14204. Metropolitan National Bank (New York, NY)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
1121
Charter Number
1121
Start Date
May 14, 1884
Location
New York, New York (40.714, -74.006)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
84faa01bbc9f965d

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Borrowed from banks or large institutions, Fed/other loan, Public signal of financial health, Full suspension, Books examined

Description

Contemporary reports describe a heavy run and the Metropolitan National closing its doors during the May 14, 1884 Wall Street panic, then resuming within a day or two (mid-May 1884). The immediate cause of the run/suspension is linked to failures/defalcations in related brokerages and the involvement/losses of the bank's president George I. Seney (bank-specific adverse information and contagion from broker failures). Later in November 1884 shareholders voted to wind up (voluntary liquidation); the bank ultimately closed and its property was later sold (receiver sale referenced in 1885). Those later events are noted below as separate events but the immediate May episode is a run → suspension → resumption.

Events (7)

1. May 6, 1865 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. May 14, 1884 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Panic triggered by failures/defalcations among brokers and failures connected to George I. Seney (president) and related firms; news of Nelson Robinson failure and Seney's losses precipitated withdrawals
Measures
Associated banks issued clearing-house certificates; bank officers worked to arrange resumption; Henry L. Jaques later elected president; bank paid out withdrawals and reopened
Newspaper Excerpt
the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank ... a long line of depositors had assembled ... a heavy run on the institution was fairly under way
Source
newspapers
3. May 14, 1884 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Immediate suspension occurred amid the run and contagion from broker failures and Seney-related losses; bank closed doors (reported 24 hours closed in some accounts) to stem withdrawals
Newspaper Excerpt
the cashier of the Metropolitan slammed down his slide and ordered the doors closed ... the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank
Source
newspapers
4. May 15, 1884 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The Metropolitan opened its doors at noon ... the Metropolitan having resumed; the Metropolitan National Bank resumed business under the presidency of Henry L. Jacques (mid-May 1884).
Source
newspapers
5. November 18, 1884 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
the stockholders of the Metropolitan National Bank voted that the institution go into voluntary liquidation (reported Nov 19, 1884).
Source
newspapers
6. November 18, 1884 Voluntary Liquidation
Source
historical_nic
7. June 3, 1885 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Equitable Life purchased property at No. 110 Broadway at the receiver's sale of the Metropolitan National Bank (June 3, 1885), indicating winding up and sale of assets.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (23)

Article from Sacramento Daily Record-Union, May 15, 1884

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IN WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, May 14th. The news of the failure of the Metropolitan National Bank, and the suspension of several stockoperating houses in New York, was received here almost simultaneously with the announcement in that city. The greatest excitement prevailed among operators here, and a tremendous business was done by the brokers. There are about a dozen brokers' offices in Washington, connected by special wires with New York, and a great deal of speculation in stocks, oil and grain was indulged in by Government employes. There was much tribulation at the Capital when the news of the drop in stocks was received. Special wires carry quotations to the Capitol for the benefit of Senators and Representatives who deal in stocks, and the gentlemen interested in speculation crowded around the telegraph office throughout the day to get the latest news. All the information that can be obtained from the local banks indicates that they are in a sound condition, and not affected by the distraction in New York.


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, May 15, 1884

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Financial Officials of the Government Do Not Expect a General Panic. Markets Outside of New York City, with the Exception of Oil, Apparently Uneffected by the Trouble. A REASSURING REPORT. Solvency of the New York Banks-An Effort to Put the Metropolitan on Its Feet. Special to the Indianapolis Journal. NEW YORK, May 14. - The Stock Exchange panic to-day was chiefly due to the suspension of the Metropolitan National, precipitated by the failure of Nelson Robinson, the president's (Seney) son-in-law. There will probably be no loss to depositors. The associated banks enacted that clearing-house certificates be issued, as in 1873, which will assist any solvent bank requiring them. There were several considerable failures among brokers, but no weakness is suspected in the banks. Vigorous efforts are being made for the immediate resumption of the Metropolitan. There was a steadier feeling at close of business. WINSLOW, LANIER & Co.


