Municipal Reform Association. These letters
were enough to show, so the politicians figured, that the Republican
party was anxious to purge itself of any miscreant within its ranks, and
they also helped to pass the time until after election.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

GEORGE W. STENER, ESQ., October 18,
1871. City Treasurer.

DEAR SIR,--Information has been given
me that certificates of city loan to a large amount, issued
by you for sale on account of the city, and, I presume,
after the usual requisition from the mayor of the city, have
passed out of your custody, and that the proceeds of the
sale of said certificates have not been paid into the city
treasury.

I have also been informed that a large amount of the city's
money has been permitted to pass into the hands of some one
or more brokers or bankers doing business on Third Street,
and that said brokers or bankers have since met with
financial difficulties, whereby, and by reason of the above
generally, the interests of the city are likely to be very
seriously affected.

I have therefore to request that you will promptly advise me
of the truth or falsity of these statements, so that such
duties as devolve upon me as the chief magistrate of the
city, in view of such facts, if they exist, may be
intelligently discharged. Yours respectfully,

JACOB BORCHARDT, Mayor of Philadelphia.

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

HON. JACOB BORCHARDT. October 19, 1871.

DEAR SIR,--I have to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication of the 21st instant, and to express my regret
that I cannot at this time give you the information you ask.
There is undoubtedly an embarrassment in the city treasury,
owing to the delinquency of the broker who for several years
past has negotiated the city loans, and I have been, since
the discovery of this fact, and still am occupied in
endeavoring to avert or lessen the loss with which the city
is threatened. I am, very respectfully, GEORGE W. STENER.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

GEORGE W. STENER, ESQ., October 21, 1871.
City Treasurer.

DEAR SIR--Under the existing
circumstances you will consider this as a notice of