The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-03
SHORTAGE FUND AT CITY HALL MOUNTS 2,3s6.8 Another Utility Cheek For Which Company
 Has No Credit PROBE OF ACCOUNT UNEARTHS LEAKAGE No Additional Arrests To Be Made Until Audit
 Is Completed

Shortages in the public improvement department at city hall passed the $16,' 800 mark Saturday, when Comptroller c. E. Armstrong reported to the city commission that an additional $S.S96.S5 was missing and unaccOunted for"
 The new shortage is identical with that for $5,969 uncovered a month ago being represented by a cheek issued by the Birmingham Electric company tC pay a street assessment. The check was dated February 2Ss 1924, and was deposited to the citSis credit five days later. but the money was not entered on the books No receipt for the pay. ment was issued
 Armstrong and Craig Jeffry, his as sistant, said they discovered an un. paid assessment due by the utility and sought to verify the indebtedness. The company prOmptly brought forward its cancelled check. Obviously, the check had been substituted for cash paid on other assessments, but there were ab- soRutely no indications as to who got the money.
 No Arrests Net
 Commission members, in conference decided to call for no further arrests until F. HopkinsOn Smith, certified public accountant, completes his audit of the public improvement books Smith has finished his preliminaries and will begin a sweeping cheek-up Ol Monday.
 All unpaid assessments will be veri' fled by Smith as rapidly as possible the commission members believe other shortages will be brought to light
 The previous shortages uncovered Oc cured while H. Marvin Taylor wal city eOmptrOIIer, but the shortage re veaIed Saturday occurred after Arm strong was promoted from chief elerl in the cOmptrOIler's office to comp trOller-
 .-In view of the previous disclosures the new shortage did not come as sur prise." commented Commission Presi dent D. E. McIendOn. However, VI have full faith in MT. Smiths ability to ascertain exactly where matters stand before he finishes his audit"
 Changes Made
 In reporting the latest development in the chain of shortages to the com mission, Comptroller Armstrong made the important announcement that changes in the system of handling funds in his office have been made. Presi- dent MeLendOn has urged tighten ing up" in the system immediately fol lowing the shortage that turned up last month.
 Armstrong said that under the new system. all checks are listed before be ing sent to the department by which they are to be handled, and that this list is checked regularly against de pOsit slips
 McLendon has asked Auditor Smith to make detailed recommendations con eerning the eity's financial system m his report
 Previous shortages caused the arrest of W. l.. Lehman and w H. Glasgow. Lehman pleaded guilty and was given a prison sentence. Glasgow denies he is guilty, and is now under indictment, awaiting trial.
 A bit of mirth was injected into the commissions conference to receive the latest reports on the series of treasury raids. As the commission members hled in McLendOn's office. City Clerk L.. E. Gray stood near the door.
 Give the password, Gray sand to Commissioner ClOe-
 "Shortase," shot back the safety com missioner. He was admitted.