Lincoln Times-News from Lincolnton, North Carolina • Page 1

I I I I I I I I I I I I I The Price of This Paper The Price of This Paper is Now $1.00 Per State Library is Now $1.00 Per THE LINCOLN COUNTY Year Year TWICE A WEEK Vol. II. MR. W. E.

GRIGG REPLIES. The Cashier of The County National Bank Takes Up The Gauntlet Thrown Down By Mr. W. W. Motz---Some Interesting Items Which Will Make the Reader "Sit Up and Take Notice." Mr.

publish this reply to an article that appeared in your pa per signed by W. W. Motz, maliciously assailing me as the author of a communication I did not write. And I wish to say right here that The County National Bank was not responsible for it. It was written by a citizen of Lincolnton- -a tax payer, and a patriot more staunch and true than either of those from whose brain eminated this attack on me.

I once heard of an old negro who could neither read nor write; he tacked the Lord's prayer over his bed, and every night when he retired, he would say, "Oh, Lord, dem's my sentiments." I compose my own communication; I do not "tech de pen" and by that act, say, "dem's my sentiments." First: The money that came into my hands as town treasurer was not deposited in The County National Bank against which so much malice has been directed, but in the former Bank of Lincolnton. The statement that I refused to pay "one cent of interest on this $30,000 that I held as town treasurer, is not true. Mr. J. Thos.

McLean, who was then Mayor, and your, present Mayor also, Mr. Edgar Love, both asked me, with several other Aldermen, "Maybe. you can give us some interest on this money?" I told them that the amount being so large, I did not know that we could use it all that way just at that time, but that if they wished to leave it, or a part of it, for a stated time, we would see if it could not be placed so we could pay them some interest on it. But they never agreed to do this, and the matter was dropped. If this was not satisfactory, The First National Bank was here at that time, and why could not the board have ordered a part of it, or all of it for that matter, placed with that bank? The pres: ent board seem (1) to have done this in placing some of the present funds at Gastonia.

I had already resigned as Alderman and treasurer, but on the night that my resignation was read, the Mayor, Mr. J. Thos. McLean, called me up over the 'phone and asked me to remain as treasurer. I told him if that was the pleasure of the board, I would do so.

He said it was the board's desire that I remain. Who was it, a short time after this, that proposed a committee of three be appointed to loan out this $30,000, and stated in rather an appealing way, that it could be loaned to the cotton mills of the town, and finally, he said he knew of one mill that could use it all! That man was W. W. Motz. He called no names but we guessed whom he meant.

I promptly told the Board of Aldermen that if they wished to appoint a committee, composed of Tom, Dick and Harry to take charge of this money, and loan it out promiscuously, they could just bond the committee and release me. The question was never put to a vote, but was dropped like a hot potato. A certain lawyer in the town was present at that meeting, and his countenance gave expression of approval as to what I told that board. Second: -As to my having decided to make the trip to the ing of the American Bankers Association in New York City, whether or not the town paid my expenses, is not true. After they proposed paying my expenses, I did not for some days decide to go.

My Hew to the Line. Let the Chins Fall as they May. $1.00 PER LINCOLNTON, N. 1UESDAY, MARCH 31, 1908. a larger issue at the next meeting of the Legislature.

These parties with whom I talked, agreed with me, for we thought the amount not sufficient to do the working mapped out. am also charged with opposing with all my "might and main" this other issue of bonds, viz: for the erection of the school building. I was not aware that I had got in such good work in so short a time, for not until several days before the appearance of that article against me, had I expressed to anyone how I intend to vote, and that was done to five gentlemen, whom I can name, on the steps of The News office. And I also told them that if they knew what I think I know, they themselves would not vote for this issue, notwithstanding the fact that two, of those gentlemen are connected with the school. Many reasons can be given to justify my course, but it is not necessary here.

The explanation as to, why any of this town money should have been sent to Gastonia- -is misleading. If it is meant to convey the impression that these bonds were sold though The Gastonia Bank, that is, by the Gastonia bank, as is stated in the atattack on me--it is not true, if the statement of the cashier of that bank is to believed. I understood through a friend of mine that this same W. Motz was having another "brain storm" in the Red Front Drug Store, attacking me so bitterly, and in that fit of anger he stated to this friend of mine that the Gastonia bank sold the bonds. In less than ten minutes I had the cashier of that bank over the telephone, and he stated his bank did not sell the bonds but merely collected the check.