Article from The Canton Advocate, May 15, 1884

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Telegrams from New York this morn ing state that a panic seized Wall street yesterday, and amidst tremenduous excitement, banks collapsed, stock speculators were ruined and trade generally demoralized. The succession of failures the past ten days were too demoralizing for safety, and a general panic is the result. George I. Seney's Metropolitan National, of New York, went under, with liabilities of over $15,000,000 And the end is not


Article from Wheeling Register, May 15, 1884

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THE OPENING SCENE Scene-During the Early Hours at the Exchange. Rumors of impending failures were thick and when the exchange opened there was a perfect rush for admittance. In a less time than takes to tell it the Board room was crowded, and immediately on the announcement of the chairman of his readiness to proceed to business the outpour of stock was such that prices at once began to decline and with such rapidity as to cause the most intense excitement. Brokers struggled, shouted and vied with each other in their attempts to market stocks, and all efforts to keep order were futile. The Roard room was turned into a veritable Bedlam. while messenger boys rushed to and from the Exchange with messages from brokers and partners and others not privileged to the floor of the Exchange. Business had hardly begun when the announcement was made that a long line of depositors had assembled in front of the Second National Bank, and that a heavy run on the institution was fairly under way. The excitement consequent upon this announcement had not got fairly under way when the suspension of Goff and Randall, stock brokers, was announced from the rostrum. Then followed in quick succession the announcement of the suspension of Nelson Robinson & Co., O. M. Bogart & Co., J. S. Williams and the old firm of Hatch & Foote. Then'came the news of the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank. When the last of these startling announcements had been made the scene in the room was beyond all de-


Article from Savannah Morning News, May 15, 1884

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The Seney Failure. The suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, and the failure of Mr. George I. Seney, its President, were among the startling events in Wall street yesterday. Mr. Seney is the chief of the Seney syndicate, a combination of the boldest speculators of New York and other money centres. The syndicate was familiarly known as the "Seney crowd," and for ways that are dark and tricks that are vain, they were, in the language Qf Bill Nye, peculiar. Their railroad exploits in Georgia have been the wonder of the people and the terror of the railroads. This syndicate bought the old Macon and Brunswick Railroad, and secured a charter by which they were given extraordinary privileges and the right to build railroads wherever their interests induced them. Under this charter a road was built from Macon to Rome, where it connected with the old East Tennessee and Virginia system. Over this line of road and its other lines it has handled freights by the longest routes and at the lowest rates. The road is said to be covered with all kinds of mortgages from the base line of its tracks to the spark catchers of its rocomotives. The amount of bonds issued and unloaded upon the "tender feet" is said to be enormous. Mr. Seney, in consideration we suppose of his special privileges in Georgia, gave $100,000 to Wesleyan Female College at Macon, $50,000 to Emory College at Oxford, Ga., and also made other handsome gifts to church institutions. Whether the failure of Mr. Seney affects his railroad syndicate and the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad is only a matter of conjecture, but it is reasonable to suppose that a man like him would not let the ship go upon the rocks as long as there was an anchor that could be had to prevent a wreck.


