Washington Savings Bank (New York, NY)

Episode Information

Episode UID
7004772191332
Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
savings
Bank ID
700477219 hash
Start Date
December 28, 1910
Location
New York, New York (40.714, -74.006)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
37c721b6e404d429

Response Measures

None

Description

Closure and receivership by State Banking Department following the Robin/Northern Bank scandal.

Events (4)
1. December 28, 1910 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Run triggered by the suspension/closing of the Northern Bank of New York and scandal around Joseph G. Robin, who was president of Washington Savings.
Measures
Posted sixty-day withdrawal notice; safes and vaults sealed; tellers refused payment except small accounts.
Newspaper Excerpt
A small run took place at the bank yesterday after the Northern bank had closed.
Source
newspapers
2. December 29, 1910 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
The bank passed into the hands of the State banking department to-day, there to keep company with the Northern Bank of New York, of whose executive committee he was chairman, and with which his name has hitherto been more prominently connected.
Source
newspapers
3. December 30, 1910 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
State Banking Department took control/ordered closure amid investigations of Robin's misconduct and the Northern Bank failure.
Newspaper Excerpt
Washington Savings bank closes its doors
Source
newspapers
4. May 15, 1911 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
order permitting the superintendent to make the distribution on the 50 per cent basis (dividend to depositors).
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (18)
1. December 28, 1910 The Topeka State Journal Topeka, KS
Article from The Topeka State Journal, December 28, 1910

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WOULD NOT KEEP HIM. Sanitarium Managers Refuse to Entertain Banker Robin. New York, Dec. 28.-A staff of experts under the direction of Bank Superintendent Cheney is investigating today the affairs of the Northern bank of New York, whose suspension yesterday brought to light the news that Joseph G. Robin, who held control of the bank, had been committed the night before to a sanitarium. Robin not only controlled the Northern bank but, according to State Superintendent of Insurance Hotchkiss, largely controlled several other companies. The real condition of the Northern bank probably will not be known for at least three weeks and in the mean time the state bank and insurance officials indicate they will insist that Robin undergo another examination as to his mental condition. Depositors of the Northern bank and its branches probably will be paid in full, but how the stockholders will fare can only be surmised. It was learned at the district attorney's office shortly before noon today that Robin had left the sanitarium at Central Valley, N. Y., to which he went early this week and was now said to be at his home in this city. The sanitarium authoarities it was said, refused to receive him as a patient. Sixty Day Notice Posted. New York, Dec. 28.-The sixty-day withdrawal notice was posted today at the Washington savings bank on West Fifty-ninth street, of which Robin is the president. This institution has deposits aggregating $1,410,205. A small s, run took place at the bank yesterday after the Northern bank had closed.

2. December 28, 1910 The Evening World New York, NY
Article from The Evening World, December 28, 1910

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ous condition that his immediate com mitment was necessary. On her representations and the papers she had, all of which were in due legal form, : signed the commitment." The commitment of Robin as an Insane person put a temporary stop to the beginning of the usual legal steps to bring about his arrest on a charge of misappropriating funds of the bank. The Superintendent of Insurance, the Superintendent of Banks and the District-Attorney found no precedents to guide them in this case. About the only course open appears to be to submit the evidence to the Grand Jury and have Robin Indicted Then he can be brought into court and a commission can be appointed to examine him as to his mental condition after the manner prescribed by law. He Is Still Legally Insane. Although Robin has been removed from a private insane asylum, he is still legally Insane in the eyes of the law, for he has been committed by a Justice of the Supreme Court as an Insane person. If it is established that he is insane he cannot be sued individually and no lunatic can be thrown into bankruptey. However, his affairs are in a chaotic state, and his friends will find It necessary to have a commission appointed to take charge of his person and property. This commission can be sued. "The direct effect of the commitment of Robin D.S an insane person," said Superintendent of Insurance Hotchkiss today, "establishes remarkable ease for his defonse. It will be extremely dimcult to establish his responsibility for wrongdoing." "Just what has Robin done," Mr. Hotchkiss was asked, "in the way of violating the insurance laws of the State?" "He has been selling bad securities to Insurance companies and in their places taking good securities. These transactions, however, were all condueted through subordinates, and It to easy to see how, with Robin committed as insane. It will be very difficult to fasten responsibility upon him." Robin took $30.000 out of the Northerr. Bank last weel., at a time when the experts in the employ Superintendent Hotchkiss were looking into the affairs of his Insurance and indemnity and bonding enterprises. This sum was abstracted by a system of high finance so intricate that even the expert accountants have not been able to solve the Interior working of it. There are four other men besides Robin implicated in the wrecking of the Northern Bank and the Robin investment companies. Evidence against these men and against Robin will be submitted to the Grand Jury Jan. 2. Run on Washington Savings. The Washington Savings Bank, at Fifty-ninth street and Columbus Circle, of which Robin is president, and which is virtually owned by him, put the sixtyday notice rule into effect to-day when confronted by a run. Superintendent of Banks Cheney is investigating this concern. The safes and vaults were sealed yesterday In order to conserve the assets. Although a savings bank, the Washington had customers 'who had checking accounts. The law permitting savings banks to require depositors to give sixty days' notice of intent to withdraw their deposits was also enforced in respect to these checking accounts. There was a great deal of exitement around the bank. The doors were open and the tellers and clerks were in place at their windows. but not a cent was paid out. A few persons made deposits. His Examination by Experts. It was at his Gramercy Park apartments that Robin was examined by the allenists who certified that he was Insane. Four of them were called and, according to Dr. Valentine Wildman, they made four examinations. Superintendent of Insurance Hotchkiss, when informed of the action of Dr. MacDonald, said: "That would seem to be a very proper proceeding on the part of Dr. MacDonald. It certainly confirms the conclusions of throse familiar with the transactions of Robin within the past few weeks." Henderson M. Wolfe, chief auditor of accounts in the Finance Department, who until December a year ago was Vice-President and a director of the Northern Bank, said to-day that he sold his stock and severed all connection with the bank when he accepted a job under Comptroller Prendergast. Mr. Wolfe added: "I became Vice-President and director of the Northern Bank in May, 1909. I represented prominent downtown banking interests, who had acquired an option on a majority of the capital stock of the institution. I have taken no active interest in the Northern Bank since severing my connection on Dec. 31, 1909." Dr. Frederlek Ives, who has been mentioned as a vice-president of the Northern Bank, Issued to-day a statement declaring that he has no connection sald whatever with that institution. He

