No. 92 | 2d Cir. | Nov 16, 1942
This appeal involves only the question whether the court’s findings of insolvency and reasonable cause for the belief that the defendant’s collection would effect a preference were “clearly erroneous.” They were not. Proofs of claim filed by creditors were admitted without objection which showed the bankrupt to have been indebted in the sum of at least $1,450; to which must be added the debt to the defendant of $550, making $2,000 in all. The bankrupt was asked upon the trial whether he had not sworn before the referee that the sale value of his stock in trade at retail was “about $800, and a (sic) forced sale about $300.” To this he answered that he denied nothing which he had said to the referee, which we regard as the equivalent of reaffirming its truth. There was therefore evidence of insolvency independent of
It is clear that the defendant had reasonable ground for believing that the sale would effect a preference. He was selling out the bankrupt lock, stock and barrel for less than enough to pay his own debt. The bankrupt was helpless, had forlornly abandoned the store and even absented himself from the sale.
Judgment affirmed.