Article from Savannah Morning News, May 15, 1884

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THE FINANCIAL SITUATION. Savannah Merchants Not Affected by the Disturbances in Wall StreetOpinions of Leading Firms- What a Prominent Bank Official Said. The announcement yesterday of the failure of the Metropolitan National Bank and other failures in New York, created a flurry in commercial circles in Savannah. A MORNING NEWS reporter, starting in the vicinity of the MORNING NEWS office, called upon the leading business firms likely to be affected by the crash. Mr. S. Guckenheimer, of the firm of S. Guckenheimer & Son, Nos. 149 and 151 Bay street, was asked whether the financial developments during the past two or three days in New York would cause any embarrassment in Savannah. Mr. Guckenheimer smiled and remarked: "No one that I know in Savannah will suffer, principally because there is not much of a speculative spirit among Savannah merchants, who rely more on doing a substantial and legitimate business. There may be one or two gentlemen in the city who keep a small deposit in the Metropolitan Bank, but beyond that I do not think any one will be hurt. I know that I am all right and that my four mules out in the street there will continue to pull as steady as ever. My idea is that the failures will be confined principally to Wall street." Messrs. Bendheim Bros. & Co. said: "We hold a check for a small sum on the the Metropolitan National Bank, but the check would be good as gold for its full value, even if the bank should go as high as a kite. We are not hurt by the failure." Messrs. Herman & Kayton were then interviewed. Mr. Kayton said: "The failnre or suspension will have a good effect, and will make business men more cautious. I know our bu ess will not be affected by it. and I do not know any one in Savannah who can be embarrassed. The whole thing is confined to Wall street, and cannot affect Savannah unless the panic should become general. Everybody in this section of the country is doing what is called a safe business. Trade has been comparatively dull for some time, and there has not been such a great demand for money here for moving crops, etc. Hence the effect of the failure will be limited to a few speculators. The people in New York have been speculating, and now there is an ordering up of accounts among them. Few who do a legitimate business exclusively will suffer even there. One of the most prominent bank officials of the city was called upon and signified his willingness to converse upon the subject, but said that his name must not be used. "The failures are not calculated to affect any interest in this city that I am aware of," said he. "The bank of which I am one of the representatives has no account with the Metropolitan National. 1 think the financial disturbance will be confined to Wall street, and I do not recognize any existing circumstances in the run of business here by which any bank of this city or cotton firm could be affected. especially at this season of the year. The only interest that would likely to be affected is the naval stores, because that trade is continued into the summer. Yet none of the houses in Savannah may have any connection with the institutions that have gone under during the past day or two." "Is there any probability that the financial disturbance will become general?" "I can see no reason why it should." The reporter happened to see the last issue of the Bankers' Almanac, January 1, 1884, and found that no bank or banker in Georgia kept an account with either the Marine or the Metropolitan National Bank of New York. He also ascertained that no bank in South Carolina kept an account in either of those banks, and but one in Florida. Messrs. John Judge, No. 102 Bay street, and J. Willis Moore, manager of the Messrs. Chess Carley Company in this city, were called upon. Mr. Judge is identified with the naval stores trade here. He and Mr. Moore both said that they were quite positive that none of the dealers or manufacturers of naval stores in this vicinity kept an account in either of the banks. They were not prepared to say whether the financial breaks would become general, but they were rather inclined to believe that the effect of the failures would be limited to speculators in New York. Mr. Joseph J. Wilder said: "The failures cannot injure any interest in the South unless it may be that of the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad, which has done SO much to injure Savannah. The crippling of that railway may result in a benefit to Savannah indirectly through the Central Railroad. The East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia road is controlled by Northern capitalists, prominent among whom is Mr. George I. Sesney. I do not think that the failures will lead to an extended financial complication."


Article from New-York Tribune, May 15, 1884

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DONNELL, LAWSON & SIMPSON SUSPEND. Within twenty minutes after the announcement of the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, the banking firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, No. 102 Broadway, suspended. There was a rumor that the firm had $2,000,000 on deposit in the Metropolitan, but at the office of the


Article from The Indianapolis Journal, May 16, 1884

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A BADLY CRIPPLED FIRM. Indications that Donnell, Lawson & Simpson Are Seriously Involved. NEW YORK, May - From the New York Tribune of Friday: The statements of the members of the firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson, on Wednesday, that their suspension was due wholly to the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, were not confirmed yesterday. The Metropolitan having resumed, similar action on the part of the banking firm was anxiously awaited. Toward the elose of banking hours, it began to be whispered around that their failure would be total. Bonds of the Cieveland, Youngstown & Pittsburg railroad were mentioned as a matter in which they had been most crippled. This was a security over which the Bank of the Republic directors had a difference about a month ago, which resulted in president Ford's resignation. The Bank of the Republic was one of the two banks with which Donnell, Lawson & Simpson did business,


