1.
July 10, 1905
The Providence News
Providence, RI
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COURT APPOINTS RECEIVER St. Louis, Mo., July 10.-On the request of Secretary of State Swanger of Missouri Judge McIlvenny today appointed former Judge Seldon P. Spencer receiver for the Peoples' United States bank, against which a fraud order has been issued by the federal postal authorities. Judge Spencer furnished a $250,000 bond and at once took charge of the concern. The Peoples' United States bank was organized by Edward G. Lewis of St. Louis in 1904 and has a capital stock of $2,500,000. The greater part of the subscriptions for stock and the deposits were solicited and received by mail. Secretary of State Swanger made the following statement today in regard to the bank's assets: "The Peoples' United States bank has varied sums on deposit, with banks in different cities of the United States, the total amount of cash being about $1,500,000. It has also $75,000 In government bonds. There are also securities of the University Heights' property and the Lewis Publishing company amounting to $900,000."
2.
July 14, 1905
The Stark County Democrat
Canton, OH
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PEOPLES BANK FAILURE More Than $600,000 Will be Lost by 65,000 Stockholders. St. Louis, July 11.-By the collapse of the Peoples United States Bank the 65,000 stockholders, scattered throughout every state and territory of the union will lose more than $600,000, even if Receiver Spencer's greatest expectations as to the value of the bank's securities are realized. According to Receiver Spencer's estimate, made Tuesday, he expects to realize from the present assets $1,826,250. This amount is necessary if he is to pay back to stock subscribers 75 per cent of their holdings. The total amount of paid up stock subscriptions are $2,435,000. The securities upon which he counts for realizing 75 cents on the dollar paid in for stock is the property pledged for collateral to secure the bank's loans. Receiver Spencer was today directed by Judge McIlhenry of the St. Louis county circuit court to pay depositors on demand and the bond of the receiver was increased from $250,000 to $1,000,000. The receiver notified the court he had engaged Senator A. El. Gardner, and Judge George Wolff as legal advisers. All depositors asking money will be paid from the funds now deposited in the various St. Louis banks. Many depositors have already made demand on the bank for the amount of their deposits and Mr. Spencer looks for a heavy rush of such demands during the next few days.
3.
July 17, 1905
Albuquerque Evening Citizen
Albuquerque, NM
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PEOPLE'S BANK IS RELEASED TECHNICALLY St. Louis, July 17.-On - motion of attorneys for the People's United States bank, capitalized at $2,500,000, Judge McElhiney of the St. Louis circuit court, today dissolved the receivership for the instiution and discharged Receiver Seldon P. Spencer, appointed by him several days ago on request of Secretary of State Swanger of Missouri. The judge's action was based on the ground that the secretary of state failed to make a personal investigation of the affairs of the bank before making application for a receiver. The court stated that a receiver was appointed on representations, which which it was developed, were based by the secretary of state on his impressions of conditions prevailing at the bank and its methods of conducting its business, and not on facts secured by thorough investigation.
4.
July 17, 1905
The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican
Fargo, ND
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RECEIVER DISCHARGED ST. LOUIS BANK IS DOING BUSINESS AGAIN The Court Ordered the Discharge of the Receiver of the Bank, Who Was Recently Appointed on Motion of the State Officials. St. Louis, July 17.-Judge McElhinny today dissolved the receivership of the People's United States Bank and discharged the receiver appointed a few ys ago on the motion of Secretary of Swanger. tor
5.
July 18, 1905
Palestine Daily Herald
Palestine, TX
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Receivership Dissolved. St. Louis, July 18.-On motion 0 attorneys for the People's United States bank, capitalized at $2,500,000, Judge McElhinney of the St. Louis county circuit court has dissolved the receivership for the institution and discharged Receiver Spencer, appointed by him several days ago, on request of Secretary of State Swanger of Missourt.
6.
