The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-03-24
ST. JOHNS GUILD.

ST. JOHNS GUILD.
TWO COMMITTEES OF INVESTIGATION ORGAN
1zEp-oxE TO EXAMINE CHARGES AGAINST THE
GUILD AND THE OTHER TO EXAMINE CHARGES
AGAINST THE MASTER
There two meetings held by two different CON-
mt,ees OF investigation for purposes OF organization
Of the rooms OF 81. Johns Guild, No. az East Four
tecnth street, last evening one was committee Of
Ave to inquire into the workings Of tho Guid and the
other committee OF three appointed to investigate
any charge that may be preferred against its Master
Rev. Avah Wiswall
some time ago the trustees of the Guild adopted q
resolution by which committee was appointed from
the trustees select two gentlemen not trustees Of
the Guild who, with ono gentleman to DO selected by
the Mayor and one by the State Board OF Charities,
we're to select nth member, the Ave to conduct an
investigation into the OF tho society. The
Mayor refused TO appoint any onc and referred tho
matter IN so far the c,ty's interest IN hndnr out
how funds contributed were expended to the Board Of
Apportionment, which turned the matter over TO tho
Commissioner OF Accounts, who Is now making bis
investigation
The State Board Of Charities also declined TO act
under Inc resolution so, TO complete the committee
OF FIVE, the mastor tell back to The trustees CON-
mttce.
rHw COMMITTEE or FIVE.
Tho Ave gentlemen chosen 10 investigate the Affairs
of the Guild are AIcssrs. james Black, No 80 William
street; Edward Kemp No 6s William street; Joseph
Cornell pier No. 40 North River, residence, No. 20
West Forty-nnth street.; James Scott, No. 81 White
street. and David Richmond No "a Broad street.
This committee met first Mr. Scott being the spokcs.
man. Pending its organization Mrs. A. W. Lcgscu
and five six other ladies' entered tho rooms OF the
Guild. Mr.. Leggctt and one or two other gentlemen
also attended.
Aitera briet consultation by the members Of the
mulee appointed Tor thu purpose OF hearing
any charges any might have 10 make against
the Guild was now organized ihey came forward lie
said with clean hands, and were prepared TO make
decision justly the merits of the case as presented
10 them They now invited any person VINO had any.
thing nlcge against the Guild 10 come forward ana
state their grievances.
Mr. John D. Townsend ut this point arose and said
he appeared as counsel for the Guild. ie thought Tho
invitation 10 prefer charges Just then was prcma.
turc, as the committee was ANNOUNCED as about
TO meet merely for organization the nrst night nc
added that he understood OF The gentlemen on the
committee, Mr. Scott, was a member OF the Guild, and
II he thought better IN order to comply with tho
intention OF the trustees. that some gentleman not
member be substituted In his place.
Nh Scott replied that he had once paid membership
dues but knew nothing whatever about the society.
Mr. Kemp another member OF the committee, said
he also would have to withdraw II The payment Of a
membership fec, So TWO or three years ago prohibited
him from acting
said the intention OF tho trustees was that tho com
trustees, and added, smiling Ut would be dncut
thing to lind live promincnt gentlemen IN the city not
members OF 81. Johns Guild.
Then a brici consultation of tho members OF the
committee ensuof and the gentlemen concluded that
these TWO members were not ineligible. ar. SCOT,
after few moments, announced that meeting OF tho
committee to hear charges would be hold at tho Same
place tonight at eight O'Clock Meantime all Who de-
sire to have alleged Irregularities Inquired INTO can
prepare themselves to bring forth their cases.
THE QUESTIONS PROPOSED
Tho following questions, Mr. Scott sd d, will be pro-
Onnn dcd v he MANAGEMENT
What departments docs this society occupyf
How organiZod!
Specify rent paid
Names and positions of all persons employed or re-
cciving pay or commissions Tor services rendered!
List OF subscriptions reccivedy
From whom received and ainountsy
Does any person obtain board or us equivalent Tor
services rcnderedT
Who does tho buyngY
In this connection Mr. Scott said the examination
would be made searching as possible, II being the
committees purpose probe this matter OF purchasing
10 the bottom.
What check IS on the buyer?
who attends to the receipt and delivery Of goods?
Has any commission or present been received by roll
ativcs or friends OF the employees OF tho socctyy
When and how are the principal purchases made
teas, colfccs, wines, -four. coal. &c.
Docs any person holding office and receiving com.
| pensaton from tho society hold a position IN any
establishment from which supplies are purchasedG
Who examines and pays tho billsY
In what bank are the funds kcpt'
After the reading OF these questions by the chair
the committee had another consultation, and Tor
a fnal announcement Mr.. Scott said
The committee arc nnnmously OF opinion and have
decided that shall invite the State Board OF Chari-
ties respectfully 10 come and assist us this nvcstiga
ton am also advised TO notify tho reporters that
wc shall ready TO all complaints against the
society at their rooms Tomorrow.
Then the Committee OF Five adjourned.
COMMITTEE OF THREE.
or the committee Of three appoint ed to investigate
whatever charges might he preferred against Mr. Wis
wall Mcssra Adolph Hallgarten ana Charles Spear at
tended last evening" the thru member Mr. ". b.
Fielding being absent as he rs about gong South Tho
two members present did not, last evening" appoint
any ono ill the vacancy caused by Mr..
Ficlding's dcclnation to serve, but WILL ut
an early day, select gentleman who will
DO wiling to perform tho service required. The
committee did further business last evening than
to organize formally and then announce that the next
meeting would be held on Monday evening, the 9th
INST n subsequent one to be held on the evening OF
April 5. This Information was given IN the form OF
n resolution, but 1t was added by the chairman, Mr..
Haligarten, In making the announcement, That
Mrs. Wiswa woui DC duly notified that
named evenings and that the object of Inc nvcstiga-
ton would be to hear charges against Mr.. Wiswal.
Mr. Townsend counsel fo- Mr.. Wiswall, stated that
the meetings purposely set so far apart IN order
to give Mrs. Wswall who IL out OF town. an opporiu-
My 10 return the city, 10 be present ~ the invest
CATION. lilo further said that 1und had been
placed in the hands OF Mr.. VIM. II. Wiley from
which Mrs. WswalH could draw, IN order TO meet
ouch expenses she might havo To incur IN appearing
before tho committee by counsel or In any other legt
mate way The object OF TINS investigation, said tho
counsel was TO find II there any truth the
aud 10 ascertain If he was an unworthy person to be nj
the head OF institution like that OF 81 Johns Guild
The committee then adjourned 10 meet Tuesday even
tug next