Daily Davenport Democrat Davenport, Scott, Iowa Wednesday, February 2, 1870: Police Court. One Hans Sievers felt that the occasion demanded it and he just howled and yelled as if his life depended on it. The police didn't view his amusements as peaceable and he was fined therefore $1.00 and costs at Justice Peters today. Didn't Like White Folks. Sandy Foster, the insane Negro, who it will be remembered, was taken to the hospital about a week since, did not like the associations of his residence, it appears. He remarked that he didn't like to live with white folks at all, referring to his fellow lunatics, and accordingly when an opportunity presented he scaled the ten foot board fence and struck a rapid gate for town. He must have come in "a tearing" for as soon as his escape was known, a horse was harnessed and driven rapidly to the city, but Sandy had arrived there first. He was taken back today and measures will be taken to keep him at home hereafter. He isn't pleased at all to associate with the rest of the boarders, and he growls terribly about it. Thursday, February 3, 1870: Money Stolen. The dwelling of Judge Wilson of Coal Valley was plundered of about eighty dollars last night-$75 being taken from the coat of a hired man named Coffee and four of five from the pockets of the Judge's son. A young man named Eagan who was at the house and who was mysteriously absent in the morning is in suspicion and the case is in the hands of Rock Island police. Referee's Decision. The report of Judge Bennett, as Referee, in setion of the County of Scott vs. Thomas K. Fluke, ex treasurer, for alleged embezzlement of county funds, was made this day to Judge Rickman of the district court. The Referee finds that Mr. Fluke is indebted to the county in the sum of $2321.04, in excess of the $1000 paid by the defendant last summer. Monday, February 7, 1870: D & D. - A wholesale drunk and disorderly case came before the Peters sessions this morning, in which it appeared that there was a pretty extensive "sound of revelry" at Oft's saloon, corner of 2nd street and Western Avenue, yesterday forenoon. It further appeared that policeman Seims was around in good time and took a hand in the little game himself, on the part of the city. The uprorious crowd surrendered at discretion, and this morning paid their respects to Justice Peters, who furnished them with reserved seats at a moderate advance on usual prices. S. Ewers and Wm Hassen forked over $7.00 each, H. Buhmann paid $6, J. Diercks $5, and John Luckland $4, to all of which was added the usual advance in the way of costs. The boys paid up promptly, and were well satisfied to get off without further trouble. Let this be a wholesome warning that they take heed and mind their ways. One Samuel Loog, for the privilege of getting on a spree yesterday, walked up to Captain Peter's office this morning and deposited $10 and costs. Almost a Suicide. Many of our readers well remember Capt. Jno D. Burgh, formerly in the revenue business of this city. Five or six years since he went to Chicago and for a year two was very successful, making quite a fortune. He returned and settled in Rock Island, about four years ago, bought a farm, and seemingly prepared to settle down and enjoy life. But the demon of drink had too firm a hold upon him and he squandered nearly all his property. On Saturday, he called on his wife for all her money, jewels and valuables and getting them in possession destroyed them. He then went on a regular drunk and would up late at night by going into a saloon and taking a big drink of whisky, and immediately after swallowing laudanum. He was taken to jail and emetics adminsitered. He afterwards tried to stab himself and succeeded in inflicting slight wound. He now lies in a critical condition. Tuesday, February 8, 1870: Arrested. Jim Gartland, who has been reported by the sheriff as "not found" since a little forgery transaction that occurred last fall, wherein the name of Thomas W McClelland was surreptitiously used for the purpose of raising money, made his appearance at the courthouse yesterday afternoon and was duly arrested and placed in jail. Gartland suddenly turned up here to attend to some matters in court. He is under indictment for forgery or passing forged papers and the trial will probably come on this term. Tuesday,February 9, 1870: Police Court. One Barney Monahan was brought before Justice Peters today on a charge of assault and battery. He was fined two dollars and costs. Catherine Gattring was up on a charge of larceny, but the case was dismissed. A Bothersome Subject. Sandy Foster, the insane Negro, has been taking on "successes high" ever since he came back from the Hospital in a hurry one day, and has not been good humored ever since. He raised the very ancient hurry in the jail and to-day a straight jacket was ordered for his especial benefit. If he can be made to behave himself in this piece of furniture he will again be sent out to the Sister's hospital, although he has such an aversion to white folks. Friday, February 12, 1870: The Fluke Trial. Important Testimony by Judge Linderman The Prosecuting Attorney retires from the Case Verdict of "Not Guilty" by the Jury without Leaving the Box. The celebrated trial of the State vs Thos K Fluke, ex county treasurer, of embezzlement of county funds, closed this afternoon very summarily. The testimony of Judge Linderman, as reported in another column, having been given before the jury, there was an immediate consultation of the counsel on both sides, and Mr. Ellis, preosecuting attorney arose and addressing the Court, said his reply to Judge Richman who asked of the prosecution if they had any rebatling testimony, "I have nothing to be but Judge with Linderman' s statement your honor" "I entered into this trial determined to develop every point; but after the statement just made by Judge Linderman I have neither the heart nor the disposition to argue the case or to ask of this jury a verdict of guilty". "While there was one many engaged in the Treasurer's office who, by his own confession stole money and confessed to having "doctored" the books to cover his steps, I can take the prosecution no further ; if the jury wish to give a verdict, I have nothing to say." The case being then abandoned, Judge Richman handed the jury a form of verdict of "not guilty" to which unanimous assent was promptly given, and that body was discharged from further duty in the case. There was a profound sensation in the court room, the defendant thus summarily declared guiltless, bowed his head upon the table and wept like a child, as also did his wife and son present, and the attorneys were also visibly affected. Mr. Lane shedding copious tears and we dare say that all present whether upon on side or the other, after hearing the statement of Judge Linderman, were convinced of the innocence of Mr. Fluke and felt like most heartily congratulating him upon his deliverance from the danger that had so thickly beset him and hedged him in . The statement of Judge Linderman must be to all fair thinking minds a full and complete vindication of Mr. Fluke from the charges brought against him, and should be so considered by the public everywhere. Unfortunately he had a villain in his employ whom he considered an honest and upright man, and he it was who by constant purloining of monies making false entries and deftly defacing the books of the office brought his employer into untold troubles. Such being the case and the naked truth of it, Mr. Fluke should not only exonerated to the fullest extent but in the matters that stand against him upon the finding in the civil suit, he should, by the county, be remembered in great mercy. True he may be in one sense indebted to the county, through the dishonesty of Mr. Brotherlin, yet the load should be eased from his shoulders, as far as it is possible. We have watched the progress of the case most attentively for nearly forty days of the civil and criminal being somewhat interested in it ourselves and can most fully say that we believe the villian in the Treasurer's office to be the man who took his own life in LeClaire in June last. With the public, therefore we congratulate the accused upon his safe deliverance from his troubles-and may he never see the likes again. Cathy Joynt Labath Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm