New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-03
THE NEWS OF BROOKLYN.
BRANCHES OF THE ORDER CREDITORS
OF WAYLAND TRASK CO.

AN UNFORTUNATE CONDITION OF AFFAIRS AT
THE CATHEDRAL BEDFoRD-AvE AND MApl-
soN-sr-AN OFFER OF 10 PER CENT
IN SETTLEMENT REJECTED.
The failure OF Wayland Trask e. Co. the New-iorH
bankers. which occurred few months ago. mas
caused considerable trouble and illfee:ing in high
Masonic circles in this city. Mr.. Trask VINO Is a
hrty-:hird degree Mason and prominent in the order
by reason Of his standing In financial circles was
made financial manager of several Masonic organiza-
tons He had control OF the funds Of Ksmet Tempe.
knights Of the Mystic Shrine: the Aurora Grata
Cathedral the Aurora Grata Club and the Consistory
Scottish Rites his possession were amounts
ranging from $500 $1,000 in all amounting TO over
5000 Upon the announcement OF the failure. con-
siderable talk started among Masons. but no one
expected that the moneys Of the different orders would
be or had been seriously impaired The announce
ment soon after tina. the Masonic funds had become a
portion of the liabilities Of Wayand Trask & Co. was
like thunderbot from clear sky Mr.. Trask s
Office Immediately became the Of several mys-
FERROUS but heated conferences The result was that
Mr.. Trask proposed to pay 10 cents the dollar
This offer was finally accepted by Ksmet Tempe.
but not with good grace. The Aurora Grata Associa-
ton Indignantly rejected the proposition. notwi;h-
standing Mr.. Trasks former standing in the order.
The directory was not slow in expressing the
opinion that Wayland TRASH & Co. had business
be involved and that there reason why the
association should be subjected any loss. Seeing
the animns of the association toward him. Mr..
Trask resigned his place director of the Aurora
Grata association. and later resigned his place
an officer OF the other orders with which he was
connected. but retained his membership. Although
there much ill-feeling up TO last Friday night.
1t highly intensified at the Cathedral. Ar
rangements had been made to hold an initiation
ceremony. Many prominent present
among them being Judge Asphalt. Alderman J. II.
Rugglrs. Charities Commissioner John II. Burtis
and DR.. Skinner. all Masons of high degree. When
the members arrived the place in darkness.
They thought at first that the janitor had been
derelict in his duties, but when the janitor
found the whole thing was made clear. There
gas 1t had been turned off simply because the
association had no money In its treasury to pay for
it. and the gas company. after vain attempts 10
collect its dues. declined be credlto. any
longer. Further explanations followed and it was
discovered that the janitor's wages were long
past due. The meeting which was TO have been
OF Masonic jolllty, became one OF downright in
dignation.
Later one Of the members who was present.
ferring TO It. said: "A year or so ago. when the
treasurer of organization short $1,000. Mr.
Trask loudcst in his denunciation, and de-
manded that the recalcitrant treasurer be prose-
cuted. Il would have been done had not the treas
made the amount good through the sale Of
his silverware and jewery. cannot think OF anc
thing said by Mr.. Trask which savored of lenieney
Although Masons much worked up over the
r own hgy afg SLOW 70 the say e OUT
and those who know best have limited that there
The failure of Mr. Trask has brought about a
change of affairs as regards those who handle
ago Of the BROOKLYN Masonic Veteran Association
resolutions were adopted requiring the recording
of dues received by him. The resolutions were
adopted on the motion Of Frederick l.. jenkins
upon this action it was said yesterday that similar
action will be taken among the other Masonic
Last night a friend of Mr. Trask volunteered the
nas no than Mr. Task
affairs Of the hrm; said he; became so suddenly
he had in his hands. He wanted to do il. am
sure, but it of those exigencies in business
life where mans hands become tied before ne
has opportunity to turn about
1t was learned las; night from one of the officers
Creditor to the extent Of s22oc that as soon as the
club found that its funds were beyond their i'm
Hrsh the LAWYER to protect their Interests Mr.; Mr.
Grata Club that Mr.. Trask had no assets with which
has been allowed to rest. and the feeling OF pride
which mbues the members OF the Masonic iraterni-
vents Their taking any harsh measures. for the
present at least. to recover their losi money
Of the club and an explanation demanded from MIN
he made clean breast Of the whole matter and said
that he would pay back the money as soon as ne
could Although some OF the associations which
meet nj the Aurora Gra;a Cathedral have slSnifed
their willingness 10 per cent OF Mr. Trask
.ndcbt edness 20 thcm in settlement, they nave not
as vel received the 10 per cent Members who were
cussed the affair guardedly and In no case would
they talk without binding the reporter to secrecy r
with reference 10 their becoming public They
one and all however. admitted that their losses
were matter OF common talk In Masonic circlcs;
and their Indignation the had treatment received
Ar the hands Of Mr. Trask made them willing 70 ex-
nress themselves with freedom Mr.. Trask could not
be seen at his home last night.