3. December 28, 1910 Deseret Evening News Salt Lake City, UT
Article from Deseret Evening News, December 28, 1910

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NORTHERN BANK OF N. Y. AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION New York," Dec. 28.-A staff or experts under the direction of Bank Supt. Chency is Investigating today the affairs of the Northern Bank of New York, whose suspension yesterday brought to light the news that Joseph G. Robin, who held control of the bank, had been committed the night before to a sanitarium. Robin not only controlled the Northern bank, but according to State Supt. of Insurance Hotchkiss largely controlled several other companies. The real condition of the Northern bank will not probably be known for at least three weeks and in the meantime the state bank and insurance officials indicate that they will insist that Robin undergo another examination as to his mental condition. Depositors or the Northern bank and its branches probably will be paid in full. but how the stockholders will fare can only be surmised. It was learned at the district attorney's office shortly before noon today that Robin had left the sanitarium at Central Valley, N. Y., to which he went early this week and was now said to be at his home in this city. The sanitarium authorities, it was said, refused to receive him as a patient. The 60-day withdrawal notice was today posted at the Washington Savings bank on west Fifty-ninth street. of which Robin is president. The institution has deposits aggregating $1.410,000. A small run took place at the bank yesterday afternoon after the Northern bank had closed.

4. December 29, 1910 Daily Kennebec Journal Augusta, ME
Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, December 29, 1910

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In event of an indictment being found against Robin, it was said he will immediately be arrested and arraigned, despite any contention by counsel that is of unsound mind. If a plea of insanity is entered, then a lunacy commission of two laymen and one insanity expert will be appointed to determine his state of mind. The 60-day withdrawal notice was today posted at the Washington Savings Bank on West 59th street. Joseph G. Robin is the president of the Washington Savings Bank. This institution. which is one of the smallest savings banks of the city, has deposits aggregating $1,410,205, according to the report made to the state banking department in July. A small sized run took place at the savings bank yesterday afternoon after the Northern Bank had closed. When Supreme Court Justice Amend was informed that the sanitarium at Central Valley, to which the justice committed Robin, had refused to accept the man as a patient, declaring him to be sane, and had insisted that the bank director leave the institution at once, Justice Amend said: "The requirements of the statute governing commitments to private institutions were complied with in every particular in this case. The petitioner, who is Robin's sister, I am informed, appeared at my home Monday night with a properly signed affidavit of two reputable physicians, setting forth that Rob. in was insane, had attempted to kill himself and that it was imperative that he be committed to an institution where he could not harm himself or anyone else. A prima facie case was made out clearly and there was nothing for me to di under the statute but sign the commitment, which I did. "The head of any private institution for the insane," continued the justice, "has a perfect right to refuse to receive a patient committed to that institution or to discharge such a patient when upon examination it is found that the patient is not insane and was mentally capable at the time of the commitment."

5. December 29, 1910 The Clarksburg Telegram Clarksburg, WV
Article from The Clarksburg Telegram, December 29, 1910

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BANKER'S SANITY TO BE LOOKED INTO After Bank Breaks and He is Refused Admission to Sanitarium. RAIN FALLS NEW YORK, Dec. (28-A staff of experts under the direction of Superintendent Cheney today investiIN TORRENTS gated the affairs of the Northern Bank of New York whose suspension brought to light the news that Joseph G. Robin, who held control AT PRESENT of the bank, entered a sanitarium early this week. It is reported that Robin, after reIn the North Central States maining in the place a few hours, returned to his home in this city, the as the Snow is Melting sanitarium authorities refusing to accept him as a patient. Quickly. State bank and insurance officials indicate that they will insist that MESSAGE SERVICE Robin undergo an examination as to his mental condition. The depositors of the Northern Bank and Is Very Much Interfered with its branches will probably be paid in full, but how the stockholders will as Poles and Lines fare can only be surmised. Are Down. The sixty-day withdrawal notice was today posted at the Washington CHICAGO, Dec.-28-A storm of Savings Bank on West 59th street, wet and heavy snow melting in terof which Robin is president. This ritory to the south into a heavy institution has deposits of $1,410,downpour of rain swept over the 205. A -mall run took place yesterday afternoon. north central states early today. Telegraph and wires

6. December 29, 1910 The Bennington Evening Banner Bennington, VT
Article from The Bennington Evening Banner, December 29, 1910