What was the amount of that check? Could it not have been collected through The First National Bank of Lincolnton if the "Junta," as Equity calls it, is so opposed to The County National? It is still a pertinent question, "why was this money sent to Various reasons have been heard upon the street. One man in The First National said they had $20,000 at 4 per cent; next the statement is made by another bauk employee, that they have $12,000 and lastly comes. the statement from another official that they actually have $15,000 and the balance in Gastonia. What is the balance? The public has a right to know. appeals to me more than the helpless orphan, and I did not positively refuse them a subscription, but be that as it may, -I only exercised a prerogative I had a right to exercise.

I am going to first take care of what few little obligations I have before ehtering the field as a philanthropist, in order to appear important. There are those who have subscribed to this orphanage who may never pay, and I know others who should pay their just debts before giving to a public enterprise however philanthropic may be its aims. This much they owe as a duty to their creditors. We had a young ladies school here several years ago that promised to be a splendid acquisition to our town, and all good people who were interested in the general welfare of the town, rather than their own, did what they could to foster it. Who did all in their power to break up this school, and made matters SO disagreeable that its teachers became discouraged and gave it up? The public know.

We have with us now The Fassifern School that adds much to the social, intellectual, and cultured side of our town. Do these people, who so bitterly assail me through their cat's paw, take any I YEAR 5 CENTS PER COPY. No. 26. ily insisted on my going, and your Mayor pressed the matter.

But who proposed sending me to that meeting and paying my expenses? That man was W. W. Motz. Who came into my yard to see me before I had alighted from my buggy, to inquire as to the success of my trip. W.

W. Motz greeted my wife and myself. But times have changed. I charged the town $119.79, and there were some items of expenditure properly chargeable to the town, that I did not include, and it must be remembered I was gone a little over two weeks, and was kept there a week longer than I wished to stay, for I did not feel that I could spare the time from the bank. Why was I kept there? Waiting for information that the bond dealers wanted from the town, but which the Mayor failed to send, notwithstanding the repeated telegrams I sent for such information.

Those of you who have spent any time in the large cities know that stopping at The Herald Square Hotel In New York and Young's in Boston, costs more than a song. The indictment that is made against me as cashier of the bank, that I charged $29.90 on the Chicago draft of $29,900, is correct. It was charged to us by The Seaboard National Bank, New York, and, as a matter of course, we charged it to the town, especially, since we repeatedly told the town authorities that we could not collect this draft without cost, and insisted on their making the draft payable with exchange, which they did not do, notwithstanding the fact that they were giving this bond house that purchased the bonds, a little over $750. accrued interest, and threw in, for good measure, $100. for attorney's fees.

It would seem that this bond house could have well afforded to furnish the exchange. Besides, the town was furnished by our bank, all the exchange they asked for, free, in paying for the water piping, fittings etc. This was done at the request of Mr. Edgar Love, who told me that the contracts were made payable in exchange. Why could they not have made the contract selling these bonds, payable in exchange? The charge on this draft was willingly and readily paid by our town, Mr.

Edgar Love proposing before this money was collected, that I go ahead, collect the money and charge the town whatever the expense might be. But who was it, after all this matter had been settled and ordered paid by the town, I mean the old board that had gone out of officethat brought this up before the new board, -asking them not to allow this charge of $29.90 that had already been passed, on and settled! It is not necessary to tell the community -they can put their finger on the man. He has a record behind him. He made no public objection-in fact, none that I heard of, before the old board, but times had changed when the new board came in. This new board allowed him to have his "brain storm'-never put his motion, but passed on to other business.

Fifth: -I never refused to divide this money with the other bank; was never asked to do so. Had the board wished any or all of it deposited with The First National Bank, they had the right and power to have it placed there. am charged with being so violently opposed to this next bond issue of $35,000, that "threatened to get out an injunction." This is news to me. I did tell several of the present Board of Aldermen that for one, hoped they could not sell those bonds, but that they would wait and get interest in this school? Do they utter one word in its behalf? If they do, we have never heard of it, and yet the young ladies, attendthis school, will spend, together with the school expenses, just about as much as an orphanage would spend. The County National Bank has never shown itself interested in the welfare of the town" and "neither has its officers sought in anyway to help the town" etc.