July 20, 1905
The Independent
Lincoln, NE
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By the collapse at St. Louis of the People's United States bank, the getrich-quick enterprise of E. G. Lewis, the 65,000 stockholders scattered throughout every state and territory of the union will lose more than $600,000, even if Receiver Spencer's greatest expectations as to values of the bank's securities are realized. Bank Examiner Cook, who should be thoroughly familiar with the institution's affairs, says the stockholders cannot be paid more than 50 per cent, thus entailing a loss of $1,217,500. The postoffice department has issued a fraud order against the bank and it must cease operations.
7.
July 20, 1905
The Citizen-Republican
Scotland, Parkston, SD
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FOLK TO THE RESCUE. Governor of Missouri Comes to the Aid of the People's Bank of St. Louis. St. Louis, July 19.-On motion of attorneys for the People's United States bank, capitalized at $2,500,000, Judge McElhinney of the county circuit court today dissolved the receivership for that institution and discharged Receiver Spencer, appointed by him several days ago on request of Secretary of State Swanger. The fraud order of the postmaster general has been enjoined and the bank is again free. Judge McElhinney's action was based on the ground that the secretary of state failed to make a personal investigation of the affairs of the bank before making the application for a receiver. The court stated that a receiver had been appointed on this representation, which, it had developed, was based by Secretary Swanger on his impression of conditions prevailing at the bank and its method of conducting its business, and not on facts secured through investigation.
8.
July 20, 1905
The Bon Homme County Independent
Tabor, SD
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FOLK TO THE RESCUE. Governor of Missouri Comes to the Aid of the People's Bank of St. Louis. St. Louis, July 19.-On motion of at. torneys for the People's United States bank. capitalized at $2,500,000, Judge McElhinney of the county circuit court today dissolved the receivership for that institution and discharged Receiver Spencer, appointed by him several days ago on request of Secretary of State Swanger. The fraud order of the postmaster general has been enjoined and the bank is again free. Judge McElhinney's action was based on the ground that the secretary of state failed to make n. personal investigation st the affairs of the bank before making the application for a receiver. The court stated that a receiver had been appointed on this representation, which, it had developed. was based by Secretary Swanger on his impression of conditions prevailing at the bank and its method of conducting its business, and not on facts secured through in. vestigation.
9.
July 21, 1905
The Pioneer Express
Pembina, ND
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RECEIVER IS DISCHARGED. People's United States Bank Again in Hands of Officers. St. Louis, July 19. - On motion of the attorneys for the People's United States bank, capitalized at $2,500,000, Judge McElhinny, of the St. Louis county circuit court, yesterday dissolved the receivership for that institution and discharged Receiver Selden P. Spencer, appointed by him several days ago on the request of Secretary of State Swanger of Missouri.
10.
August 15, 1905
The Topeka State Journal
Topeka, KS
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Receiver for Peoples' Bank. St. Louis, Aug. 15.-Notwithstanding the decision of the directors of the Peoples' United States bank to go into liquidation, Judge McElhinry of the St. Louis county court today granted an application for a receiver for the bank on the request of Attorney General Hadley. The court then appointed a receiver, but announced that his name would be temporarily withheld. The action of the court in appointing a receiver was taken on the supplementary petition of the attorney general after a previous order had been vacated by the court on the application of the bank directors, who claimed that the procedure was illegal. Hutchinson, Kas., and Return, $4.65, via Rock Island system, account G. A. R. reunion. Tickets on sale August 12 to 17, limited for return August 21. For any further information see A, M. Fuller, Rock Island depot.
11.
August 15, 1905
Deseret Evening News
Salt Lake City, UT
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U. S. Bank Quits. St. Louis, Aug. 15.-Following the decision of United States Circuit Judge Van Deventer, denying an application for an injunction to prohibit the enforcement of a fraud order by the postal authorities, the directors of the People's United States bank, on the advice of their attorneys, have voted to 50 into voluntary liquidation. Notwithstanding the decision of the directors to go into voluntary liquidation, Judge McElhinney. of the St. Louis County circuit court, today granted an application for a receiver for the People's U. S. bank. on the request of Attorney General Hadley of Missouri The court then appointed a receiver, but announced that his name would be temporarily withheld. The action of the court in appointing a receiver was taken on a supplementary petition filed by the attorney general, after a previous order appointing a receiver had been vacated by the court on the application of the bank directors. who claimed that the procedure was illegal.