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HE WILL PRODUCE BANKER ROBIN WHEN WANTED Ex District Attorney Gives Such Assurance DEPOSITORS MAY NOT LOSE Counsel for Northern Bank Says Institution Should Pay Dollar for Dollar | New York, Dec. 29.-Joseph G. Robin, the financier and banker whose borrowings and manipulations of securities shut the doors of the Northern Bank of New York and its nine branches and drove the Washington Savings Bank in Columbus Circle to adopt extreme measures for preventing a run, is hiding in this city, with only his attorney William Travers Jerome and a few others knowing where he is. The Washington Savings Bank in Columbus Circle, of which Robin is president, enforced yesterday against its depositors the sixty-day notice rule on all withdrawals. The State Banking Department is examining the books, but this, it was explained, was merely the regular examination, and that the department had nothing to do with the curb placed on the depositors' anxiety to get their money. State Superintendent of Insurance Hotchkiss said yesterday that he believed the investigation now in progress into the affairs of the Northern - the would

7. December 29, 1910 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, December 29, 1910

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JURY INDICTS ROBIN Charges Bank President With Larceny of $80,000. FROM EJECTED ASYLUM Financier Taken Away in Automobile by His Sister. AT APARTMENTS IN NEW YORK Engages Former District Attorney Jerome to Defend Him-Experts Go Over Books. NEW YORK, December 29.-The grand jury this afternoon handed down an indictment against Joseph G. Robin, whose financial transactions are alleged to be responsible for the closing of the Northern Bank of New York last Tuesday. The indictment specifically charges Robin with the larceny of $80,000 from the Northern Bank. Robin (formerly Robinowitz) was turned out of a private asylum yesterday, whither he was taken when officials closed the Bank of Northern New York, of which he was president. and started an investigation of a score of other concerns he is said to control. Millions of dollars of deposits are tied up by the actions of the state and city officials, and there is revealed a remarkable story of high finance of a man born in Russia thirty-five years ago, who had risen from a bootblack to an important interest in a chain of financial corporations. Changed His Name. Robin has been in America only twenty years, changing his name eighteen years ago. It has been claimed for him that he is related to Russian royalty. Officials at Dr. Carlos F. MacDonald's sanatorium, at Central Valley, N. Y., declined to discuss their refusal to give Robin a refuge, except to refer to misstatements, presumably as to his mental condition. Robin was whisked away at once in an automobile with his sister, Dr. Louise Robinovitch, and eluded pursuit. Last night he was reported to be in seclusion in New York. Detectives had watched his apartments and the home of his sister until District Attorney Whitman received word from William Travers Jerome, former district attorney, that Robin had retained him as counsel. "Robin is in this city,' said Mr. Whitman, after hearing from Mr. Jerome, "and Mr. Jerome has assured me that he will produce Robin when the district attorney wants him." It is rumored that Robin's attack of paranoia did not develop its alarmingly acute stage until Friday, when, coincidently, it is said, Robin's friends learned of the official investigation into the affairs of the Northern Bank. Started Inquiry December 14. The discovery of something new in the 1 way of what Supt. Hotchkiss calls endless-chain finance came as long ago as December 14, when he began an Investigation into the affairs of the Aetna Indemnity Company of Hartford, Conn. Robin owned 51 per cent of the stock of the Aetna Indemnity Company, and through that institution he had obtained control of the Rochester Title and Guarantee Company. He was interested in many other companies and banks, and as chairman of the executive committee of the Northern Bank of New York practically controlled that institution's policy. Among other concerns in which he was interested were the Fidelity Development Company, which owns the Morris Park race track property: the Bankers' Realty and Security Company, the South Shore Traction Company and the Babylon Railroad Company. He was also president and a trustee of the Washington Savings Bank in the city of New York. Financial Tangle. The whole case is extremely complicated by the tangle of relations between the various banks, companies and insurance institutions in which Robin was interested or which he controlled. Supt. Hotchkiss has taken possession of the assets of the Rochester Title and Guarantee Company, and Supt. Cheney has a large staff of expert accountants at work upon the books of the Northern Bank of New York and its nine branches, with deposits of nearly $7,000,000. When patrons of the Washington Save ings Bank entered the bank yesterday they found the following notice posted near the receiving teller's window: or "Depositors will be required to give sixty days' notice previous to making withdrawals from their accounts." Secretary Cheney's name was signed to the notice. "This notice," said the secretary, "is simply a precautionary measure. The losigned to avert