Article from Memphis Daily Appeal, May 16, 1884

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A TOTAL FAILURE. The Suspension of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson Believed to be Perma ment-Statements of the Firm Regarding Its Connection With the Metropolitan Bank Not Borne Out by Facts. Interview With Mr. Simpson Regarding His Condition-What an Employe Says. 15.-The New York of will say: Tribune, NEW YORK, Friday, May The statements of members of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson Wednesday that their suspension was dite wholly to the suspension of the Metropolitan National Bank, were not confirmed yesterday The Metropolitan having resumed, similar action on the part of banking firms is axiously waited. Toward the close of banking hours it began to be whispered around that their failure would be total. The bonds of the Cleveland, Youngstown and Pennsylvania tailroad were mentioned as the matter in which they were misstrippled. This was the Security over which the Bank of the Republic directors had a difference about a month ago; which resulted in President Ford's resignation. The Bank of the Republic was one of the two banks with which Donnell, Lawson & Simpson did business, Simpson being a director in it. It was also said that Seney had unloaded a lot of these bonds on the firm, and that their dependence on the Metropolitan was such be that they could not refuse to thus used. At the firm's office on the second Hoor of No. 102 Broadway a long list of notices from correspondients stating where drafts would hereafter be paid indicated how widely the firm's business was distributed. There were over 400 banks for whom they transacted business scattered through Georgia, Florida, Texas, Missouri; Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Utah and other Territories. Over 100 bulletins were posted on the door. Inside Donnell and Simpson were busy all day trying to see how they stand. Lawson is in Europe. To a Tribune reporter late yesterday Simpson said: 'We are still figuring up and trying to get to a point where we can resume. We can't tell you anything until a about to morrow evening. There is prospect that we will resume. That is the point toward whieh our arrangements are tending "Has an assignee or receiver been decided upon? "No,sir, nothing of that kind has been will be done now. We will not make or assignment unless satisfied we can't go an on or settle our business satisfactorily without it. 'What are your liabilities? We cafi't tell exactly about $300,000." How much are the assets worth We "They will be more than that. shall pay every dollar, I now think. "Is there any truth in the rumor that unloaded Cleveland, Youngstown Seney and Penusylvania bonds upon you 'Not a word of truth. President Seney unloaded nothing on us at any time. has "Hew much were your in deposits with the Metropolitan Bank 'It was a good deal more than we could have wished. "Can you not resume now that the Metropolitan has done so "That is what we are trying to find out. s We shall know to-morrow. "It is understood you have been offered $200,000 to help you out." 'Yes; S. B. Elkins offered that, but that have been a drop in the bucket. o We would were offered several hundred thoue sand dollars, but must see where we stand of first. An attache of the firm told the reporter had gone so far that resumpbe impossible. S. B. Elkin was Y tion that offered would matters by made The re-establish- $200,000 in good faith, and may lead to the ment of the concern under a new name. The members of the firm are Missourians. Robert W. Donnell, the head of the firm, is from St. Joseph, where he owns to came large real estate, and he is a large stock- also in the Savings Bank. He is itpartner holder in the banking firm of Donnell, Mon., Clark & Larabie, of Deer Lodge, the second member of which is a millionB. Lawson and Donnell married sisters. e aire. The former was a lawyer at Booneville, 1Mo. He is a member of the Union League in and Manhattan Clubs. Simpson lives e. d Orange, N. J., and formerly resided house in Kansas City. The loans of the le on or by him. The bankor were was besieged all day mes- and and clerks copying J. sengers inghouse all papers identified. notices with persons to have signatures


Article from Iowa County Democrat, May 16, 1884

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A PANIC ON WALL STREET. Wall Street, New York, -was the scene of a serious panic on Wednesday. The Chicago Times of Thursday morning says: The announcement yesterday morning that John C. Eno, president of the Second National bank of New York was a defaulter for nearly $2,000,000 was sufficient to pave the way for a serious panic in Wall street. In the wild rush to sell securities prices opened from one to five points lower, and dropped at a frightful rate of speed. Within a few minutes the suspensions were announced on the stock exchange of Hatch & Foote and O. M. Bogert & Co., heavy banking houses, and of J. C. Williams, Goff & Randall, and N. Robinson & Co., brokers. Next came the failure of the Metropolitan National bank, with a capital of $3,000,000, whose president is Geo. I. Seney, promoter of the NickelPlate road, whose losses in the Ohio Central and East Tennessee roads are believed to be very heavy. A run commenced on the Second National bank, where depositors soon found that James A. Trowbridge had been elected president; that the defalcation of J. C. Eno had been promptly paid up by his father, and that the bank examiner pronounced the institution sound. By noon every foot of room in Wall street for ten blocks was occupied by an excited crowd, among them being many ladies. Secretary Folger happened to be in New York and ordered the immediate payment of the last call for bonds, in the hope of easing the monetary stringency produced by the panic, as currency commanded 1 per cent. per diem. Before the stockexchange closed the suspensions were announced of Hotchkiss & Burnham and of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson. Later in the afternoon the Atlantic State bank of Brooklyn with a capital of $2,000,000 closed its doors. The event of the morning drove St. Paul preferred, Northwestern common, and Pulman stock to par, knocked Michigan Central 12 points, forced Union Pacific to 39 and Western Union to 49. The total transaction were 630,000 shares. The petroleum markets in the Pennsylvania cities were driven down ten points, with but little recovery. July wheat in Chicago at one time showed a decline of 41 cents from Tuesday's highest figures, but most of the loss was regained. Charles M. Bayard, a stock-broker in Philadelphia, suspended payment. In Boston large blocks of Mexican Central bonds and Atchison stock was flung on the market, causing a drop of from tive to seven points. In London, Louisville and Nashville stock fell nine points, and other American securities showed a corresponding decrease in value. No Chicago bank or individual seems to have been effected by the exciting events of the day.