12.
August 16, 1905
Bismarck Daily Tribune
Bismarck, ND
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RESULT OF FRAUD ORDER. United States Bank Decides to Quit Business. St. Louis, Aug. 16.-Following the decision of United States Circuit Judge Vandeventer, denying an application for an injunction to prohibit the enforcement of a fraud order by the postal authorities, the directors of the People's United States bank, on the advice of their attorneys, have voted to go into voluntary liquidation. The following resolution was adopted: "That as the order issued by the honorable postmaster general July 6, 1905, against this bank prevents the proper and regular operation of the bank by the use of the United States mails, although the bank is solvent and sound in all respects, it is deemed by this board for the best interests of the depositors and stockholders to go into liquidation and to take at once all proper steps for the protection against unnecessary expense and loss to its stockholders and depositors." Notwithstanding the decision of the directors to go into voluntary liquidation Judge McElhinney of the St. Louis county circuit court granted an application for a receiver for the People's United States bank on the request of Attorney General Hadley of Missouri. The court then appointed a receiver, but announced that his name would be temporarily withheld.
13.
August 16, 1905
The Madison Daily Leader
Madison, SD
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RESULT OF FRAUD ORDER. United States Bank Decides to Quit Business. St. Louis, Aug. 16.-Following the decision of United States Circuit Judge Vandeventer, denying an application for an injunction to prohibit the enforcement of a fraud order by the postal authorities, the directors of the People's United States bank, on the advice of their attorneys, have voted to go into voluntary liquidation. The following resolution was adopted: "That as the order issued by the honorable postmaster general July 6, 1905, against this bank prevents the proper and regular operation of the bank by the use of the United States mails, although the bank is solvent and sound in all respects, it is deemed by this board for the best interests of the depositors and stockholders to go into liquidation and to take at once all proper steps for the protection against unnecessary expense and loss to its stockholders and depositors." Notwithstanding the decision of the directors to go into voluntary liquidation Judge McElhinney of the St. Louis county circuit court granted an application for a receiver for the People's United States bank on the request of Attorney General Hadley of Missouri. The court then appointed a receiver, but announced that his name would be temporarily withheld.
14.
August 16, 1905
The Montgomery Advertiser
Montgomery, AL
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BANK CLOSES DOORS. Directors Objected to Ruling of United States Court. St. Louis, Aug. 15-Following the decision of United States Circuit Judge Van Deventer, denying an application for an injunction to prohibit the enforcement of a fraud order by the postal authorities. the directors of the Peoples United States Bank, on the advice of their attorneys, have voted to go into voluntary liquidation. The following resolution was adopted: "That as the order issued by the honorable Postmaster General July 6, 1905, against this bank prevents the proper and regular operation of the bank by the use of the United States mails, although the bank is solvent and sound in all respects, it is deemed by this board for the best interests of the depositors and stockholders to go into liquidation and to take at once all proper steps for the protection against unnecessary expense and loss to its stockholders and depositors." Notwithstanding the decision of the directors to go into voluntary liquidation, Judge McElhenny of the St. Louis County Court today granted an application for a receiver for the Peopies United States Bank on the request of Attorney General Hadley of Missouri. The Court then appointed a receiver but announced that his name would be temporarily withheld. The action of the court in appointing a receiver was taken on a supplementary petition filed by the Attorney General, after a previous order appointing a receiver had been vacated by the court on the application of the bank's directors who claimed the procedure was illegal. Immediately upon the announcement that Freck Essen of St. Louis County was the court's selection for receiver, attorneys for the bank filed two motions, the first to vacate the appointment of Essen and the second appealing from Judge Mcflhany's order authorizing a receivership
15.