8. December 29, 1910 The Washington Herald Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Herald, December 29, 1910

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Thursday that proceedings against him were in order, and that the bank would be shut down. The district attorney was told of that fact. As to Dr. Macdonald's discharging him from the sanatorium, that is a matter between Dr. Macdonald and the Supreme Court, said Mr. Whitman. The banking department had no official statement to make concerning the finances of the Northern Bank of New York. The best information obtainable places the loss from Robin's operations at more than $800,000. Although Bank Supt. Cheney refused to discuss the situation, it was learned that in the opinion of his department it will probably be several weeks before a statement showing the depositors' fate can be made. May Close Concern. The department will decide to-day as to whether the Aetna Indemnity Company of Hartford, of which Robin is the controlling stockholder, will be allowed to continue in business. Theodore H. Macdonald, insurance commissioner of Connecticut, will be here to talk the situation over again with Supt. Hotchkiss. The Washington Savings Bank, at Fiftyninth street and Eighth avenue, of which Robin is president, forestalled the possibility of a serious run to-day by claiming its right to defer payments for sixty days. Examiners from the State banking department are conducting an examination of this bank. When the Washington opened its doors at 9 o'clock, there were only a few depositors on hand to withdraw their accounts. Three or four of these, whose accounts were less than $100, got their money, but when a man appeared with an account of over $1,000, which he wished to close and a woman who wanted to withdraw a deposit of over $3,000, they were informed that the bank would put in force its privilege of demanding sixty days' notice before payment. A minute later formal notice to that effect was posted in the bank. Frederick K. Morris, who was Joseph G. Robin's representative in many companies, and through whom he was able to operate sub rosa, was taken to the offices of the South Shore Traction Company, in the Times Building, to-day, by his wife and son to tell Chief Examiner Hughes, of Mr. Hotchkiss' office and to Assistant District Attorney John K. Clark, what he knew concerning Robin's transactions through the various companies where Morris had represented him. Endures Acute Suffering. The skepticism as to the seriousness of Mr. Morris' illness was dispelled to-day by the State and county representatives before whom he testified, when they described the picture of the man lying back upon a couch and enduring acute physical suffering as he filled in and straightened out the information which they had already at hand. It is said that Morris has been ill for many months and has continued at work against medical advice. His trouble is said to be heart disease, and the attack he had last Monday was very acute. Mr. Hughes said that, of course, he was not able to offer any immunity to Mr. Morris from criminal prosecution, nor could Mr. Clark so offer without consulting his chief, but this did not halt Mr. Morris from supplying them with whatever information he possessed. "We are not preventing him from saying what he chooses," said Mr. Hughes. It is believed that some sort of an immunity will be procured for him. During the examination, Mr. Clark reported to District Attorney Whitman that he was very well satisfied with the progress being made, and that, in his esti. mation, sufficient information would be at hand so that an application could be made to the grand jury next Tuesday for a criminal indictment against Robin. Mr. Morris' testimony will be largely instrumental in bringing this about.

9. January 4, 1911 Keowee Courier Walhalla, Pickens, SC
Article from Keowee Courier, January 4, 1911

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INDICTED BY GRAND JURY. Must Give $25,000 or Go to Jail Pending Question, New York, Dec. 29.-It took the grand jury just an hour to-day to indict Jos. G. Robin on a charge of the larceny of $50,000 from the Washington Savings Bank, of which he was president. The bank passed into the hands of the State banking department to-day, there to keep company with the Northern Bank of New York, of whose executive committee he was chairman, and with which his name has hitherto been more prominently connected. The district attorney explained that out of a mass of evidence drawn from the records of both institutions he had chosen the charge that he thought could be presented most simply to a jury. Technically Robin is insane now. The order of commitment, signed by Justice Amend at the request of Dr. Robinovitch, and certification of three other physicians, still stands, although the private sanitarium to which Robin was taken refused to receive him. Banker Robin Collapses, New York, Dec. 30.-John R. Robin, indicted in connection with the recent suspension of the Northern Bank, completely collapsed a few minutes before the hour of his arraignment before Judge Crain in the General Sessions Court, and physicians were hurriedly summoned. It was feared that he had taken some sort of poison. Robin was guarded all last night and to-day by detectives at the home of his sister, Dr. Louise Robinovitch, 28 West 126th street. An exhaustive examination by two alienists to-day resulted in the declaration that Robin is a physical wreck. This was the announcement made by Dr. W. A. Mabon, superintendent of the Manhattan Hospital for the Insane, and Dr. A. Flint. Dr. Mabon's examination of Robin was made for District Attorney Whitman, while Dr. Flint acted in behalf of former District Attorney Jerome, counsel for the prisoner. Did Not Delay. District Attorney Whitman angrily denied to-day that he had delayed bringing action against Robin when notified that the Northern Bank had been wrecked. "I acted as soon as I could get enough evidence against the man to warrant my proceeding against him," he said. "I have acted promptly in this case, and I refuse to be drawn into any controversy with the newspapers or Superintendent Cheney. As for letting Robin leave the sanita rium and go away. he was a ward of the court, and I could not touch him until he was indicted and a warrant issued."

10. January 23, 1911 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, January 23, 1911

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TIED UP IN ROBIN BANK Days After Washington's Failure Wadleigh Students Go to Put More Into It. HADN'T HEARD OF CLOSING Secret Society of High School Now Bemoans $1,000 It Had Collected for Dance at the Waldorf. For many months the girls of the Greek letter society. Phi Phi Mu, of the Wadleigh High School, have been saving their spare money for the purpose of indulging in a fraternity dance and reception at the Waldorf on February 3. The fund has been growing famously; every member of the secret order has been sparing of candy and ice cream sodas, so that the fund might approach to respectable proportions before the night of the dance. The custodians of the money have been secretly patting themselves on the back. Only a few weeks ago the girls had $1,000 in the bank. and visions of the glories of the night of February 3 kept running through their minds. They planned to far outdo all previous fraternity efforts On Saturday morning. at the home of Miss Helen Hankins, the treasurer of the society, the fraternity members held a meeting. at which final details for the dance were completed. To add to the gayety of the occasion. Miss Hankins turned over an extra 825 to Miss Aurele McLaughlin, the trustee of the fund, who lives at No. 606 Lexington avenue. When the girls had separately and individually congratulated Miss Hankins on her notable addition to the fund, the latter. accompanied by Miss Lottie Behning, of No. 2135 Seventh avenue: Miss Camilla Helmle, of Hamilton Terrace, and Miss Susan Lyons, of West 71st street, departed to place the latest contribution in the vaults of the bank with its thousand fellows They chatted airly and blissfully as they tripped along to the subway and when they got out at Columbus Circle Miss McLaughlin marched with confident step toward the bank. Found Bank was Closed. A look of vexation crossed her face as she neared the doors and saw that the bank was closed Instantly the thought occurred to all the girls that the half holiday was responsible for the closing. and they tried to get the man who showed his face behind the plate glass door to open in response to their knocking. The man smiled and pointed to a grepasted on the window. The girls glanced at the sign contemptuously for a moment, but only for a moment. Wild despair and disappointment shown in their faces when they finally grasped the full meaning of the fatal words. It was a notice that the Washington Savings Bank had been ordered closed by order of the state authorities: that it had failed: in other words. that the society's $1,000 was where they couldn't get it. Just then one of the students happened to glance at the heavy gold lettering on the opposite window. "Oh, girls," she said. "this is the Washington Bank, isn't it? Isn't that the bank that that horrid Robin was connected with?" and then all the other "Greeks" crowded closely about her and nodded their heads sadly. Now, with the approach of the proposed fraternity dance only a matter of days away, the fraternity is in a furore. A ways and means committee has been appointed to devise methods of getting around the difficulty. At first it was feared that the dance would have to be abandoned. but later the girls determined to raise the necessary amount. They will implore the financial aid of their parents and coax the elusive dollars as best they can. It is expected that many a father will be delightfully heedled and cajoled, and upon these hopes rest the fate of the fraternity

