The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-07-13
I. II. WALDR0N DEP0SED
DIRECTORS OF MASONIC BENEFIT
Association VOTE AGAINST HIM

Reuben Tucker of Ansonia Elected to Sue
ceed Him-Exciting Meeting Last Even
ing-Judge L. p. Deming Declares the
Action Illegal-Story of the Difficulty
Leading to His Deposition.
At the regular meeting of the direc-
tors of the Masonic Mutual Benefit as
ISOLATION last evening Reuben Tucker
of Ansonia was elected secretary Of
the association against the strong oppo-
sition of the friends of the present sec
retary, f. H. Waldron. The vote stood,
Tucker 13, Waldron 5. not voting s.
The meeting was long one, lasting
till II o'clock. and considerable feeling
was manifested by the friends of the
two men. Nothing was done relative
to the office of president, and so Presi-
dent Prince will continue in the office
as before.
Judge Lucius P. Deming, the counsel
of the association, protested against the
action of the directors, declaring 1t I'M
warranted and Illegal, 1t being con-
trary to any bylaw or any other law
applicable to the affairs of the associa-
ton:
He said further that Mr.. Waldron had
resigned a month ago and had been
legally reelected secretary and the di-
rectors had no power to thus reverse
that election.
Among those who supported Mr..
Tucker were H. H. Peck, l.. B. Hinman,
Henry Reynolds and John o. Row.
land.
Supporting Mr.. Waldron were Presi-
dent Prince, L. H. Johnson, F. Anthony,
r. Schenck and A. N. Wood.
Mr.. Tucker was seen last evening
but was very reticent about discussing
the action Of the meeting, He did
say, however, in answer to an inquiry
as to when he would enter into the du-
ties Of his office that he should do 50
as soon as possible, perhaps to-day. 1t
would probably take some time. he
said, to balance up and transfer the
books
Mr.. Waldron was also seen, but was
not so reticent. He said Il am utter
ly tired and sick Of the whole business.
resigned a month ago. and was legal
ly reelected. and Judge Deming says
the election Of Mr.. Tucker Is entirely
illegal The action of his supporters
last evening will be apt to cause divi-
sion in the association"
When asked II he should contest the
election of Mr.. Tucker he said: II can
not say yet. I have not had time to
thoroughly consider the matter"
This action of the directors In depos-
| ing Mr.. Waldron and placing Mr.. Tuck
er in his place Is the result of a long
continued struggle in the Masonic Mu-
tual Benefit association arising out of
charges that Secretary Waldron was
not conducting the duties of his office
properly.
A committee was appointed to inves-
| tigate and an expert accountant was
kept employed by them for a long time
| going through the books OF the secre-
tary. @
The result Of the investigation was a
lengthy report detailing many errors
and discrepancies in the books
These errors and discrepancies seem
to have been the result of a somewhat
loose method Of bookkeeping and not
| Intentional.
IHere was u Strong OppOSltlOn TO MT.
| Waldron, however, and he finally re-
signed about a month ago. He was re-
elected, but by a close vote.
Those opposed to him would not let
the matter rest, and kept up their eff
forts for his removal and secured the
appointment Of Mr.. Tucker last even
ing, In his place.
Mr.. Waldron has been for many years
secretary of the association.
Other business transacted at last
nights meeting was the election Of six
new members and the voting of &c. 900
In benefits.