The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-12-26
PENSIONERS MONEY IS GONE.
TRUSTED TREASURER SHORT IN
BENEFIT ACCOUNTS.

Capt. Meeker. VINO Had Charge Of the
salvage Corps Of the Underwriters'
Protective Association. Could Not Pay
widows and Orphans Their Due.
Capt Francis ]. Meeker, superintendent
OF the salvage corps operated by the I'm
derwriters' Protective Association In New
ark, was arrested yesterday in that city
charged with embezzling IS. 900 OF the funds
OF the Newark Firemen's Relief Associa-
ton, a local branch Of the State Association.
Capt. Meeker IL SO years old and no man
In Newark Is better known or had more
public confidence in matters connected
with insurance and fire salvage. He has
been treasurer OF the Firemen's Relief
Association for at least twenty-five years
without suspicion Of his integrity.
The association has on its list OF PEN
sioners about 1876 widows, orphans and
aged or disabled firemen. It's income
was derived from donations and from
per cent tax on all foreign insurance.
Each pensioner receives $50 quarterly.
the widows S24 and the orphans under
II years old, SIS. At Christmas time the
widows usually receive $40 extra. and there
has never been slip until this year.
The association has about $4,000 in
vested in bonds and mortgag and good
stocks. Assistant Chief William Ashley
Is president of the association. Its affairs
were investigated as usual on Dec. is by
the finance committee OF the board of
representatives Of the association and
discrepancy of 500 was found. Capt.
Meeker said that this was an oversight and
as nc promised to make it good the next
morning. nothing was said about IL. The
committee adjourned without arranging
for the renewal Of the treasurer's bond with
the National Surety Company of this city,
which was for $4,000
II was expected that Capt. Meeker would
pay out to the beneficiaries 81. 1928 on Tues
although he had a check for that amount
properly made out and signed. What has
become of this check the members Of the
association do not know. 1t was not pre-
sented at the bank and some Of the fire.
men said yesterday that it was doubtful
if there was money to meet it.
Capt Meeker did not pay any of the bene-
ficiaries on Tuesday. He excused himself
by saying that he had to attend trial at
court.
On Wednesday he was seen wandering
around the street at o'clock in the morn
ing and was hurrying around in the bust
ness centre OF the city in uniform nearly
all day, but he did not go to the house
Of the salvage corps. His badge and
KEYS were found on his desk by one OF the
company that night
Meanwhile the pensioners. widows and
orphans were clamoring for their Christmas
money. Receiving no satisfaction, they
went to the various engine houses and
aroused suspicion to such an extent that
President Ashley convened a special meet
ing of the Relief Associate ion on Wednesday
night. Meeker did not attend although
he was summoned. 1t was agreed then
to cause his arrest and President Ashley
made a complaint and obtained a warrant.
1t was served at Capt. Meeker's home.
IS Pine street, yesterday, and he was taken
to police headquarters in uniform. He
sent to the salvage corps house for plain
clothes and Assistant Superintendent Harry
Martin went to headquarters to see him.
CAPT. Meeker refused to TO- discuss the case
say, was 1T isdl over and don't care what
happens to me don't care whether get
bail or not"
His accounts were hurriedly gone over
on Wednesday night by John s. Gibson,
State auditor Of the FIremen's Relief As
sociation and enough was found to indicate
that Capt. Meeker was hopelessly involved.
The firemen think that his shortage is be-
tween 81 600 and 81. 900, but since all the
financial institutions were closed vest ereiay
nothing definite could be learned about
cash or securities
Capt Meeker is said to have been specu-
lating recently in a small way in the effort
to retrieve his losses through the failure of
the Republic Building and Loan Associa-
ton, in which he had several thousand
dollars. He has shares in several sound
local building and loan associations. but
what his assets are cannot be ascertained at
present
The members Of the Firemen's Relief
Association hope that his shortage dates
back Of Dec. IS, when his bond expired
A meeting will be held this afternoon when
the board Of representatives Of the asso-
citation will report.
Capt. Meeker will be arraigned at o'clock
this morning