On This Date in Minnesota History: February 9

February 9, 1916 – Minn. State Treasurer Walter J. Smith was placed under the surveillance of St. Paul detectives at a Minneapolis sanatorium this afternoon, pending a grand jury investigation of alleged irregularities in the handling of certain state funds.

Smith is said to be ill with pneumonia, and it is not likely that he will be able to leave the sanitarium for several days. Should he attempt to leave before the grand jury has taken action, Ramsey County Attorney R. D. O’Brien says Smith will be arrested and lodged in jail.


Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “Criminal Case Against State Treasurer Likely. Detective Watching Walter J. Smith Who is Confined in Minneapolis Sanatorium. Examining Board Begins Investigation. Matter is Presented to Ramsey County Grand Jury by County Attorney.”; Feb. 10, 1916; p. 1.

Minn. State Treasurer Walter J. Smith
St. Paul Pioneer Press; Feb. 8, 1916; p. 1.