August 18, 1905
The Washburn Leader
Washburn, ND
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RESULT OF FRAUD ORDER. United States Bank Decides to Quit Business. St. Louis, Aug. 16.-Following the decision of United States Circuit Judge Vandeventer, denying an application for an injunction to prohibit the enforcement of a fraud order by the postal authorities, the directors of the People's United States bank, on the advice of their attorneys, have voted to go into voluntary liquidation. The following resolution was adopted: "That as the order issued by the honorable postmaster general July 6, 1905, against this bank prevents the proper and regular operation of the bank by the use of the United States mails, although the bank is solvent and sound in all respects, it is deemed by this board for the best interests of the depositors and stockholders to go into liquidation and to take at once all proper steps for the protection against unnecessary expense and loss to its stockholders and depositors." Notwithstanding the decision of the directors to go into voluntary liquidation Judge McElhinney of the St. Louis county circuit court granted an application for a receiver for the People's United States bank on the request of Attorney Géneral Hadley of Missouri. The court then appointed à receiver, but announced that his name would be temporarily withheld.
16.
September 2, 1905
The Washington Times
Washington, DC
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Hundreds of letters have been received at the Postoffice Department during the past few weeks requesting information about the issue of a fraud order against the People's United States Bank, of St. Louis, which was put out of business some weeks ago by the Postoffice Department. They have been addressed to almost every official in the department, and many of them to the President.
The writers seem to have an idea that the President has the matter directly in charge, and they want his "square deal." A reply is sent to each letter, giving the desired information so far as possible.
All are directed to write to the receiver of the bank at St. Louis.
The amount of the deposits of writers of these letters ranges from $1 to $1,000. Most of them are pathetic epistles, but many contain expressions that afford much amusement to department officials.
For instance, one young lady, who lives in New England, not far from the birthplace of many Revolutionary heroes, got the impression that she had committed some fraud and wrote to know how it happened. She had sent a letter to the bank and in course of time it was returned marked "fraudulent" in great big letters.
### Conscience Relieved.
Her conscience smote her and she innocently wrote an apology to Uncle Sam, adding that she had paid full postage on the letter and did not understand how any fraud had been committed. Her conscience was promptly relieved.
Another woman, whose trouble is very real, wrote the Postmaster General that
17.
November 15, 1905
The Salt Lake Herald
Salt Lake City, UT
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LOAN WAS ILLEGAL. Publishing Company Heavy Debtor to People's Bank. St. Louis, Nov. 14.-Attorney Hadley today applied to Circuit Judge McIlhenney at Clayton for an order directing Receiver Frederick Essen of the People's United States bank to bring suit forthwith against the Lewis Publishing company for the sum of $375,000, alleged to have been loaned to the publishing company by the bank. The petition states that $400,000 was loaned to the publishing any and a note taken; that $25,000 was repaid prior to Aug. 1. 1905, and that $375,000 and interest is now due. The petition alleges that the loan was illegally made and among the six affidavits made states that the loan was made to E. C. Lewis personally. and sets forth that it was illegal under the banking laws and the laws of Missouri. E. C. Lewis is president of the People's United States bank.. The court took no action on the petition today.
18.
April 6, 1906
Morgan County Democrat
Versailles, MO
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IS MOST THROUGH ANYHOW Missouri Supreme Coart Annu's neceivership of the People's United States Bank. St. Louis.-The Misscuri supreme court in Jefferson City reversed Friday the action of the St. Louis county circuit court in appointing Fred Essen receiver for the $2,500,000 People's United States bank, of which E. G. Lewis is president. An opinion defining the scope of the decision will not be handed down for several weeks. The decision means, lawyers say, the end of Essen's receivership, and replaces the affairs of the bank in the hands of the directors. It is said, however, that the directors can not continue the operation of a bank without obtaining a new charter and starting anew. Receiver Essen, when told by a reporter that the supreme court nad set aside the receivership, said: "Good. I'm glad of it. I'm about through with the bank, anyhow. What do I mean? Merely that every debt has been paid. the depositors have got every dollar due them and there's only between $35,000 and $40,000 stock outstanding. "We've made two payments on the stock, the first 50 cents on the dollar. the second 35 cents. We are paying out 85 cents on the dollar.
