New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-14
THE TRACT SOCIETYS BOOKS.
Nh. MARSH WANTS NOTICE OF COMING
MEETING-TO ASK FOR SPECIAL
COMMITTEE.

Samuel Marsh a lawyer. of No 16 John-st and a
life member of the American Tract Society, follow
ing up his declared intention of securing in
spection of the books of the society, on Monday
wrote 10 General o. o. Howard, president of the
society asking that he may have due notice OF the
forthcoming meeting of the society in order that he
may move for the appointment of a committee to
examine into its financial condition. Mr.. Marsh
says that Secretary Shearer failed to send him
notice Of the last annual meeting. If he is accorded
q hearing the meeting he says he intends 10 ASK
an appointment Of special committee TO examine
the books OF the society and shall also endeavor 10
ascertain the sentiment of the members of the
society as to the employment of eminent counsel by
the society 10 defend application to the courts
for mandamus TO compel the society to allow its
books to be examined by member"
Mr.. Marsh says that he has prepared the papers
for such application. but. somewhat doubling
the power Of the Supreme Court grant such an
order, he has determined 10 await the production
OF further afhdavits and delay action until after
the annual meeting. Mr.. Marsh says that he has
hostility to the society, and II its finances have
been conducted with businesslike prudence he will
be glad to be informed of the fact. He closes by
saying:
1 do rot accuse DR.. shearer Of peculation. Ny
ebsn otsn the 500 @ which II seeks from per
more effectually 10 continue its work
When DR. George L. Shearer, financial secretary
OF the society. was seen last night at his house in
East Fffty-fourth-st. he said
Mr. Marsh's grievances pretty well under
STOOD by this time by the people familiar with the
Tract Society He has no right to see the books ks
His being a life member simply allows MIN the
right to nave gratis 81 worth of tracts year
There is secrecy about the annual meeting Of
the Tract Society. 1t IS always held In the lecture
has always been wsicome It is regularly adver
1ised in THE American Messenger and in the local
newspapers. The accounts of the American Tract
Society duly audited by official accountants
and they are at all times IN first class order. The
Tribune had q correct statement with reference to
the anirnus the part Of Mr.. Marsh. do not
wish 10 advertise Mr. Marsh any further.
The treas Irers books show that Mr.. Marsh is
Indebted to the American Tract Society for office
rent for the months Of January, February March
and April 1893 Mr.. Marsh occupied Office In the
big building at Nassau and Spruce SITS, until April
last. when he asked for adjoining unoccupied
Office half the schedule rates He fatty
fused by the agent. Mr.. GOlding
There Is q mortgage Of 81 10000 on the building
at Nassau and Spruce SITS, and the rentals lack
a bout $4,000 at the present time Of meeting the
interest and fixed charges. DR.. Shearer says that
by the close Of the fiscal year the building
WIFI be yielding profit. the unoccupied offices
are gradually filling up The society recently sent
out appeals for subscriptions clear of its float
ing debt Of $4,000 and Mr.. Iarshs attempt TO
embarrass the society this time is cited by the
friends of the organization as proof that he is
enemy rather than friend.