Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 2 April 1897 — Page 9

Uvo

5,000

Only a Matter of Clothes

127 North Wushington St.

Prescription Druggists, Tlie Biuford Corner.

The above are portraits of a famous

actor in two roles. They serve to

show.7that while clothes do not make

the man, they go along way towards

it. If you intend to buy a suit you

want to feel certain that you will get

100 cents of value for every dollar in­

vested. You

MAY

do this at other

stores you are certain to do it at ours.

Our Spring line (made at our own

factory) is now ready. It will be to

your advantage to call and see them

before buying

THE AMERICAN

Manufacturing Clothiers,

Corner Mam and Green Sts., Crawfordsviile, Ind.

A LO N S

mm

For durability, up-to-dateness, style and price they defy competition. High grade manufacture.

THE DOVETAIL COMPANY

THE CELEBRATED EAGLE CLAW CULTIVATOR.

Is required in buying- good articles'"of some value. It is for this reason that we here drop a hiut to those contemplating the purchase of a now vehicle or wagon this Spring. Seethe

Dovetail Piano Body^"Surrey, Phaeton and ^__Road Wagon Bodies

now in use in Montgomery county. Better this year than ever. Call and

the new improvements. Largest lino of farm implements In Orawfordsville. Three kinds breaking plows. Four kinds of Corn Planters. I

HOULEHAN & QUILLIN. I

WOOD STAINS, FLOOR PAINT,

Varnishes, Paste Paints, White Lead,

Raw Oil, Boiled Oil, Brushes, White

Wash Brushes, Muresco Wall Finish.

Whifenack & Cotton.

see

AN INVESTIGATION STARTED REGARDING JOHN GOBEN'S CONDUCT AS AUDITOR.

Ail

I

VOL. 50-NO. 14 CRAWFOKDSYILLE, INDIANA, FRIDAY, Al'IUL 2, 1897-TWELYE PAGES. PART SECOND

PKCl'LIAK PRACTK-KS

varnished Statement Relevant to Some Very Singular and Illegal Acts of His Miseiahle Administration as Auditor.

Some months ago it was announced through the JOURNAL that an effort was being made by a certain attorney to have the county commissioners refund to the tax payers of Crawfordsviile and Union township a surplus left in the county treasury of a special tax collection in 1891, '92, '!I3, for the purchase of toll roads. The Hoard of Commissioners demurred at first, but the attorney making the claim persisted, claiming that more than S9,000 had been collected than was necessary for that purpose, whereupon the Board consented to the refunding of $5,185.22, asserting that the Auditor's settlements at that time showed only that much left on hand. As this did not satisfy the attorney he began an investigation to determine what the receipts and expenditures of that fund have been. The following is the result as shown by the Recorder: Total tax collected, less Treasurers' fees, 843,708 15. Treasurer's fees for collecting, 8441.48, making total tax paid, S44.149.03. The aggregate contract price for the toll roads was only 828,432.00. This was the appraised value, accepted by the owners of the toll ioids, and the price at which the taxpayers voted for their purchase. As the law authorizing their purchase permitted the county to use bonds, the county commissioners issued bonds bearing 6 per cent., due in two, three, four and five years, for the aggregate price of 828,432.00. The total interest on the bonds issued was 85,980.73, up to the time they were due. An additional sum of 870 29 on bonds paid after due made the aggregate amount of bonds and interest 834,483.02, thus leaving a balance of 89,650.61 collected for the purchase of the roads. As the

Auditor's and Treasurer's reports showed only 85,1S5 32, a difference of 84,471.29 must haye disappeared from the fund. Where it has gone is a a matter the attorney who has quietly made an investigation, declines at present to fully disclose.

