Sullivan v. Kuolt

156 Wis. 72 | Wis. | 1914

Vihje, J.

The question raised by the demurrer of the defendant Kuolt is whether he succeeds to the execution of the several trusts set out in the respective complaints by virtue of his having taken charge of the property and business of the Citizens Savings & Trust Company pursuant to the laws of the state. If he does, it must be by reason of some statutory provision, either express or implied, for, in the absence -of such statutory provision, a receiver does not take title to property held in trust. Le Roy v. Globe Ins. Co. 2 Edw. Ch. 657; High, Receivers (4th ed.) § 444; 5 Thompson, Corp. (2d ed.) § 6602. Neither does a trustee in bankruptcy. 1 Perry, Trusts (6th ed.) §§ 58, 345. Nor an assignee under a voluntary assignment for the benefit of creditors. 5 'Oyc. 566; 1 Perry, Trusts (6th ed.) § 336. So whether we regard the commissioner of banking as a receiver, trustee, or as-signee, he does not succeed to the execution of the trust in question unless he does so by force of statute.

A careful examination of the laws upon the subject fails to disclose any such statutory provisions, either express or implied. The Trust Company was engaged in business of various kinds, among others that' of executing trusts, whether such duty was imposed upon it by a court, by agreement of private parties, or by operation of law. Whenever in the opinion of the commissioner of banking it becomes insolvent or unsafe, it is his duty to take charge of its property and business. But for what purpose does he take charge of it? The statute is explicit on this point. It is for the purpose of liquidating it, and not for the purpose of carrying it on. Sub. 3, sec. 2022, Stats. 1913, provides: “Upon taking possession of the property and business of such . . . corporation, the commissioner is authorized to collect moneys due to such . . . corporation, and do such other acts as are necessary to conserve its assets and business, and shall proceed to liquidate the affairs thereof,” as in the act provided. The whole statutory scheme is to wind up the business of the insolvent corporation as soon as is consistent with good business management. But it must be liquidated and closed, that being the purpose for which possession is taken. To do that, he must settle with the cestuis que trustent, or a new trustee, and turn over the unexecuted part of the trust1 to them or him. He must also settle with every other creditor of the Trust Company. This implies two parties: on the one hand the commissioner of banking, representing the stockholders of the Trust Company as well as the creditors generally, and on the other, the party settled with — in the case of numerous cestuis que trustent, most conveniently their trustee. The statute does not contemplate that he should represent both parties in the liquidation. Very conflicting interests might arise. Whenever a claim is contested, the commissioner of banking, acting as receiver, assignee, or general trustee, represents the stockholders and the rest of the creditors, and some one other than he ought to represent the claimant. While the statute, sec. 2022, sub. 2, contemplates that the corporation whose property and business has been taken possession of by the commissioner of banking may be permitted to resume business, it nowhere contemplates that tbe commissioner of banking shall carry it on or continue it longer than reasonably necessary to effect liquidation. Some of the trusts set out in the complaint will by their terms continue for many .years and call for duties wholly foreign to that of the commissioner of banking.

Of course upon taking possession the commissioner of banking holds all the property and business of the corporation, including trust property, for a reasonable time until new trustees can be appointed to take charge of and execute the various trusts. And while he so holds the trust property, it is his duty to conserve and protect it as far as possible until new trustees can be appointed.

No formal action for the appointment of new trustees is necessary. The cestuis que trustent may by notice and motion apply to the court for the appointment thereof; or the commissioner of banking may himself upon notice move for their appointment. To do so would become his duty under the statute if the cestuis que trustent unreasonably delayed to make application, for he is charged with the obligation of winding up the trust business of the insolvent corporation. In the present case the complaints may be considered petitions or motions addressed to the court for the purpose of securing the appointment of new trustees. Form is not the essence of the matter.

Upon the appeal of the Citizens Savings &■ Trust Company it is clear the circuit court properly overruled its several demurrers. When the commissioner of banking took possession of its property and business it became, for the time being at least, incapable of acting as trustee, and it could become capable of resuming such duties only upon being allowed to resume its general business. In the instant case the ten days within which under sec. 2022, sub. 9, it could apply to the circuit court for an order enjoining further proceedings, have long since expired, and plaintiffs’ allegations of its insolvency are admitted by tbe demurrers. So it is evident that its ttust duties have wholly ceased. Insolvency and the taking possession of its property and business by the commissioner of banking themselves terminated its trust capacities, and its disqualification to act as trustee still exists.

By the Gowrt. — Each order sustaining the demurrers of the defendant Kuolt is reversed; each order overruling the demurrers of the Citizens Savings <& Trust Company is affirmed ; and the causes are remanded with directions to overrule each demurrer of the defendant Kuolt and for further proceedings according to law.