Bryan to comply with requests of the
Farmers union. Peru citizens, poll.
ticians and discharged teachers from
the Peru state normal school to call
for the discharge OF Col. Tom Majors.
chairman oe the state normal board.
J. o. Shroyer OF Humboldt, represen-
tatiye of the Farmers union, today
made public charges against Colonel
Majors which have been in the hands
of Governor Bryan for months. These
charges, briefed, follow:
THAT sand, coal, cement and build
Ing material purchased for improve
ments at the state normal were
diverted to the private premises of
Colonel Majors and satisfactory ac-
counting for payment by Colonel
Majors is not recorded.
That workmen paid by state vouch-
ers for repairing buildings at the
state normal school were relayed to
Colonel Majors premises to make i'm
provements on the colonels private
property.
That Colonel Majors. who is 50
years old. is in his dotage.
That he maintains rule or ruin"
policy in handling affairs OF the state
normal school.
Affidavits Produced
Charges that Colonel Majors used
state workmen for private gain are
substantiated by affidavits signed by
WILLIAM NJ. swartzwelder. A. L. Fish
er. Charles J.. Tasler, Harold Brown
and Carroll Lewis. These men were
all employed by the state and their
affidavits are to the effect that they
were sent to the Majors premises to
work
The story about the coal was dug
up by State Representative James
Auten of Peru. during the last session
of the legislature when Auten went
to Peru. He questioned Colonel
Majors there under oath and copies
Of the dispositions are included. show
ing that while Colonel Majors paid. for
state coal, there was no accurate
Weighing of the amount delivered TO
the colonel.
Cavincss Writes Letter.
The lumber story is another bit OF
Auten's work during his visit TO Peru.
After Auten made the investigation
relative to the lumber used by tho
colonel he received the following let
ter from A. l.. Caviness, former pres
ident of the Peru state normal school:
Relative to matter OF second hand
lumber from the old gymnasium
floor used on the tenant house north
of town.
ION taking this matter up with Mr..
Gray. the tenant. I find that he got
the lumber himself and did not pay
for H.
This is to inform you that Colonel
Majors has handed this office check
for s25. representing market value of
tho lumber. and the matter has been
properly recorded on the books OF this
institution
Permit me TO add that Mr.. Al
Hays. who was in charge OF the
wrecking and remodeling Of the old
gymnasium and who was superin-
tendent of grounds and buildings.
died about year ago. Mr.. Hays
must have overlooked handing a
statement of the amount TO Colonel
Majors. This, l think, clears the
matter"
Rule or Ruin" Charged.
The rule or ruin" charge is based
upon discharge OF several teachers
from the state normal school follow.
ing resignation OF A. l.. Caviness.
president. under fire. It is claimed
by the anti Majors faction that spite.
rather than economy and efficiency.
prompted the discharge.
Majors trouble promises 10 be the
subject of some action by tn estate
normal board at its next meeting.
scheduled TO be held at Fremont Octo-
ber s. The board, when charges were
first launched. was reported to be
standing steadfastly behind Colonel
Majors
The only action taken TO date by
Governor Bryan has been TO announce
that he desired TO talk individually
with members OF tho board TO get
their version of the affair.