The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-11-14
THE CHASE DEFALcATloN.
The Latest Developments iu Rockland's
Sensation.

Rockland November 13.-Another in
teresting chapter in connection with the
Stephen Chase defalcation occurred IN
this city yesterday when Max Antin, the
holder of several notes and the endorser
of several more, was arrested on civil
action. The complainant in this case was
Hon. d. N. Mortland, who holds one OF
these notes for $500.
Antin and the widow of the late John
Tuckerman were the endorsers. Inc
latter claims to have been sadly
victimized by Chase, who had the
handling Of her finances as ADMINISTRATOR
of the estate. This lady had unbounded
confidence in the defaulter,. or dld unIll
the news came to her Oh MS suuuen
departure and the condition IN Which, hoi
property had been left.
Perhaps the most shocking discovery
she made was the evidence that Chase
had forged her signature as an endorser
of several notes. An examination by aii
expert showed that the signatures were
plainly not hers, although the imitation
was by no means bad. In the letter tEat
Chase wrote home shortly after leaving
Rockland he is said to have made clean
breast of several shady operations anu
confessed in so many words that not the
least of these was the forging OF Mrs
Tuckerman's name So it IS that the
weight will fall solely upon the shoulders
of Antin.
The latter does a brisk business on SEA-
street as a pawnbroker and With 6he
natural Hebrew thrift has amassed con-
siderable sum since he came to this city
with his hot frahkfurter stand He
shared Mrs. Tuckerman's faith in Chase
and if the latter wanted him to get
note discounted or to endorse one the re-
quest was speedily granted. AS an
endorser he is not only responsible for the
$500 note held by Mr. Mortland, but also
for notes held by the Rockland Trust
company, the LIMERICK National bank
and James Farnsworth, a total of $780,
Yesterday he stated that he had let
Chase have about $4,000 and that, too,
without charging more than nominal
interest, if indeed any. Much Of the
money has been paid back, however. SO
that at the time of Chase's departure but
800 was owing Antin. The endorser on
these notes was Mrs. Tuckerman, who,
unless her signature is proven forgery,
is responsible in the same measure that
Antin is for the notes he endorsed.
Antin feels his situation keenly and
has announced his intention of liquldat-
ing the claims against him as rap1dlyaaS
possible. His own notes, unfortunately,
do not fall due until next month and he
can bring no action looking toward Une
recovery until the March term Of the
Supreme court at least. He was inclined
to be indignant over the arrest, which
precaution Mr.. Mortland took, believin g
that he had been about to leave the state:
eff I had intended to leave the state,
said Antin in an interview, "why did
not remain away wnen l was in New
York two weeks ago? had large sum
of money to buy goods for my store with
and consequently could not ask a better
opportunity.
~ shall have an indictment, brought
against Chase when the grand jury sits
next month, and when this is done will
offer reward of $500 for his apprehen
sion"
Max was released on bail, his wife and
Alice Rose furnishing bonds in the sum
of $500. The writ against him is return
able at the December term OF the Su
preme court.
Chase's whereabouts are shrouded IN
complete mystery. The large family
which he left behind have had no wore
whatever from him since the first com
munication from Boston was received, II
which he announced his intention OF 60
ing to the Vancouver mines to carr
money and pay@what he owed. Many
here believe that he has suicided.