Lodge Funds Gone, Edward Hice of Hemingray lost money gambling

LODGE FUNDS GONE.

EDWARD HICE CHARGED WITH

USING TRUST FUNDS.

Which He could not replace at Once —

Fearful of Arrest, and Skipped Out —

He Had Better Return.

The disappearance of Edward Hice is causing concern not only to his parents but to members of A.F.G.W.U. No. 25.

Hice was employed as helper at the Hemingray Glass Works and was fast developing into a blower. He was highly regarded and was a member of the above-named union. When the new officers were elected Hice was made a collector; for the union, his duty being to collect the money due the lodge at each pay-day from the workers. He was to turn this money into the treasury but the last month, about $140, was not turned over.

It is reported that he recently began to gamble and lost what wages he made. Anxious to recover this he invested the money collected from his fellow-workmen for the union. This went too. In a short time Edward had lost about all the money he could get hold of, and then a terrible situation stared him in the face. He could not keep the fact that the money collected had not been delivered a secret from the lodge very long and what to do he did not know. He finally decided to unfold the situation and facts to a friend, which he did. His counselor told him to go right ahead at work, make the money back and pay it in as fast as possible. The facts concerning his conduct soon became general gossip among the members of the lodge and some of them stated that Hice should be prosecuted for embezzlement. A majority objected to this, but were willing to take him by the hand and assist him by permitting him to continue at his work so he could replace the money.

A conference was held with Edwards and he agreed to do this and the matter was believed to be on a fair road to adjustment when suddenly it was learned that he was gone.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hice, who are very estimable people residing on south Vine street, could explain nothing about the young man’s disappearance and it is believed that he become fearful of arrest and left for parts unknown. Members of the lodge have requested the Times to state that if Hice returns to the city his place in the factory will be open for him, and the lodge will assist him in every manner possible to replace the money. On the other hand if he does not return within a short time the lodge will take steps to secure a lawful accounting and he will be made to suffer accordingly.

His is about 18 years of age, light complexion, smooth face, about five feet ten inches tall and spare built. He wore a blue suit of clothes and overcoat and a black hat when he left.

The young man’s parents came to Muncie from Greencastle and his father was formerly employed at the Darnell Iron works. He is an upright man and has the sympathy of a large circle of friends. The boy had a bright future and it is hoped that he will return and right this first known wrong and speedily restore himself in the confidence of his friends.