11. February 27, 1911 The Times Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from The Times Dispatch, February 27, 1911

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New York, February 26.-Another chapter in the meteoric career of Joseph G. Robin, who, it is claimed, stole more than $1,000,000 from the depositors in his institutions, will open here to-morrow, when he is placed on trial on the specific charge of stealing $280,000 of the funds of the Washington Savings Bank. Few cases of frenzied finance have aroused such widespread interest as that of Robin's. The humble origin of the man, his rapid rise in the world of finance, the disastrous results of his skyrocket methods, and the numerous sensations since his arrest have all contributed to the publicity of the case. At present three large banking institutions are in the hands of the State Banking Department, while deposits aggregating nearly $20,000,000 are tied up. The several concerns which Robin personally launched are in the hands of receivers, and bankruptcy proceedings are being conducted against him, ### Plead Insanity. When the trial comes up to-morrow It is believed that Robin's counsel will endeavor to get a further postponement on the ground that the prisoner is insane and should be committed to an asylum. Robin's financial jugglery first came to the attention of the public on December 27, 1910, when the Northern Bank of New York and its nine branches closed their doors, following an investigation by the State Banking Department This institution carried 25,000 deposits, aggregating $7,000,000 and its failure was a severe blow to thousands of small investors. A thorough investigation by the State Banking Department, which had been going on for a couple of weeks, revealed the fact that Robin was the directing genius of the institution and practically controlled it, the officers and other directors being mere figureheads. When the authorities went to lay hands on him, however, they discovered that his sister, Dr. Louise Robinovitch, had stolen a march on them and had her brother installed in a sanatorium as an incurable paranoiac, on the judgment of two prominent alienists. This action was taken by Dr. Robinovitch the day before the closing of the bank, but when the story of Robin's irregularities became public, the owner of the private sanatorium, objecting to this unpleasant notoriety, turned Robin out of doors, and, in company with his sister, the ruined financier made his way to Jersey, returning to New York the following day. In the meantime the grand jury had been investigating Robin's peculations, and on December 23 handed down an indictment charging him with the specific theft of $90.000 from the Washington Savings Bank. This institution, of which Robin was president, and which had deposits of $1.400.000, closed its