"Angels and ministers of grace defend us.17 This sounds like the wild vaporings of a diseased mind! It is not necessary to say that The County National Bank has among its stockholders some of our most distingaished citizens--gentlemen who have been honored with the most important offices in the state. One of them is now on the Supreme Bench. Its Directors--who are officers are men who have always been regarded as among the most. highly esteemed and respected gentlemen in this county, and who enjoy the utmost confidence of the public-men of means, who have been honored with public office time and again, and who have given liberally to churches and schools: and whose good name cannot be smirched by an who is not worthy to fasten shoe latchets. Lastly: -The County National Bank has never demanded this money-it is not now demanding it, and no one has demanded it for it.

We will say, however, that we judged from conversations with us, that we could have had at least a part of it, if we could have been influenced by such tempting bait, to grant a loan of $5,000. W. E. GRIGG. Exciting Experience.

Mr. Frank, Smith, travelling salesman for J. Flem Johnson had a rather exciting time Tuesday when he attempted to ford Beaver Dam creek on a trip to Lincolnton. He was using a buggy and team belonging to the Gastonia Livery Company, and was accompanied by a driver. The creek was much higher than usual but did not seem to be dangerously high until the vehicle reached midstream, when the horses got beyond their depth and both horses and men came near drowning.

About an hour was required to finally get the horses cut loose from the buggy and brought safely lo land, and this was only made possible by the timely aid of Mr. A. W. Lynch, who lives near the scene. -Gastonia Gazette, March 27th.

To Meet' At Hoover School House. Messrs. J. R. Warlick and W.

W. Biggerstaff, County organizers, will meet the citizens of the Hoover school house neighborhood next Friday night, April 3rd. to discuss the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union and to organize a Local Union. Every farmer of this neighborhood who is at all interested in his own and his neighbor's welfare should attend this meeting. Teachers Examination.

The County Superintendent will conduct examinations for the High School Teachers' Certificates on the following dates at the Court House in Lincolnton: April 24th and 25th, and July 9th and 10th. Applications for this examination must be filed with the State Superintendent not later than April 18th. Mr. H. Logan, of Kings Mountain, came up with Mr.

Fant and Mr. Morris Saturday to be present at the County Convention, of the Farmers Union. INFORMATION WANTED. A Taxpayer Demands That Certain Questions Regarding the Erection of the Graded School Building Be Answered Candidly and Explicitly By the Building Committee. Information That the Citizens Have a Right to Know.

To the editor of The News: At the outset I will say that I am heartily in favor of ample school facilities for our children, and competent teachers for same. I have read with interest. all the articles on the Graded School Building matter, but have seen nothing that explains some things that all taxpayers are entitled to know. It seems to me that the Graded School Committe is anything but frank with the taxpayers, and it is with a view of bringing out these matters that the public should know that I ask space in your paper to ask the following questions: 1. How much money did the Graded School Committee have on hand to erect this building when started? If there were not ample funds on hand to complete the new building, would it not have been better to ask the citizens to ratify this bond issue before tearing down the old building! 2.

What amount of money has been spent on the new building to date, itemized with date, to whom paid and for what? 3. How much do you owe for material and labor in new building ing not paid, and to whom? 4. What will be the total cost of New Building when completed and furnished, and what assurance have you that the building can be completed for this amount? 5. Why was this contract let to Mr. Motz (a member of your Committee) at 10 per cent above the total cost of building regardless of amount spent? Especially is it desirable to have a candid answer to this question, as the contract was let in plain and flagrant violation of Section 3833 of the Revisal of 1905 as follows: "AGENTS FOR SALE OF SUPPLIES NOT TO BE OFFICERS.

