The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-03-25
.SH0R TAGE In
HIS ACCOUNTS
IS ALLEGED
Is Claimed TO Have Occurred
While He Was Divide
Co. Court Clerk
LA NGERIS NSEL
Warrant Is Served at Minot
TOday-Hearing Set For
April 6 at Crosby

Arrest of X. W. Frazier, chairman
OF the Republican state central COM
nuttcc. in connection with an alleged
shortage in his accounts rs clerk Of
court in Divide county was scheduled
Tor Minot today. according to Harold
Hopton, manager of the state bond
ing department.
In telephone conversation with
the Divide county sheriff last night
Frazier, who was in Bismarck on bus
mess. was told that a warrant had
been issued for his arrest. He left
Immediately for Minot to surrender
to the Divide county officer there.
Frazier was accompanied by Attorney
William LANCER Of Bismarck, who
will represent him.
Frazier was clerk Of court for
Divide county from January l, 1923
to January /, 1925. The shortage
was uncovered during examination
Of the records of his office made by
Deputy State Examiner r. w. Ken
nard at the request Of States Attor-
new Olaf Braatelicn Of Divide coun-
ty"
Persecution" Says Frazier
In talking with friends here last
night Frazier explained that during
his term Of office he gave little per-
sonal attention to the work and that
most Of it was handled by a woman
deputy. He is confident that she did
nothing Intentionally dishonest, he
says, hut fears that she may have
incorrectly listed items which were
properly creditablc to the county.
Frazier said that in his view the pro-
sccution is actuallysa political per-
secution by his enemies.
AMOUNT INVOLVED
is PLACED AT $lS6
w. Frazier Of Crosby, Nonpartisan
league chairman Of Tie Republican
state central committee, was arrest
red in MinOt today on a charge OF
cmbezzlcmcnt, preferred in Divide
county, where he was formerly clerk
Of district court. and where he now
is candidate for nomination as
sheriff. He is alleged to have en-
bezzled $lS6 of fees which he collect
ed as clerk Of district c::y-.
Frazier furnished bonds Of 81 900
and demanded a preliminary hearing.
which will be held at Crosby on
April 6. Judge L. J. Halda of Minot
has been appointed as special assist
ant states attorney Of Divide county,
at the request Of States Attorney
Olaf Braatclien, to prosecute Frazier.
Frazier was nt Bismarck when the
warrant was issued and made ar
rangemcnts to meet Sheriff W. J.
Hayes Of Crosby in Mi:.ct, where the
warrant was served today.
Attorney William LANCER Of Bis
marck. counsel for Frazier, declared
that although Frazier may be
bound over for trial, he will receive
complete vindication, no matter when
and where the trial is held. Mr..
Frazier has accounted for every
penny belonging to Divide county"
Mr.. Langcr declared.
I'VE are demanding preliminary
examination which by stipulation be-
tween myself and Judge Palda has
been set for April at Crosby" Mr..
LANCER said in "a statement TO the
Minot Daily News.
Frazier Demanded Examination
"Mr. Frazier was clerk of district
court Of Divide county for six years.
During that time his office was
checked by the county commissioners
eight times, and by the bank exam
iner's department at Bismarck six
times. At no time until after Mr..
Frazier became candidate for sheriff
had there been the slightest rumor.
even, against the honesty and inte-
gritty of Mr.. Frazier.
"Immediately after he became
candidate for sheriff. some Of his
political enemies apparently got busy.
Mr.. Frazier for the last two weeks
has been hearing rumors that he was
short. As soon as these rumors
came to Mr.. Frazier, he sent tele-
gram to States Attorney Braatelien
of Divide county, insisting and de-
manding that his office be checked
for the entire period.
"The charge against Mr.. Frazier is
of course ridiculous, and while
he may be bound over for
but he will receive complete vindica-
ton, no matter when and where the
trial may be held.
Every Penny Accounted For
"Mr. Frazier has accounted for
every penny belonging to Divide
county.
There is feeling on the part of
Mr.. Frazier's friends that this ar
rest, coping as it does just seven
days before the Republican state con-
vention for the purpose of nominat-
ing Republican candidate for Unit
ed States senator for short term.
is. brought with view of getting MIN
discredited before the convention
meets.
"Mr. Frazier. however. will be at
the convention, preside at it, and
will be successful in protecting the
policies Of the Republican party
there, just as he has been successful
in protecting the interests Of the
taxpayers of Divide county. Mr..
Frazier will not drop out Of the race
for sheriff Of Divide county, but will
go before tn, people Of his county
and seek complete vindication."
SHE'S WELL CLOTHED
Dover, Eng.A woman found to be
wearing nine suits Of silk unde rweaP