Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1920 — GENERAL AND STATE NEWS [ARTICLE]

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts ot the Country. SHORT BITS OF THE UNUSUAL Happenings In the Nearby Cities ' and Towns —Matters of Minor Mention From Many Localities. IN DIFFICULTY IN THE PAST C < Gary City Clerk Short In Accounts, Say State Examiners. Gary, Nov. 9. —Herbert C. Francis, city clerk, is 34,807.50 short in his accounts, according to a report sent to the state board of accounts today by H. D. Studebaker and C. E. Weybright; examiners, who "have been at work here several weeks. Francis Is serving his second term as city clerk. The report also discloses that there is no bond protecting the city on file. Francis had a bond during his first term. In his first term examiners found a shortage of 3600 in his accounts, but 12 Republican friends, most of whom were city and county officials, put up 350 each and made good the shortage. The bonding company then withdrew from his bond, and as far as can be learned here, Francis has never been required to give a new bond. It Is understood he has promised to make good his latest shortage within 30 days. The examiners also found a shortage of 3600 in the accounts of William Dunn, city judge, it was said. It is understood that Mr. Dunn made good the shortage at once.

The state board of accounts has received from Mr. Studebaker and Mr. Weybrlght reports on the offices of the city clerk of Gary, the city judge of Gary and the Lake county surveyor. Members of the board .declined to say anything about the reports, because under the law the board Is required to give accused officials time to make good any shortages.