New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-24
FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT.
MR. CERRYS SOCIETY TO PROCEED
AGAINST WILLIAM r. STEWART.

Mr.. Gerry's society intends TO proceed asainoe
William Rhnelander Stewart for alleged contsmpt
OF court because OF his refusal 10 answer certain
questions asked by De Lancey Ncol on Monday.
as reported in The Tribune. when he was witness
before Albert Stickncy. who commissioner ~
the Supreme Court to investigate the conduct. 90
counts. books and administration generally OF ~.
Gerrys society Mr.. Stckney appointed .
few days ago by the Supreme Court TO make the
investigation upon the petition OF the society That
petition was mainly the result OF charges which
have been made against the society In the couroo
Of the efforts OF the State Board Of Charities. Of
which Mr. Stewart is president. to bring the Gerry
institution under It's supervision. When these
charges became public the directors OF the society
appointed a committee from their members. COM
prisng Andrew u. Green Frederick d. Tappen
and J. Hampden Robb. to examine into the truth
OF the allegations and 10 report upon them The
committee invited Mr.. Stewart TO appear before Il.
but he declined on the ground that the COMMITTEES
sef-constituted and that it's proceedings would
practically mean that the society was investigating
itself.
Thereupon Mr. Happen petitoned the Supreme
Court TO undertake the duty for which the com
mittee was appointed. The Court granted the ap-
plcation and directed Albert Stickney to take svi-
dence. and inspect the building books. records ana
expenditures OF the organization This action taken
by the Court was In accordance with the Assembly
bill passed at the last session OF the Legislaturss
empowering the Supreme Court TO order At any
time investigation OF the affqirs and manage
ment OF the society which until the passage OF THE
act had been practically exempt
1t had been Mr. Stickney's idea to make the IN
spectons before taking the testimony OF witnesses.
but Mr.. Stewart announced his purpose OF SAIL
ing for Europe to-day, Mr. Stickney held q special
hearing on Monday In his office. at No 81 Mas
Because Of his refusal to answer the QUESTIONS
Mr.. Gerrys society intends TO proceed against NJ.
Stewart for alleged contempt OF court. MI Steweg
refused to give US any information whatever
De Lancey Nicol said TO Tribune reporter yes
terday "or to say what he meant by his reference
to the Black Horse Cavalry. He Is going to Europe
tomorrow, | understand. but when ne returne Ne
shall institute contempt proceedings against him.
He will be compelled 10 answer at some time Or
other Mr. Stickney is engaged In case IN
the courts and will be unable to go ahead with the
Investigation until probably next week. We intend
to sift these charges TO the bottom. II IL necee-
sary for the continued usefulness OF the society that
the charges shall be substantated or that they
shall be proved false We Intend TO summon all
witnesses who can throw any light upon the man
agement OF the society. Mr. Gerry will be called,
as will also the men who have written the arti-
cles which have been published In the newspapers.
with the purpose OF ascertainng the source OF their
information. For my own part think II viii b
found that Mr.. Stewart was the source"