The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1881-10-20

Riswick vs, SpAlding on argument.
CIRCUIT CoURT.--Justice Macarthur
Lightwar1t & Son VS.. II. Wright; judg-
mcnt by default for $3i2.59. Reissncr &
jerks, use &C., VS.. Smith; verdict for plain
tiff for $3.50.
The Conuubial Beneficial Associa-
ton.
Considerable interest was awakened in n
new institution of this District by the pub
LEGATION in a morning journal of an article
which Is designed to show It up us n fraudu-
lent concern for the sole benefit of its incor-
pontors. The institution in question is
known rs "Tho Mutual Beneficial Associa-
ton for Unmarried Persons" and was
originated several months ago In Harris
burg, Pa Its Washington branch consists
of capital stock of 1900 shares, and is in
corporatcd under the laws of Congress. The
following are its officers: ex-governor X.
B. Mitchell, of Kansas, president; j. +.
BENNY, president; L. w. Whitaker,
treasurer A. A. Shissler, secretary, and p.
II. Reinhardt, general agent.
The object of the institution is to estab-
lish sort of connubial coparcenary by
which when any member dics-marrics we
mean--he shall be stakcd financially from
the general treasury. 1t is n sort of reverse
corporation to the Mutual Endowment As
ISOLATION for the benefit of the dead. TO
all intents and purposes it appears to be q
very wise institution, and one for the fur
thcrance of matrimony and purposed to
help young people entering the double state
by giving them a start in life. The policies
range from $1,000 to $1,000. The initiation
fee is SO, the annual dues are SO, payable
semi-annually, and the assessment tax of
$125 Is levied ON the occasion of each
marriage. From the certificate of
membership of the 1000 class, and il is
proportionatc up to the highest class, the
$1,000, we find that n member gets 20 per
cent. of 81 900 If married within one year,
so per cent. if married in two years, as per
cent. if married in three years. and the total
amount of 81 900 If the fourth year brings
about his marriagc-or if he remains single
for five years he will be endowed with
81 900 rs u reward for his celibricy--
so it on its face is beneficial to the married
and unmarried dropping its ducats like the
gentle rain Of heaven upon the wise and
unwise.
Unfortunately, however, from n personal
letter written last April to Mr.. VIM. Dick
son, of this city, by Mr. p. H. Rcinhard, the
general agent, it looks as if the incorpora-
ton was intended rather for the benefit of
the incorporators than that of the members;
in this he uses the significant expressions,
ut is n moneymaling concern to the per-
sons who shall become the incorporators.
Indeed, have no hesitation in suggesting
that within the first year of the existence
of the association there will accrue, for the
exclusive use Of the incorporators, as salar-
les in the shape of officers and board Of d.
rectors u greater sum than 100000,
The way in which this was to happen is
explained in u subsequent paragraph. In
this it is stated that all annual dues from
such as become members will be to create u
fund for the payment of the incorporators,
which "wc,' to quote the letter, as n
matter of course, will pay, under the names
of salaries Of officers and directors Con-
tinuing, in an explanatory way, the writer
proceeds to point out that the moneys to
be paid out upon certificates of members,
when the same become beneficiary, or
when the endowment becomes due, will
be realized from assessments upon all
members" and calls attention to
the fact that, inasmuch rs the associa-
tion will not be required to pay tho
full face of the certificate in less than about
the sixth year. upon every assessment the
reserve fund must augment to such a de-
gree that it may be inferred that the sala-
ries of officers and directors will be assured
indefinitely. The writer says frankly
enough, "with this explanation you must
be able to comprehend tho scheme" and
then adds the following information as to
the names of the Pennsylvania citizens who
are prepared to present themselves as incOr-
poratois az have Frederick A. Schultz our
county prothonotary S. Frank BENNY, pro-
+ prietor of the Keystone House Hon. Jacob
G. Holman, cx-State Senator and president
. of the Home Mutual Life Association, and
myself who are ready to go to Washington
at any time you suggest five good men in
Washington to join the enterprise" The
| lattar c1nsns with thp pnm fnrtabla Ct n nj
that the necessary investment to make
the enterprise success will not, in the
judgment of the writer exceed $780, or at
least no more than will cover the expenses
of our printing" This seems, indeed, q
small capital for so extensive and benevo-
lent an enterprise, and one so advantageous
to young men with views of matrilnony.
THE CRITIC called to-day to see the
president Governor Mitchell, but he was
engaged in his legal practice at the bar, and
the secretary, Mr.. A. A. Shissler, was in
terviewcd. Mr.. Shissler said that he was
E panied at the publication Of this letter, us,
u to the unthinking, it would reflect upon
v the company, whereas it was written before
: the Washington branch was established
t and, however, may be the system ofcorpora
!. lions of u nominally similar charac-
0 ter, his was upon an entirely
: different basis. 81 am astonished,'
c said Mr.. ShiSSler, v at the use IN the abusive
f article this morning of this phrase, Less
. cautious men or those possessing more
cupidity. Why we have the best men O
f our city among us. Men of business and
$ local standing, to whom such slur is al
G insult. Among our board of directors are
4 such gentlemen Gen. Il. w. Whitaker
G Gov. Robert Mitchell, Hon. l., G.. Hine
, Mr.. John n. Oliver, John Bowling and
[ Others of equal standing. | don't think
| that they would be apt to take part in any
G scheme that was not thoroughly and solidly
: honest.
: Mr. Shisslcr further explained that the
0 Washington association is in iirst'clas'
{ financial condition. and has already sutli
/ Gent assets from memberships to meet al
0 of its contracts and engagements.
S The letter written by Reinhard to Dick
Q son he regards as being an entirely per
( sonal act on the part Of Reinhard, as it wa
marked private and confidential !" ant
0 whatever may have been Reinhard's views
Q or schemes ON the subject, they are entirely
) at variance with the actual plan and projec
$ of the association.
Wines and Liquors
of all kinds, can be secured at Tharp's, 81
f street northwest, in bottles or small