New-York tribune., 1877-01-06
COLES MORRIS A DEFA Utter.
LARGE SUMS TAKEN FROM THE COLES
ESTATE.

LARGE SUMS TAKEN FROM THE COLES
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF HIS INTERPRETATIONS AS
SERTED TO BE NEARLY HALF MILLIoN-ALL
BUT S15OOOO RESTORED.
RepOrts were in circulation last week that
Coles Norris well known lawyer OF this CITY, rcsldhg
at No. 64 Fftave. and associated in legal business WIN
Oliver p c. Billings and Michael H. Card0zo at NO Oh
Wliam-s had been defaulter in his trusts 1t now
stated on the best authority that he has msap-
propriated at least $150,0OO. Mr. Morris Is
bachelor and some months ago went to Chicago
ON business connected with the law firm In which
he is partner On his return to this city ABOUT inc
middle of December he acted strangely that it was
deemed necessary to call in physician, as his rlehds
and family were under the impression that his nina was
affected DIR. Sayre, the physician who attended him,
decided that Mr.. Morris labOrng under menta de'
ranpement Messrs. Billings and Cardozo published q
letter stating that as their information extended
Mr. Morriss affairs in perfectly sound condition;
that the interests Of OF the clients OF their firm were
not at all jeopardzed; that the rumors concerning any
| betraval of trust upon the part OF Mr. Morris so
far IA they knew false that they were certainly
false as to affairs Of the firm, and If tbere was any
ground for the rumors they related entirely to family
matters.
On careful investigation of the case 1t Is found that the
rmors 10 regard Morris arc true and that he has a
mitted the that he has appropriated large sum OF
from the estate Of John b. Coles OF which he was
the sole trustee also that his supposed mental aberra
on WAS only subefuge to enable him as far as 1t was
nossibe to settle the matter The facts Of the case so
far "a can be ascertained arc at present these:
The three brothers. Coles Morris, Andrew c. Norris
and BENJAMIN c. NORRIS heirs OF the Coles estate
and trustees for the other heirs, Mrs. f. e. Holns ana
| Robert Webb a minor. Benjamin Morris died In 1869
and Andrew Morris died in s73 leaving Coles Morris
tine sole trustee Norris since the death of his two
brobers has had the entire and exclusive charge Of the
revenues Of the estate, which is large consisting OF much
vauabe real estate in this city and in Jersey City, es
mated TO be worth between 100000 and S3oO,OOo
The members of the family are desirous OF avoid
| ing publicity, but 1t Is stated by gentleman
conyersant with the condition Of the estate
that very large amount OF money has been taKeh ana
that the Hollins estate will loose heavily, but that Mr.
Morris is making settlement OF the matter 50 Tar as IL
"a in his mower to do So has transferred the house at
No GA Flthave and other real estate to Mrs. f. C. Hol-
Inns IL Is believed that the ultimate loss 10 the estate
will be about 900, although the amount msappro-
nrated by Mr. Morris in the whole time Of his trustee
ship asserted have been much larger one estimate
placing it at nearly half million dollars The property
restored and the real estate made over Is understood
| will make up the difference
II il not known what way Mr.. Morris has lost so
large sum OF money. 1t has been supposed that
he was addicted speculations OF any kind he lived III
a very expensive way, but not in excite any
suspicion that he living beyond his MEANS as his
extensive legal practice believed to bring in large
income It il understood that every endeayor s being
made 10 effect settlement without having recourse To
legal proceedings the part Of the heirs who have
sred his breach Of trust and Is probable that
the affair will be adjusted without resort 10 the courts