A Dishonest Official

Sprinofield, 111., Sept. iu. - ine gieat Harper defalcation continúes to be the all-absorbing topio af conversation in this city. The investigation has been adjourned to Chicago to-day to examine into Harper's cash account with banks in that city, and consult further in regard to the matter. The arrest of Albert Smith, Harper's chief clerk, is regarded by many as an effort to screen other and prominent parties and make a victim of him. He has given bonds in the sum of $50,000, some of the most prominent citizens of this place becoming his sureties, who expresa confidence in his innocfiiice in any criminal complicity in the matter. Itappears that Smith, in the part he took in the matter, was acting under advice of hia attorney, and now proposes to reinain and undergo a full and fair investigation. A grand jury waa inipanneled in the Brooklyn Court of Sessions Tuesday morning, when Judge Mooro charged them upon their duties. Af'ter speaking of the prevalence of crime, he said : We all know that recently defaleations have been charged against public ofticers in this city, and it appears to be concluded that the city treasury has been robbed of a large amount of nioney by gome person. It is not for me to judge of the guilt or innocenoe of any person, it will be time enough to do it when they come before me for sentence, if they are found guilty. It appears to me that it is getting to be a reproach to public justice that a man who seals $")( is sent to the State prison, while those who steal $.30,000 are allowed to go free. I hope the experience of our sister city will not be ours. Whoever has been tiimpering with public funds, whatever officer has been guilty of misusiug public money or embezzlement ought to bunished. I rocommend yon to meke careful exainination of cases that may bn presentad to yon It is a serious thing for a man to be charged with a crime, but where he has committed an offense like that I have alluded to, no consideration, personal or political, must deter you from doing your duty."