Article from The Dillon Tribune, May 17, 1884

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Great Money Panic. On Wednesday a financial panic swept over Wall street, New York. Banks and brokers went where the woodbine twineth. The reported failure of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson created a flurry in Montana. The following is a summary of the reported failures on Wednesday; Neison, Robinson & Co. Goff & Randall. Metropolitan National Bank. 1. C. Williams. Hatch & Foote. Donnell, Lawson & Simpson. Hotchkiss & Burnham. Atlantic States National Bank. On Wednesday dispatches were received at Butte announcing that Donnell, Lawson & Sunpson had resumed payment and that so far as that bank was concerned it was all right. This dispatch allayed the excitement at Butte and elsewhere in Montana.


Article from The Semi-Weekly Miner, May 17, 1884

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Plain Statement. NEW YORK, May 16.-From New York Tribune of Friday: I statements of the members of the firm of Donnell, Lawson & Simpson on Wednesday that their suspension was due wholly to the suspension of the Metropolitan National bank wer not contirmed yester ay. The Met. ropolitan having resumed similar action on the part of the banking firm was anxiously awaited. Tv. wards the close of banking hours it began to be whispered around that their failure would be total. The bonds of the Cleveland, Youngstown & Pittsburg railway were mentioned as the matter in which they had been most crippled. This was security over which the Bank of the Republic dictors had a difference about a d onth ago which resulted in Prestent Ford's resignation. The Bank of the Republic was one of two banks with which Donnell, Lawson & Simpson did business, Simpson being a director in it. It was also said that Seney had unloaded a lot of these bonds on the firm and that their dependence on the Metropolitan was such that they could not refuse to be thus used. At the firm's office on the second floor 102 Broadway, a long list of notices from their correspondents, stating where drafts would hereafter be paid, indicated how widely the firm's business was distributed. There were over four hundred banks for which they transacted New York business, scattered through Georgia, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, 'owa, Colorado, Utah and other territories. Over one hundred bulletins were posted on the door inside. Donnell and Simpson were busy all day trying to see where they stood. Law. son is in Europe. To a Tribune reporter late yesterday Simpson said: "We are still fig. uring up and trying to get to a point when we can resume. We cannot tell you anything until about to-morrow afternoon. There is a prospect that we will resume. That is the int towards which our arrangements are tending." "Has an assignee or receiver been decided upon? "No sir; nothing of that kind has been or will be done. We shall not make an assignment unless satisfied that we cannot settle our business satisfactorily." "What are your liabilities "We can't tell exactlv. They arein the neighborhood of $3,000,000." "How much are your assets?" "They will be more than that. We shall pay every dollar, I now think." "Is there any truth in the rumors that Seney unloaded Cleveland, Youngstown and Pittsburg on you?" "Nota word of truth in it. President Seney has unloaded nothing on us at any time." "What has been the character of your securities?' "They have been such as would commend themselves to conservative judgment. The greatest srinkage in their value has been in some railroad bonds, upon which we made advances." "How much was your deposit in the Metropolitan?" "It was a good deal larger than we could have wished." "Can you not now resume now that the Metropolitan has done So?" "That's what we are trying to find out. We shall know to morrow." "It is understood that you have been offered $2,000,000 to help you out." "Yes; S. B. Elkins offered that and we were offered several hundred thousand dollars by cable, but we must see where we stand first." The $2,000,000 offer of Elkins was made in good faith and may iead to the establishment of the concern under a new name. All members of the firm are Missourians. Robert W. Donnell, the head of the concern, was formeply a merchant of St. Joseph, where he owns large real estate interests and he is a large stockholder in the State Savings bank. He is also senior partner in the banking firm of Donneil, Clark & Larabie, of Deer Lodge, Montana, the second member of which is a millionaire. Lawson and Donnel married sisters. The former was lawyer at Boonville, Mo. He is member of the Union League and Manhattan clubs. Simpson lives in Orange, N. J. He formerly resided in Kansas City. The loans of the


