New-York tribune., 1900-11-15
GRANT BROTHERS, FAILURE.
JOHN X VAN SICKLE EXPLAINS HIS
RELATIONS TO THE FIRM.
AND REMAINS AT HOME-LITTLE
TOLD BY ASSIGNEE.

Elizabeth. y. J.. Nov. II (SpeciaD.-John K.
Van Sickle, through his counsel. Frank Bergen.
made tonight statement To the effect that he
went into the firm of Grant Brothers, in New
York, which made assignment on Tuesday.
in 1878 and became partner in 1897. He was
not a full partner but was to receive $4,000
salary and 10 per cent of the profits. He re-
cetved part Of this 10 per cent The firm
was insolvent when he went into it, Mr.. Van
Sickle believes, according 10 his statement. II
had been losing business for a long time, he
alleges. and securities were being withdrawn
The other members of the firm of Grant Broth
ers blamed him for this He resented their ac
cusation, and his expense engaged an
expert accountant to go over the books This
accountant was at work on the books when the
assignment was made. The books are in such
bad shape. so the accountant says. according to
Mr.. Van SiCkle's statement. that can
tell how the firm stands. The books have not
been balanced in five years, he charges. Van
Sickle challenges a full investigation, and de-
clares that the result will show him to be all
right and not in any way responsible for the
collapse Of the firm. He is not trying to hide
himself but has been going To and from New
York since the trouble began. and tonight is at
his home.
Mrs Van sickle denies making threats of an
exposure that will startle Wall Street, and says
this story is a pure invention She declares
that no statement such has been published
ever emanated from her. Mr.. Van Sickle de-
clined to talk for publication except through
his lawyer. Frank Bergen
ASSIGNEE MAKES A STATEMENT
The statement promised by Ernest ]. Stedman
assignee of Grant Brothers. on Monday after
noon was issued by him schedule time yes
terday morning 1t was as follows:
The amount OF the assets and liabilities of the
firm cannot be stated untl have had opportunity
10 examine into its affairs and the schedules and
inventory have been prepared; nor can ! state the
cause Of the assignment 10 me- beyond the fact
than It had me 'e I tb M S rsSert G d,yar s % on
therefor apPeaF@s @ 20 IIta5 ~ & tsar rs
rom thorough examination Of the firms books.
This statement did not appear TO throw much
light on the situation. but Mr.. Stedman alb
solutely refused. both at the time it was issued
and again late in the afternoon. to amplify it
by A single word. Mr.. Stedman spent a good
part Of the day al the office of Grant Brothers
A man who is close 10 the firm said the short
age would be about S150OOO He added that
the assignee would have thirty days in which to
render his accounting and inventory. and that
afterward the creditors could take such action
as they might deem best recover the missing
money.
VAN SICKLE AND A WILL CASE.
Last spring John K. Van Sickle was the pro-
ponent in an appeal from the probate of the will
of his aunt, Miss Maria s. Van Sickle. an ec-
centric recluse who had lived for years in an
old building owned by her at Bank and Halsey
sts. Newark, and who died suddenly. leaving
all her property to her nephew except 5000.
which devised TO another nephew in Chi
cago. The mother of this other legatee took an
appeal and the case heard in the Orphans
Court. at Newark when d decision in favor OF
the proponent was given. An appeal was then
taken 10 the Prerogativ- Court. Trenton. and
the case is still pending there. Early in August
there was recorded in the Registers office
Newark a deed by John K Van Sickle and wife
TO George II. Kline, OF Elizabeth. covering the
transfer Of the house in which Miss Van Sickle
died The deed was made 10 cover note held
by Kline
Early yesterday afternoon an effort was made
by q Tribune reporter TO see Frederick and
Charles F. Grant at their office, No. 10 Broad
way but the brokers refused to receive callers
said that an investigation OF the books
being made. Asked II there had been de-
faIcation, he cautiously answered that there
had been trouble which required the assistance
Of experts and that IL was impossible TO state
when the schedule and inventory would be pre-
pared Nothing has been done toward securing
police assistance" he added. and no action in
this direction VIII be taken until the DOCKS have
been examined"
A member Of the firm said yesterday after
noon that there were developments in
the firms affairs. He added that the books had
not vet been examined but would doubtless be
submitted 10 an expert He declined TO say
had not been At the ONCE In more than week.