12. February 27, 1911 El Paso Herald El Paso, TX
Article from El Paso Herald, February 27, 1911

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enterprises, giving return except worthless collateral. The grand jury investigation showed that he had obtained thousands of dollars from his banks without depositing any collateral. Sensations in the Robin case, however, did not end with the arrest of financier. Makes Suicide Efforts. On December 30 he was taken to court to plead to the indictment which charged him with the theft of $90,000, and while in the courtroom, attempted suicide by swallowing poison. The dose however, was not sufficient to kill, and after a few days in the hospital he was taken to the Tombs prison, no worse for the attempt. It became evident at this time that his defence would be based on an insanity plea, and whether his attempt to take his life was the part of a clever ruse to bolster up this plea, or the act of a desperate man, is a question which is a difference of opinion. Denies His Parents. Another interesting incident in the Robin case, and one which increased the public resentment against the wrecked banker, occurred a few days later when be and his sister, Dr. Louise Rabinovitch, denied their parents. This pathetic scene occurred in the office of the district attorney, where Mr. and Mrs Herman Rabinovitch, aged couple, who lived in Brooklyn, presented evidence showing that they were the parents of the banker Robin, while admitting that they had brought him from the old country, said that they were no relation to him, and that his parents were in Siberia. The following days seven more indictments were returned against Robin charging him with the theft of $207,000 from the Washington Savings bank. In the meantime Robin's sister had requested the supreme court to appoint a commission to look after her brother's estate, stating that she was the only living relative. This request was denied on January 7, and three days later Dr. Rabinovitch was indicted on the charge of perjury. In making her application she claimed to be Robin's only relative, but the district attorney presented the testimony of the aged Brooklyn couple and an indictment followed. Her trial has not as yet come up. As an indirect result of Robin's methods the Carnegie Trust company closed its doors on January 7, and at present is in the hands of the state banking department. Arraigned, Refuses to Plead. Robin was arraigned on January 10 and as he would not enter any plea to the indictment, the court ordered that one of not guilty be presented. This caused another interesting fight. Former district attorney Jerome, counsel for Robin, had contended all along that his client was isane, and and should not be compelled to stand trial. On January 25, upon motion of district attorney Whittiman, judge Swaun appointed Dr. Charles L. Dana and Dr. Pearce Bailey as a commission to determine the prisoner's mental condition. The case came up on February 1 before a jury and evidence was presented by five noted alienists to the effect that Robin was insane and unable to confer rationally with his counsel. Tells Rambling Story. Robin was also placed on the stand and told a rambling story to the ef fect that he was the victim of the Standard Oil company and J. P. Morgan, and that someone was attempting to poison him in the Tombs. Despite this evidence, however, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that Robin was sane and should stand trial. Judge Swann complimented them on their verdict and as a result was severely criticised by Mr Jerome and the alienists who had figured in the trial. The jurors all said that they were of the opinion that Robin was feigning insanity and judge Swann backed them up. All of Robin's concerns are in the hands of receivers and bankruptcy proceedings against Robin are at present being conducted before a commissioner appointed by the United States commission court. As the result of Robin's thefts Dr. Harry James, Charles K. Lexell, William P. Youngs and Thomas F. Murphy, trustees of the Washington Savings bank, are under indictment on the charge of perjury, while William L. Browls, the vice president of the Northern bank, is also under indictment on the same charge, and Frank L. Grant, the former president of that institution, has been indicted for a misdemeanor. Summary of Robin Case. December 27, 1910-Northern Bank of New York closes its doors. revealing the daring financial methods of Joseph G. Robin, who is clapped into a private sanitarium before the crash comes. December 28, 1910-Robin is turned out of sanitarium. and, in company with his sister, Dr. Louise Ra oinovitch, goes to Jersey. December 29. 1910-Robin is indict ed on the charge of the theft of $90,000 from the Washington Savings bank. and is placed under arrest at his sister's home in New York. Washington Savings bank closes its doors December 30, 1910-Robin takes poison in the courtroom. as he is about to be arraigned, but the dose does not prove fatal. January 5, 1911-Robin and his sister deny aged parents. January 6, 1911-Seven more indictments returned against Robin, charging him with a theft of $207,000 from the Washington Savings bank. January 7, 1911-Sister's request for lunacy commission denied by New York supreme court. January 7-Carnegie Trust company closes as an indirect result of Robin's financial methods. January 10.-Dr. Louise Rabinovitch, Robin's sister, indicted on charge of perjury. A plea of not guilty to the grand larceny charge is entered for Robin. January 14-Several trustees of Washington Savings bank indicted on

13. April 2, 1911 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, April 2, 1911

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MANY UNSECURED LOANS Inventory of Washington Savings Bank Shows Loose Methods. $77,250 ON TURRELL'S NOTE Carnegie Trust Company Investigation Again Reaches Out to Chamberlain Hyde. inventory of the Washington Savings one of the institutions G. Robin and which was Joseph Bank, The controlled compelled by reason of the financier, was convicted to close by high operations filed yester- of Orion the Clerk's office by H. day Cheney, in the County Superintendent of the much State the Banking Department. It presents of loose the inventories same was shown condition by management of the North- that with which Robin was Trust ern and Bank. of the Carnegie Company. associated, Bank The are the Washington Savings These are assets set forth of as $1,445,022 16. $833,810; divided as follows: Bonds and mortgages. stocks and bonds, $495,535.59 cash in bank, $58,754.73; other assets, $6,923 84. Theodore Werner $26,000 on but The two bank mortgages. lent Superintendent not appear Chethe mortgages do the The Northern showed that among they says Bank papers. schedules Werner of the obloan of $38,500. putting up as of the State tained lateral a 250 shares Savings In Bank col- the of Mont., a Heinze company. Werner had to pay 4 Northern Butte, Bank only 6 per per cent interest, while others paid cent. New York City Bonds Missing. No for a security appeared represented loan of $60,000 in a mortgage for $350,000. as running from the Fidelity Development Company to the Title and Guarantee Company of Rochester. and as covering certain premises in The Bronx for two loans for $27,000 and $30,000 respectively. to New York City worth the inventory In regard $60,000. said: bonds "The of 1960, last of New York City are carried on ing two to Items $60,000, bonds, the the books amount- months as been purchased during of October and having September November. were 1910. not but the securities themselves found among the assets." The cash due the Washington Savings Bank is distributed as. follows: Riverside Branch of the Northern Bank. $34,550 61; Plaza Bank, $3,864 14: Empire Trust ComCarnegie and Bank of $5,619.60, pany, $10.201 4 Suffoik, Trust Stony Company. Brook, Long Island, $4,515 95. the largest mortgagors the Fidelity Among Development of Com- the the Pelham Parkway the River bank pany. pany, are Wading Realty Realty Company. Company Comthe Bankers' Realty and Security and Theodore Werner and Clara L. Werner. Loan of $77,250 to Turrell. The inventory of the Carnegie Trust Comis still of pany prolific interesting attention transac- being tions, the latest to draw a of $77,250 to Herbert of the Oxzyn a time rell is loan treasurer Turrell. company, Turconcern which manufactures The company a Sixth a cold avenue cream. has negotiate capital of but Turrell was able to December 28, 1910, his $30,000, loan on closed. the day after perthe Northern Bank was on a sonal note, without indorsement and without collateral. came due on Tuesday, March 28, and W. Egbert, the The George note settlement. Carnegie He Trust receiver, requested a reit is said, from J. that ceived Cummins word, by telephone Cummins William had certain stocks in a vault in the safety deposit vaults of the Carnegie Trust Company whose proceeds might be applied to the payment of the Turrell note. The grand jury, which did not sit yesterset A. work day. Banking has Department's Joseph investigator, Broderick, the to Trust State the records of the Carnegie to see whether any searching Company Astor business Mortgage connection existed between the Company and the Carnegie Trust or the Cummins syndicate. The investment of City in held by the mortgages court moneys by Chamberlain Astor Mortgage Hyde Company is now the subject of an inquiry being conducted by the grievance committee of the Bar Association. Howard Townis District Attorney as send, with the its chairman, keeping in the will close investiga- report touch tion proceeds. The committee to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

