New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-09-02
THE WALL STREET DEFALCATIOM
ARREST AND DISCHARGE OF \ BANK
IELLER-EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
MISSING.


We gave in The TRIBUNE Of yesterday the fact
that one of the officers of the Mechanics Banking AS
sociaton of Wall street had been arrested, charged
with enlbezzDg between $4,000 and $4,000 of the
funds of that institution Yesterday morning the de-
tails were made public. They are briefly these
Deputy Superintendent Carpenter received infOrna-
ton. on Monday afternoon, thst heavy defdcation
had taken place in the Bark of the Mechanics Bank
inc Association, Vol vh0ot, ana tha' MI. adre1
Van Barcom, for six years its Payir.s Teller, was
strongly suspected Of being the delinquent. Acting
upon this clue, the Deputy and Officers Elder and
McCard attached to his Office, took immediate steps
TO effect Van Plarcoms arrest, and accomplished their
purpose Oh the following evening. The accused re-
Inaintd in custody Of the Deputy Superintendent all
night. The amount of the defalcaton has not been
definitely ascertaned but it is supposed to be about
So 000 private investigation Ofthe matter was made
yesterday at the Bank, by the Presiden. and other
officers Of the institution, for the purpose of enabling
the President Stockholders Directors and all parties
interested to ascertain the nature Of the Oense COM
mi,ted and the amount of money taken. The pres
ence of Van BarcOm at the Bank was regarded as
highly necessary to assist in overhauing the books
to get at the desired object. lie takes the
matter with perfect indifference, and, judging from
bis manner expects to acqu himself from all guilt in
the alleged defacaon. lie lives in good style at No.
ll3 Blocker street, where he has family. In due
time, the matter will doubt be brought before jas
tice Welsh, at the Lower Police Court, for exsmina
ton, should the facts elected by the Bank officers
place the defalcation at the door of the defendant.
MIR. Van Blarcom has been the frs. Teller Of the
Bank for six years. He has been connected with the
Bank nearly thirteen years, having been first EN-
poyed in the capacity of porter lie says that he has
suretes that will nearly cover the alleged defalca.on.
The Bank did no business yesterday beyond receiv-
ing notes sent to be discounted. These placed
under envelopes subject to the call Of the parties de-
posting them. It's suspension was owing to the fact
that it las been shaky for some time; and, after being
assisted by leans from other banks it found that
a very large sum would be required to place it upon
stable basis. 1t was, therefore, expelled from the
Clearing House.
The defacation imputed to the Teller is said to have
been the result of high living and desire for display
The action decided upon by the Directors in regard to
him has not yet been made puOlic. lie was dis
charged from custody last night, ctAttoney
Hall gave it his opinion that nothing but breach
of trust had been committed. 1t is said that no part
of the embe zzled funds have been appropriated to
Van BarcOm's individual use, but that they were
loaned out to customers OF the BaDk, Tor lie holds
their notes security His surees for the faithful
performance of his trust amply sufficient to cover
any deficiency that may have been caused. Mr..
Van Blarcom is man about 15 or 80 years of age,
rather slim built, and is very hard of hearing. He
dresses very plain, and since his arrest he has spoken
but few words except to the President of the Bank.
The suspension of the Bank and the arrest of the
Teller caused crowd to collect and remain in its vi
ciIiy during the greater part of yesterday. 1t is
stated that bhoders and depositors will lose nothing
by the failure, the securities being amply sufficient to
lquidate all claims