The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-11-12
QUEER LEGAL DEALS,
They Are Alleged in the Century
Receivership Case.

hecetNSFSnlD Ease
1t is only when the courts fall cut with
themselves that some of their inner work
ings come to the surface. A rather pecu-
liar deal came to light through the testi-
mony of John w. Arctander in the Cen
fury Piano company case this morning.
In testfying as to the acts of Peterson,
as assignee, Mr. Arctander stated that
some time before the first allowance of as
signee fees was made, Peterson came to him
and told him that he was fearful that Judge
Iceland, as receiver of the Washington bank,
would garnishee what might be coming to
him from the estate of the Century Piano
company, to meet a debt he owed the bank.
He wanted to know if there was not some
way that it could be fixed SO that LELAND
could not get it. He proposed that he draw
the money in advance, so that when 1t was
allowed there would be nothing coming to
him.
Mr. Arctander stated that he went to Judge
Russell and laid the whole matter before
him. Judge Russell, while he would not
make an order allowing Peterson to draw out
any money would verbally instruct him that
he might take out 1900, but that 1t was not
a usual thing to do. The effect of this per-
mission was in fact to allow Peterson, as an
officer of the court, working for the inter-
ests of the Century Piano company, to get
the best of Judge LELAND, another omcer
of the court working for the interests of the
creditors of the Washington bank. Peterson
drew the money and afterWard was allowed
$500 as fees. Without any further per
mission, Peterson, he claimed, had again
drawn out 81 800 of the money OF the estate
to head off LELAND.
The witness testified that Peterson was
stakeholder of the Century Piano company
to the extent of $4,000 and that as such ne
had brought suit aginst himself, and that
fact was set up in the answers OF some OF
the stockholders Regarding the picture
which Peterson had bought for $50, witness
had offered him $50 for it, and Peterson had
laughingly said he might want it himself;
The offer still held good. These were the
main charges testified to by the attorney.
Judge Russell was seen in reference to the
verbal order allowing Mr.. Peterson to with
draw 81, 800 from the money in his hands
He stated that he was seen by Mr.. Arctan-
der and Mr.. Peterson, and that they made the
showing that the money was due Peterson,
and more too, and upon the strength OF that
alone he allowed the money withdrawn.
Il had not the least idea what the pro
ceedings he wished to avoid were" said he,
NOR was it made known to me that it was
for the purpose of heading off Judge LELAND,
as receiver of the Washington bank. That
is all news to me. They simply came to me-
and asked for advance of that amount
and as soon as l satisfied myself that the
amount might be drawn, l allowed it.
Anna S. Keyes was quite an important wit
ness for the plaintiffs. She was cashier for
the assignee and handled the money. She
swore that Peterson had twice secured small
amounts from her to purchase buggy varnish
with. There was no charge. nor mad any
been ordered against Mr.. Peterson Tor a
writing desk, some deer heads chair, or
a bicycle, all Of which 1t is claimed he TOOK
from the stock on hand. She had written
several letters for Mr.. Peterson, all OF Wnlch
were in the letter-press book.
At this point the plaintiffs became quite ut
excited because some of the pages from this
book were missing. They showed on the
index, but were not in the book.
They have been torn out cried Mr.. Arc
tander. 1--WE have a witness here who saw
those letters in that book only last Monday,
and took notations from them"
Mr. Peterson appeared unccncerned at this
state Of affairs, keeping quiet until his turn
comes The case will be resumed this morn
ing.