14. April 13, 1911 Pine Bluff Daily Graphic Pine Bluff, AR
Article from Pine Bluff Daily Graphic, April 13, 1911

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Three Involuntary Petitions Which Aggregates $13,500,000 Filed in New York MERRILL IS RECEIVER Big Creditors Listed-Action Not Against Respondents as Directors of Carnegie Trust. New York, April 12.-Three involuntary petitions in bankruptcy aggregating $13,500,000 were filed here today against three officers of the failed Carnegie Trust Company, now la the hands of the State superintendent of basks The respondents are William J. Cummins, president of the trust company, and Charles Arthur Moore Jr, and Martin J. Condon, directors. Their financial status is given in the petition as: Cummins liabilities $5,000,000 and his assets are $400,oco; Moore liabilities $2,000,000 and assets $100,000 and Condon liabilities $6,500,000 and assets, $500,000. Payson Merrill was named receiver for all three under bonds of $100,000. Only three petitioning creditors ara named, which is all the law requires. Their lawyers said that nrany more are associated with them. The cred_ itors who appear are Herrmann C. Brewster, $30,000; Herbert Hatfield, $9,644, and Jas S. Watson, $80,000 all for money loaned. They allege in their petitions against Cummins that preferential payments have been made since he became insolvent and likewise there has been concealment of considerable property with intent to hinder and defraud creditors. The actions were not brought against the respondents as directors of the Carnegie Trust Company, but as individuals. The Carnegie Trust Company, long on the edge of failure, was thrust over I've precipice by the failure and indictment of Joseph G. Ro pan, president of the Washington Savings Bank, and an of. ficial closely connected with the Northern Bank of New York, which also failed. The publication of proceedings taken by the state banking department against those two banks showed that Robin, who had formerly been a director of the Carnegie Trust Company, had given it his paper for large amounts even fter his resigna tion, and the mere shadow of at and name was sufficient to oring run which the bank could not withstand.

15. April 13, 1911 Daily Kennebec Journal Augusta, ME
Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, April 13, 1911

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Involuntary Bankruptcy Action in New York. Against Officers of the Failed Carnegie Trust Company. Many Associates of Men Named-Their Financial Status. New York, April 12.-Three involuntary petitions in bankruptcy aggregating $13,500,000 were filed here today against three officers of the failed Carnegie Trust Co.: now in the hands of the state superintendent of banks. The respondents are William J. Cummins, one of the leading directors of the Trust Co., Charles A. Moore, Jr., and Martin J. Condon. directors. Their financial status is given in the petition as 000 assets follows: and Cummins, $400,000: liabilities Moore, liabili- $5,000.ties, $2,000,000 and assets Condon, liabilities, $6,500,000 $100,000; and assets, $500,000. Payson Merrill was named receiver for all three under bonds of $100,000. But three petitioning creditors are named, which is all the law requires. but their lawyers said that more are who associated with them. The many creditors appear are: Hermann C. BrewHattie'd star, and James $30,000; S. Herbert Watson. 1.000, all $9644, for money allege their that Cummins loaned. in They petition against preferential payments have been made since he insolvent transfer and of has became been and concealment that there with to hinder, considerable delay property and defraud creditors. intent for the Samuel Koenig, The lawyers J. formerly creditors secretary are of state for New York, and Parsons. Closson & Mellvane. Mr. Koenig said today that the actions would not be brought against the respondents as di. rectors in the Carnegie Trust Co., but as individuals. "These claims have been presented for payment," he continued, "and not refused, nevertheless not been Because all three have though paid. they of were connected Trust whose with the the respondents Carnegie Co., condition we all know. it decided to to show put them into bankruptcy, was what their exact assets are and to protect all creditors. **The creditors are numerous and their $6,000,000 more. In order claims and probably will aggregate certainly to protect themselves fully, they have some claims. filed in which instances for the duplicate accounts larger aggregate amount appearing in the papers." Mr. Merrill, the receiver. said he knew absolutely nothing of the nature or the intent of the proceedings beyond the fact that he had been appointed receiver. Mr. Cummins is understood to in his home. ConNashville, Tenn., Mr. be don at his no statement. Mr. Moore unhave said offices that he is would derstood to be in Rome, where I so ill he his father is seriously Italy, that has not been informed of the complison has been enlangled cations in since which the his failure of the Carnegic Trust Co. a director Besides being of the Carnegie Trust Company Martin J. Congis president director of don and the American Snuff Co., one of the subsidiary companies of the American Tobacco Co. Charles A. Moore, Jr., is a son of the Maxwell & president of Manning Moore, one of the largest makers of in He machinery the country. was formerly secretary and a director of the company but resigned within the last two months. The Carnegie Trust Co., long on the I of failure, over edge was thrust the precipice by the failure and indictment of of the Joseph G. Robin, president Washington Savings Bank, and an officer closely connected with the Northern Savings Bank which also failed.