The startling part of his investigation is that ex-Auditor John L. Goben, the promoter and founder of a Manual Labor Col'egein Eastern 1'linois, drew on warrants in his favor from the County Treasurer during his eight years' incumbency as County Auditor the sum of S51,310 23, as shown by the records of disbursements, and that of t'aia amount SI,975.25 was drawn on the Union township toll roads fund. It is claimed by the attorney that any and all allowances out of that fund made by the Board 'of Commissioners, except for the payment of bonds and interest are illegal and wrongful, because the law authorizing the collection of the fund provides that such fund shall be used only for the purpose of paying the bonds issued for the purchase of such roads, and the interest on the bonds and a claim is still pending for the return of the entire sum of 89,056 61 above mentioned.

But the more surprising revelation is that no record, either on thcallowance docket or the commissioners' records, can be found whereby Goben was authorized to draw specific warrants in his favor out of the Union township funds for 8790 of the S1,S25 h& obtained from it. Still other surprising facts are, that of the entire 851,316.23 drawn out on warrants in favor of Goben, warrants aggregating 88,553.06 appear to have been drawn, either without proper claims having b§en filed, or without any record of such allowance on the commissioners' records that could be found.

It has already been made public that the common school fund was badly mismanaged by Goben during his incumbency. To what amount he has profited thereby has never been disclosed. As regards that fund an attempt at a compromise was effected on Jan. 17, 1897, by the repayment to the county by Goben of 81,700. This could not, however be legally done, since the statute by section 7913 R. S. '94, absolutely prohibits the legality of such compromises. It might as well be stated that the records of the auditor's ollice have been miserably kept during Goben's incumbency, and the four volumes of commissioners' records made during his two* terms of office are in a very unsatisfactory condition. As the law regulating the auditor's income

for his services during Goben's incumbency limits his salary for the service rendered to the county to a fixed sum according to the population of the county and to 1 per cent, per annum for handhug the school fund, it will be very difficult for the tax-payers to understand how Goben's income from the ollice for eight years could well exceed 830.000, and the query therefore is, what laws allow him to receive and retain the other 820,000V

It is ascertained that larger claims were filed by Goben for services in connection with free gravel roads, for stamps, stationery and incidentals than ever was known. It also appears that during his incumbency certificates of erroneous taxation, amounting to more than 83,000, without clearly specifying who was erroneously taxed, were issued to the treasurer. This is in addition to such certificates of erroneous taxation as properly specify who is erroneously taxed, and on what property the tax was erroneous.

In view of all these facts, it seems that a careful examination, without regard to political influence, will be demanded by the tax-payers.

Already it is a settled thing that two or three citizens will appear before the county commissioners, probably next week and demand that an investigation be made of the matter. In case it is not promptly taken up the whole thing will be placed before the grand jury.

GOBEN'S METHODS.

A 31 oro Kxplieit Statement Regarding Those Fake Certificates of Krroneous Taxation.

The JOURNAL'S statement on Saturday of the methods of John L. Goben while auditor, caused much comment People were aware that his administration had been rotten, but were not aware that his illegal methods were so extensive. Some considerable inquiry has been made regarding those certificates of erroneous taxation, many people not exactly understanding the matter. Below are samples of the two kinds of certificates of erroneous taxation ex-auditor John L. Go ben issued during his official career as auditor:

AUDITOR'S OFFICE. 82.18

CRAWFOHDSVILLK, Ind., April 6, 1895 This certifies that (naming the party erroneously assessed) is improperly churged on the tax duplicate of 1894 with erroneous penalty. Charged with 8170 and 1 poll. Erroneous (In full for year). Treasurer will deduct four dollars.

Township No., Union. Duplicate No 1752. JOHN L. GOREN,

Auditor Montgomery Co.

Such errors as the above are liable to occur, and the tax law, by section 6421 gives the auditor authority to issue such a certificate after the tax duplicates have been made out and turned ovef to the county treasurer, The certificate is given to the treasurer at the time it is issued and turned back to the auditor at the time of semi-annual settlement as an offset to the charge against the treasurer. The whole amount of such certificates issued by Goben will foot up to several thousands of dollars. Those alluded to in Saturday's JOUKN'XI. were drawn in the following form:

AUDITOR'S OFFICE. 811.19

CKAWFOKDSVILIJi, Ind., 18!)-. This certifies that Treasurer is improperly charged on the tax duplicate of 1S95 with erroneous tax.

