The Treasurer’s Empty Coffers
A trial begins in New Whatcom over missing public funds, with the defendant maintaining an air of 'stolid indifference' while his family watches.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The trial of Imsen, former treasurer of New Whatcom, began this morning. The total shortage of funds, as shown by his books, is about $18,000. He is represented by H. A. Fairchild, chairman of the Republican county central committee, while the state is represented by County Attorney Karr and his partner and Assistant Attorney C. M. Howard. Counsel for the defense argued that the indictment was vague, that 'larceny by embezzlement' is not known to law, and that the code cited does not apply to public officials. During the opening statement, the county attorney inadvertently produced a dismissed, earlier indictment, leading to an immediate objection. As the proceedings continued, Imsen’s wife and sister-in-law arrived and took seats near him. Imsen occupies a seat just within the railing and has not appeared to manifest much interest in the proceedings, maintaining an air of stolid indifference.
“He seldom speaks to his attorneys, and maintains an air of stolid indifference.”
Public corruption trials are a perennial fixture in Washington politics. While the legal technicalities regarding embezzlement statutes have evolved, the spectacle of a 'stolid' official facing the community's outrage remains a familiar, grim civic script in the Pacific Northwest.
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