19.
July 11, 1906
The Montgomery Advertiser
Montgomery, AL
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Partial Revocation of Postmaster General's Order. Washington, July -Postmaster General Cortelyou today suspended his order of July 6, 1905, to the postmaster of St. Louts forbiding the delivery of mail and the payment of money orders to the Peoples United States Bank, its officers and agents and E. G. Lewis, so far as it effects E. G. Lewis personally. This suspension said the postmaster general in a public statem it, was upon the clear understanding that the resumption of the use by Mr. Lewis or his name for the purpose of reviving the Peoples United States Bank would be deemed sufficient ground for revoking the order of suspension putting the order of 1905. in all respects again in force.
20.
July 11, 1906
Rock Island Argus
Rock Island, IL
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LIFTS BAN AGAINST LEWIS Fraud Order by Postal Department Partially Revoked for St. Louisan. Washington, July 11.-The postmaster general has suspended his order of July 6, 1905, to the postmaster of St. Louis forbidding the delivery of mail and payment of money orders to the People's United States bank; its officers, agents, and L. G. Lewis SO far as it affects Lewis personally.
21.
July 11, 1906
Los Angeles Herald
Los Angeles, CA
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SUSPENDS A FRAUD ORDER People's Bank of St. Louis and Pos. tal Department Come to Terms By Associated Press. WASHINGTON, July 10. -Postmaster General Cortelyou today suspended his order of July 6, 1905, to the postmaster of St. Louis forbidding the delivery of mail and the payment of money orders to the People's United States bank, its officers and agents and E. G. Lewis, so far as it affects E. G. Lewis personally, The postmaster general says the operations of the bank are understood to be. at an end and the concern is practically out of existence. This suspension, the postmaster general continues, was upon the clear understanding that the resumption of the use by Mr. Lewis of his name for the purpose of reviving the People's United States bank would be deemed sufficient ground for revoking the order of suspension and putting the order of 1905 in all .respects again into force.
22.
July 11, 1906
The San Francisco Call
San Francisco, CA
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WASHINGTON, July 10.-Postmaster General Cortelyou today suspended his order of July 6, 1905. to the Postmaster of St. Louis forbidding the delivery of mail and the payment of money orders to the People's United States Bank, its officers and agents, and E. G. Lewis, 80 far as it affects E. G. Lewis personally.
23.
July 12, 1906
The Manitowoc Pilot
Manitowoc, WI
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PEOPLE'S BANK ORDER RAISED. Can Receive Mail if No Deposit Money Is Accepted. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 10.Postmaster General Cortelyou today suspended his order of July 6. 1905. to the postmaster of St. Louis, forbidding the delivery of mail and the payment of money orders to the People's United States bank. and E. G. Lewis personally. The use by Lewis of his name for the purpose of reviving the People's United States bank will be deemed sudicient ground for revoking the order of suspension. The postmaster general says the concern is practically out of existence.
24.
July 29, 1906
The Times Dispatch
Richmond, VA
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# United States Bank of St. Louis.
Editor of The Times-Dispatch:
What were the existing conditions that prompted the courts of the State of Missouri to appoint a receiver for the People's United States Bank, of St. Louis, Mo.; E. G. Lewis, president; and what were the charges brought against Lewis?
SUBSCRIBER.
It was charged that bank the bank was a scheme to defraud. Stockholders have received 85 per cent., and another small dividend may come. Lewis's mail was seized by the government.