Treasurer will deduct 11 19-100 dollars. JOHN L. GOHEN, Auditor Montgomery Co.

Township No. —. Duplicate No. —. Of course the treasurer would get the same benefit of such a certificate in making settlements with the auditor as he would of the certificate properly filled out, but as no reference is made to any duplicate number, or to any township, and nothing else in the certificate designates what the erroneous taxes consist of, and as these alone amount to more than 83,300, the whys and wherefores of their being given is a matter for serious inquiry. Ordinarily the aggregate amount of the certificates of erroneous taxation will not exceed two hundred dollars per year but an abuse of the power given to the auditor by the law affords him and the tax payer of "inliuence" an opportunity to cheat the county out of thousands of dollars of taxes. The query is, did Goben abuse this power? If so, how much has the county lost by it, and who has been the gainers?

It is stated by Goben's attorneys that when he compromised with the commissioners that he was given absolution from all further trouble and liability and that not merely from trouble which might be occasioned him by his rascality in handling the school funds. This, however will not prevent an investigation being pushed.

FOH posters see THX JOUHHAJL

0o.»

PBIHTKBS.

GOOD TO LEAVE ALONE.

A ilie (ii'l-Uich-Ouirk IMuns Flooding Hie Country.

This country is being Hooded with circulars from so called "get-rich-quick" companies, with headquarters in New York, and the fever of speculation is growing with such alarming rapidity that many thousands of dollars monthly are being forwarded to New York to be invested in such wildcat speculations as will figive promise of speedy returns. New companies are constantly entering this territory, all with the same alluring specifications, in which they claim«to transact a general speculative business known as discretionary or pool operations, which are certain to yield substantial profits, in some instauces as high as 42 per cent.

Many inquiries have teen addressed to commercial agencies relative to the standing of these so called "get-rich-quick" companies, but in no instance has anything been learned indicating any degree of responsibility—and although banks and trust institutions have thrown out warnings, still the fever has grown until some investors have as much as 810,000 in the practically unknown concern.

Recently these companies have been doing much advertising throughout the territory, and the competition is getting very sharp, still the investors refuse to heed advice and continue to forward remittances. Hundreds of people hereabouts have received cir culars outlining these plans, and un less the people here are wiser than they are elsewhere numerous victims have been gathered in from this vi cinity.

Now Garnishee Law.

In addition to passing the quart shop, dog, fish and a few other laws, the Legislature amended the garnishee act of 1881 so as to make it lively for justice courts and debtors. Under the amendment a householder is entitled to 825 exemption as long as he continues in the employ of an individual, firm or corporation, but the unmarried 'man has no exemption. By this change in the law the only married men who are garnishee proof are those who earn 825 or less a month and are paid by the week. All married men who are paid by the month and receive over 825 a month are liable to become acquainted with tUe operationsof the law. In addition to the exemption, there are some changes in the proceedings

Civil action must precede the garni shee but no writ or affidavit in attach ment is required.

A Mean Man.

Nancy J. Elmore has entered suit for divorce against John Elmore to whom she was married in 1875. She alleges in her complaint that he made a practice of cursing and beating her and that he frequently reviled her in the presence of her seven daughters making cruel charges against her which were wholly without warrant Nancy states that John's father worth 820,000, to a portion of which John will fall heir. John is strong and able to work and she asks that he contribute to the support of the chil dren, of whom she wishes the custody For herself she asks suitable alimony and a decree of divorce.

A Heavy l.oss.

Jimmie Watson has received a piece of very bad news from his home in Glasgow, Scotland. Last Friday a cablegram reached him stating that owing to the terrible storms at sea in the last fortnight twelve of the last load of twenty-eight horses he shipped had died on shipboard, entailing a loss of about 82,700. In this load were all the fast horses he purchased at the Terre Haute sales not long ago. He does not yet know, of course, how many of them perished. The sixteen that pulled through the voyage arrived in bad shape.

Double Taxation.