16. May 15, 1911 The Evening World New York, NY
Article from The Evening World, May 15, 1911

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DEPOSITORS FIGHT DIVIDEND ORDER ON WRECKED BANK Led by Woman, They Demand Dollar for Dollar From Washington Savings. Led by a well dressed woman, about one hundred and fifty men and women depositors of the Washington Savings Bank, one of the institutions wrecked by Joseph G. Robin, crowded into Justice Giegerich's part of the Supreme Court to-day and opposed a motion to declare a 50 per cent. dividend to them unless security be given for the balance due. Justice Glegerich explained to the anxious depositors that the proposed dividend did not foreclose their right to the payment of an additional dividend, but they insisted on some esort of security binding the receiver of the defunct bank to pay them dollar for dollar every cent they had tied up in the Washington Bank. There was no argument on the motion. which was made by the receiver of the institution, and Justice Giegerich said he would reserve. his decision, so that he might look into the papers carefully. It was said that If the Court approves the papers checks will be forwarded to the depositors for 50 per cent. of their money probably within a few days. Many of the depositors brought their bank books to court with them, thinking they would receive some of the money in court. They appeared greatly disappointed when told that there was no money waiting for them. The woman who acted as spokesman for the depositors refused to give her name. She told Justice Giegerich she had been advised to oppose the motion for a 50 per cent. dividend. Justice Giegerich informed her that the motion was simply formal and legal way of straightening out the bank's affairs. and that as soon as the reveiver could whip the affairs of the wrecked insti-

17. May 16, 1911 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, May 16, 1911

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CARNEGIE TRUST DIVIDEND Depositors Cited to Court Object in Cases to Its Payment. About two hundred men and women depositors of the Carnegie Trust Company and of the Washington Savings Bank, many of them represented by lawyers, were in the Supreme Court yesterday in answer to a notification that Orion H. Cheney, Superintendent of the State Banking Department, would ask permission to declare dividends for the depositors of 25 per cent from the Carnegie and 50 per cent from the Washington, one of the Robin institutions. The notification was that an order to show cause had been obtained why he should not grant the dividends. And, strange as It may seem, some of the depositors did try to show cause why the money should not be paid from the funds of the closed bank and trust company. One of the women depositors of the Washington Savings Bank wanted a guarantee that she would receive the other 50 per cent of her deposit. Justice Giegerich pointed out that such a thing was impossible. and on his advice she withdrew her objection to taking what she could get at this time. Some of the depositors expected to receive their money at once in the courtroom. Although the amount of money involved in the distribution of the Washington is not nearly as much as in the case of the Carnegie, the motion in connection with the former gave the court the more trouble because of the larger number of small depositors. Those who were there to talk for themselves and not through counsel wanted to talk at the same time, causing confusion. Justice Giegerich asked whether there was any one present who wanted to oppose the paying of the dividend. The aforementioned woman got the floor first, and the justice explained the situation, but ap parently not to her satisfaction. He said she would not relinquish any rights in the remainder of her money on deposit by accepting the preliminary dividend. but she did not like the appearance of the bank. "Your honor." she continued, "Robin is living in luxury." "Robin is a prisoner In the Tombs," replied Justice Giegerich. "Well, It is very hard," sobbed the objecting woman. Justice Glegerich later in the day signed the order permitting the superntendent to make the distribution on the 50 per cent basis. In the case of the Carnegie Trust Company dividend decision will be rendered later in the week. William Travers Jerome, who for a time acted as counsel for Joseph G. Robin, was ordered yesterday by Judge Hough, of the United States District Court, to surrender to the receiver in bankruptcy for Robin securities of a face value of $40,000, which he obtained from the indicted banker. The order also directed Anthony Stumpf, a director of the Northern Bank, to turn over twenty-five bonds of the South Shore Traction Company, of a par value of $1,000 each. The securities held by Jerome were obtained by him, according to his testimony in one of the bankruptcy hearings, at the time Robin was indicted. Jerome said he went to Robin's office and removed to his own safe all securities and papers of value he found there He added that he was ready to turn over these securities to the receiver at any time.

18. February 22, 1913 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, February 22, 1913

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VAN TUYL DENIES CHARGES He Explains Washington Savings Bank Affairs. [By Telegraph to The Tribune.] Albany, Feb. 21.-Superintendent George C. Van Tuyl, of the State Banking Department, makes a general denial of the charges against him sent to Governor Sulzer by depositors in the Washington Savings Bank of New York. His answer was given out by the Governor. He said he considered it extremely doubtful that the committee making the charges represented any large number of depositors. "The chairman, Charles D. Usinger," said Mr. Van Tuyl, "is not now a creditor of the Washington Savings Bank. He was a depositor when the bank closed, but on January 20, 1911. he assigned his claim to the Gotham National Bank, and notice of assignment was served on this department. Two dividends have since been paid to the Gotham Bank on this claim without objection by Mr. Usinger." The Washington Bank, which is being liquidated by the State Banking Department, is one of the institutions ruined by the manipulations of Joseph G. Robin, and the charges against' Mr. Van Tuyl state that he has not been "diligent or efficient in conserving and gathering the assets of the bank." The principal specific charge is that he had taken no steps to recover from. the Fidelity Development Company $208,000 belonging to the Washington Bank, which Robin was accused of stealing. Mr. Van Tuyl says that, according to the books of the bank, the money was paid out for the purchase of participating certificates in a mortgage executed by the Fidelity Company to the Title and Guarantee Company of Rochester for $350,000. Mr. Van Tuyl says no such mortgage was ever recorded, as near as can be ascertained. He then shows how approximately $208,000 had been paid out of the funds of the Washington Bank to pay indebtedness of Robin or some of the corporations controlled by him. As to the charge. that $60,000 is being withheld from the depositors of the bank, he says the banking department was unable to tell who was the owner of the securities representing this money, and that the Northern Bank, the Maclay Realty Company and the Washington Bank are in litigation,over it.