The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-01-02
"pixidIng I'M not Allowed.

Two years ago, the lodge of American
Mechanics, at Stockton, in this county,
disbanded and the funds in the treasury
were divided pro rata among the mem
bers. The officers of the Grand Lodge
brought suit to recover certain funds,
and the case has finally been decided
The Trenton Times gives the following
statement of the case
A case of interest to the Order of United
American Mechanics and to society meu
generally, was decided by Chancellor
Runyon last Friday. The State Council
of the Order of United American Me.
chanics sued Daniel r. Sharp and others,
late members of Delaware Council, No.
So, of Stockton, now defunct, to re-
cover certain moneys alleged to belong to
the complainants upon the disorganiza-
ton of the defendant, subordinate
branch of the State Council. The Della
ware Council was chartered by the COM
plainant in November, 1870, and disband-
ed in October, 1881, returning its charter
to .he State Council. According to the
charter of the latter, to which the Della
ware Council agreed, it is provided that
upon the dissolution of Subordinate
Council, the amount of money in its
council aud widows and orphans fund
should be paid over TO the complainant,
who shall care for the widows and or
phans of the Subordinate Council, if there
be any. If the subordinate branch ever
reorganizes, the whole amount will be re-
turned with interest. When Delaware
Council disbanded the value of it's pro-
perty was $5ll .43, including $500 invest
ed and $134.75 Of the widows and Or
phans' fund. There were one widow and
one orphan.
The charter was returned to the State
Council, but previously the entire effects,
including funds, were divided among the
members in good standing
The defendants insist that the State
Council has not authorized the suit, and
that their charter has not been forfeited,
ON which condition only would they be
obliged to pay over their funds and pro-
perty. 1t is further insisted that the
rights of Subordinate Councils are vo-
lated by rule of the State Council
claiming all forfeited funds, unless the
Subordinate Council recognizes within
three years. Again it is alleged that the
State Council is insolyent, and finally that
suit SHOULD have been instituted against
Delaware Council, regular corporation,
and not against the individual defendants.
The Chancellor decides that The distribu-
tion of the funds was wilful violation of
society laws. Part of these funds was
contributed by others than those among
whom they were divided. The defend
ants had no right especially to take the
widows and orphans fund, which was
held simply in trust and for a specified
purpose. There is no limit for the re-
organization of Subordinate Councils.
insolvency, the Chancellor says the want
OF funds does not appear to be occasioned
by misconduct. 1t offers TO give security
to the Court for the satisfactory admins
tration of the funds in question. 1t is not
necessary for the complainant to show a
vote of the State Council authorizing the
suit which is in the Councils name Del.
aware Council was In fact dissolved, de-
spite the claim of its Incorporation. The
defendants are required TO pay over the
funds withheld and the costs of the suit.