The sun., 1903-09-04

as he told others, that he was making money
IN Wall Street. In reality he was losing
money and a. fast as he lost he took fresh
supply out of the church funds,
The Edsons and the Pullens came back
from Spring Lake about month ago. Two
weeks ago they went to Bath, Me. They
had intended staying there for several
weeks, when the kilograms were received
from Mr. Peters. Both families returned
then.
OF the actual discovery of Edson's thefts
this story was told yesterday by man
connected with the church;
Mr.. Peters, the rector's brother, went
to the bank on Thursday afternoon. As
he was leaving, one Of the officers called
him aside, saying that he wanted to show
him something There was some delay
and finally this officer said he guessed the
matter could wait, Mr.. Peters wanted to
know what was the matter and finally
the bank official found a note. and showing
It to Mr.. Peters asked II he had signed
it.
/" 1T doesn't look quite right the bank
official remarked
Mr.. Peters at once said IL wasn't his
signature nor that Of Mr.. Case. the clerk
Of the vostry, whose signature is also re-
quired on all matters connected with the
churchs finances Then Mr. Peters learned
that Edison had got the money and becoming
alarmed he telegraphed for Edison. but
did not let all the vestrymen know Of his
discovery.
when Edison arrived on Friday he was
very much excited and really betrayed
himself. He endeavored to make out
that there was nothing wrong The next
day he had disappeared.
1In the meantime Mr. Peters had con-
suited with his brother and it was decided
to call a meeting of the vestry. The situa-
tion was deemed crucial enough to justify
nj
back to the city. They came, and the meet
ing was held on Monday night. partial
explanation Of the state Of affairs was given
by those who knew, and a firm OF account
ants was set at the books.
The accountants started in on Tuesday
much cash Edison took We do not know.
1t will be difficult il not almost impossible.
to find out We fear the defalcation will
amount to between $50 900 and $750 0O0."
| Several other members Of the vestry said
last night they thought that 5000 was a
safe figure TO put the defalcation at. Will
| liam r. Peters, the treasurer, would only
say:
II do not believe that it will amount
| to $75,OOO The accountants will not get
| through for several days and until then
none OF us will know much more than we
| do now"
At the meeting of the vestry held last
!
| ninth street all the members OF the vestry
were present, 1t lasted for three hours.
When it adjourned Dr. Peters said that the
| report of the accountants had not been
presented and that the amount of the de-
falcation was not yet known.
One of the officers Of the church said
yesterday that DR.. Cyrus Edison and his
brother, DR.. David Edison. when informed
| Of their brothers acts, were dumfounded.
1T was several days ago." said this man,
that the Edison family learned Of it: |
| think it was through Mrs. Edison. They
first expressed the hope that restitution
could be made They did not know then
of the extent of the defalcation.
| when they we're informed OF the SIS .oOO
note they were horror-struck. DR.. Edison
told us that he did not see then what could
be done. that it would take years for the
family to raise such an amount. FIX Mayor
Edison, understand crippled himself to
make good the losses incurred by Henry
Edison through his failure, ten or twelve
years ago, in Rochester
| at the Edison apartprsnts. Mrs. Edison.
| the widow. insists that all Of the Furnish
| ings OF the fiat shall be sold and the pro-
| ceeds 20 to the church. She told DR.. Peters
that this was her wish soon after she learned
| what her husband had done.
After the tragedy on Wednesday Mrs.
Edison insisted on DR.. Peters taking ch arge
| Of the apartments. DR.. Edison concurred
and DIR. Peters finally agreed The Edison
apartments were handsomely furnished
hut the proceeds of the sale, it is estimated
will pay back but a small part of what
Edison is known already to have taken.
Mrs. Edison is still prostrated as the re-
suit OF the tragedy and the disclosures
preceding it.
The body of Mrs Pullen was taken to
Erie. Pa. yesterday, where the funeral
services were held Mr.. Pullen and his
son accompanied it. Mr., Pulen returned
last night and was present for few minutes
at the meeting Of the vestry.
Edaon's body will be taken to-day to
Albany and buried there in the family
plot in the Old Cemetery. DR.. Cyrus Ed.
son and Franklin Edison, Jr., two Of the
brothers. will 60 with the body, DR.. David
Orr Edison remaining at home with Mrs
Edison AID his father who does not YET
know all fhe facts of the tragedy,
DR.. Cyrus Edison admitted yesterday
that he knew that his brother had stole1
money from the church. "but," he added
Il believe ii lis less than 5000