Insurance men and holders of insurance policies are beginning to show active interest in the new tax assessment blanks, which call for returns on paid-up and cash surrender insurance. Concentrated action is suggested by some of the agents, while others think every fellow should fight his case for himself. There is a similar strain to the talk of all the agents as to the question of a double taxation.

•WeililiiiK Anniversary.

The fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Stout was celebrated on Suaday at their residence on west Pike street. A large number of their German friends were present and a most enjoyable evening was passed in social chat, cards and feasting. A happier crowd never assembled under one roof before than these jolly Germans, and unconfined joy pranced around till a late hour.

Poster for .April.

April will come in with a decided change to warmer in all western parts of the country. Moon is new on the first and a regular storm peiiod is central on the 2d. Earth is still in its vernal equinox perturbations. From about Friday the 2d to Sunday 4th look for the passage of a warm wave and numerous storms, attended by h&iL and thunder. From about the 8th to 10th there will bo a marked return to warmer and falling barometer, ending iu more storms of rain, hail and that from about the 13th to 18th the probabilities are strong for many and violent storms. The indications are that warm, threatening conditions will prevail for several days and that the crisis will fall not far from the 17th.

Nothing worse than severe April showers, with hail and thunder mav occur at this tune. From the 20th to 22d falls a reactionary period of change and storm. Heavy April showers with hail in many places will be very natural. Sharp change to cooler will come after the storms with frost very probable in the central and northern States. The last storm period for the month is central on the 25th and covers the 24th to 28th. Storms of this period will culminate not far from the 27th, that is, in the center of the Mississippi valley and sections east of this region. Change to quite cool will follow after the storms of this closing period, bringing high barometer and fair, pleasant weather for the closing days of April.

i»UHo Hall Gossip.

Earned runs this season will be fewer than ever. They will have to be earned in every 6ense of the word, as base hits alone will entitle them to figure against a pitcher. This change in the rules is solely in the interest of pitchers. Heretofore stolen bases, sacrifice hits and fly-outs have all been allowed to contribute to earned runs. A batsman could force a runner out at second, steal that base himself, go to third on a sacrifice hit and be batted in, earning his run. Or he could steal second and third and crme home on a long lly, thus chalking up an earned run against the pitcher. This season, under the new rale, he must make the circuit on clean hitting to earn his run. Where no error contributes to the run it would seem that it ought to go as earned. This was the condition under the old rule, which was eminently fair to all pitchers. The average of earned runs per game under the new rule will be very low. Of course, after chances have been given to retire the side there can be no earned runs, no matter how much clean hitting follows.

A Surplusage of Applieants. Supt. Zuck conducted the regular monthly examination for applicants for teachers' license at the Central school building Saturday. He had a larger number of applicants present than at any other examination during his eight years administration, there being 105 aspirants present. Of these ninety-six took the examination for regular license, eight for primary license and one for life license.

Never before has the county superintendent had so much work on handB as now. He had seventy-live applicants last month, 105 this month and has besides the manuscripts of 246 candidates for graduation to examine. All parties interested are clamoring for a statement of their grades and it looks as though a deputy would have to be appointed to assist the superintendent for a season. Some relief of this kind will have to be given if the manuscripts are to be graded before the summer season.

A State Meeting for Crawfortlsvillo. The State Association of Expert Swine Breeders will meet at Winchester next August and at that time will fix the' place of their next annual meeting. The association will have a very cordial invitation from the swine breeders of Montgomery county and from the Crawfordsviile Commercial Association to hold their meeting for 1898 here if the proper steps are taken. Before long a call will be published in the JOURNAL for a conference of the swine breeders for the purpose of pushing this matter.

ltattle Creek Klectrie Car Line. Lafayette Courier: The promoters of the Battle Ground electric railway held a meeting at Battle Ground last night and adopted articles of association. The capital stock is S50.000 and the shares are quoted at S25 apiece. Stock will now be solicited and within a week or ten days the directors will be selected, after which comes the election of officers. The road is now almost an assured fact, everything working smoothly and in perfect harmony with the plans of those interested.