If any member of any board of directors, board of managers, board of trus. tees of any educational, charitable, eleemosynary or penal member of institution board of any any of education, or any county or district superintendent or examiner of teachers, or any school trustee of any school, or other institution supported in whole or in the part State, from any of officer, the public funds mana- of or any agent, ger or employe of said board shall have any pecuniary interest, either directly or indirectly, proximately or remotely, in supplying goods, wares or merchandise of any any nature or kind whatsoever for any of said institutions or schools; or ifany ofsaid officers, agents, managers, teachers or school employees of institution or or state or county officer shall act as agent for any manufacturer, merchant, dealer, publisher or author for any article of merchandise to be used by any of said institutions or schools; or shall receive, directly or indirectly, any gift, emolument, reward or promise of reward for their influence in recommending or procuring the use of any manufactured article, goods, wares or merchandise of nature whatsoever to any of the said institutions or schools, he I shall be forthwith removed from his position in the public service, and upon conviction be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars and be imprisoned, in the discretion of the court." 6. Who makes the contracts for material that has gone, and is to go, into this building? Does Mr. Motz who gets 10 per cent above the cost of the building do this, or does the architect Dr. Yoder (another member of the School I Committee)? 7.

What has been received from the sale of material taken from the old building, in the way of cut stone and to whom sold! 8. Why has no ITEMIZED statement been made to date, showing in detail, the receipts and disbursements of the Graded School Fund! The bill creating this Graded School reads as follows on this: "The said treasurer shall furnish annually, on the first Monday of July, to the board of aldermen a statement in writing of his receipts and disbursements of the school money properly and duly audited and approved by the chairman and secretary of the school committee; provided, the accounts and books and vouchers of treasurer shall be open for inspection of the the said school committee at any 9. Is it the custom of your Committee to audit all receipts and disbursements, or do you leave this entirely in the hands of your Treasurer of the Graded School Funds? Is this Treasurer under any bond, if so what is the amount of such bond, and who are the sureties their respective amounts? 10. What salaries are you paying your principal and assistants! The taxpayers would like to know as it is their money. 11.

Why, in view of section 3833 above referred to, does Mr. Love continue to sell the supplies for this Graded School in open and flagrant violation of said section? Does this account for the frequent changes in books by your principal? I think the public is entitled to the above information, and I would like to have plain and perfectly candid answers to the above questions, with no prevarication or evasion. We can then make up our minds with some degree of intelligence as to how we should vote. The matter of the safety of the trusses supporting the roof of this building now under discussion between Mr. Loftin and the BuildCommittee, seems to me not worth the amount of hot air spent on same.

If any error is made on these trusses it should be on the side of safety, and if Mr. Loftin showed where it could be made stronger it does not seem to me that any taxpayer would object to spending a few dollars more where the safety of the children is con cerned, and Mr. Motz should certainly not object as he would get his 10 per cent on this additional cost. Respectfully, A TAXPAYER. No Use To Die.

44T have found out that there is no use to die of lung trouble as long as you can get Dr. King's New Discovery," says Mrs. J. P. White, of Rushboro, Pa.

"I would not be alive today only for that wonderful medicine. It loosens up a cough quicker than anything else, and cures lung diseases even after the case is pronounced hopeless." This most reliable remedy for coughs and colds, lagrippe, asthma, bronchitis and hoarseness, is sold under guarantee at K. L. Lawing's drugstore. 50c and $1.00.

Trial bottle free. Death Of Mr. Gilleland. Mr. H.

A. Gilleland died at his home in Lowesville last Friday afternoon in the 64th year of his age. The funeral was held Sunday morning at 11 o'clock at Bethel church, Rev. W. B.

McLure conducting the services, assisted by Rev. D. P. Waters. A large crowd attended the burial, not one third of the people being able to get inside the church.

Mr. Gilleland was a Confederate veteran, having served in Co. 49th N. C. Regiment, and was one of the most substantial and respected citizens in his neighborhood.

He was married twice, first to Miss Puntch, of Denver, by which union there were five children, one daughter, Mrs. Ora Bell Wilson, of Virginia, and four sons, Mr. William Gilleland, of Mexico; Mr. Frank Gilleland, of South Carolina; Mr. Chas.

GilleIrnd, of Virginia, and Mr. Otis Gilleland, of Arkansas. Mr. Gilleland marrid the second time Miss Lizzie Howard, of Denver, who survives, with two sons Mr. Lattie Gilleland, of Machpelah, and Mr.

John. Gilleland, of Lowesville. All the children were present at the funeral except Mr. Will Gilleland, of Mexico, and Mr. Otis Gilleland, of Arkansas..