Article from The Canton Advocate, May 22, 1884

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The great break of last Wednesday on Wall street has in a measure subsided, and the flurry being over, confidence has been partially restored. At the opening of business on "black Wednesday" an impending disaster seemed to hover over the minds of the stock gamblers on Wall and Broad streets, the mammoth failures of the few days previous having the effect of multiplying four-fold the fears of a financial crash. Soon after one o'clock large crowds of depositors were seen in front of the Second National and Metropolitan National, and when the cashier of the Metropolitan slammed down his slide and ordered the doors closed a wiid scene of tumultuous confusion and excitement followed. At the stock exchange continuous announcements of failures of smaller firms were being made, and when the suspension of the Metropolitan was made known, complete disaster seemed to stare everybody in the face. The brokers were a struggling, howling mass, and the galleries were ordered emptied. The day throughout was one of continuous and almost unprecedented confusion, and when the gong of the stock exchange sounded, one of the most exciting days in the history of that institution closed. The net result of the day was the suspension of the Metropolitan Bank, the Atlantic State Bank of Brooklyn, the failure of sixteen broker firms, a depreciation of values to the extent of tens of millions, and an advance in money to 3 per cent per diem. Of the brokers but two were large houses, those of Hatch & Foote. and O. M. Bogart & Co., The wild excitement of Wednesday was continued the next day in about the same manner, and the extravagant scenes of the previous day were repeated. There was a failure in the morning which startled the operators for a moment, a great scramble for money all day, feverish flucnation in prices, and an approach to a settled feeling when, just as the brokers finished their work, a startling disaster in the failure of Fisk & Hatch stamped upon the hopes for the best and set the market on a rattling down pace, which stopped only when the gong sounded at 3 o'clock. The net results for Thursday were the failure of Fisk & Hatch, A. W. Dimick & Co., and several brokers with capital of less than a million dollars. The Metropolitan opened its doors at noon, and other National banks continued receiving deposits and paying checks. People were gradually returning to their senses, and foreign orders for stock caused a better feeling. On Friday the superstitious crash that was expected failed to culminate, and outside of a few failures at Boston, New York and Chicago nothing startling occurred to mar the fancied serenety of the financial horizon. The panic is over, and eastern capitalists who have been investing their means in watered stock and sky-rocket securities will turn their attention to western fields where speculation in deeded farms on Dakota's fertile plains will reap for them a surer harvest than wild-cat speculation in the financial center of the nation. The Wall street disturbance will be productive of great good to Dakota, and more hard cash will be put into circulation in the Sioux valley as a natural result.


Article from The Iowa Plain Dealer, May 22, 1884

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NEWS CONDENSED. Concise Record of the Week. EASTERN. The wildest excitement New York has known since the Jay Cooke fa'lure in September, 1873, prevailed in Wall street on Wednesday, the 14th Inst. Thousands of brokers and bankers were at their offices two hours earlier than usual, and immediately upon the opening of the Stock Exchange great uneasiness became manifest. The galleries and the floor were packed, and before business bad fairly started some one yelled out: "The Second National and the Metropolitan have gone up!" The scene that followed beggars all description. Pandemonium reigned, and roar after roar from excited men put a stop to trading. Messenger boys dashed hither and thither. calling out in shrill, excited tones names familiar in financial circles, adding to the wild scene. At an early hour the failure of J. C. Williams was announced. and in the next breath came the failure of the old house of O. M. Bogart. Again and again the surging crowd yelled, and were answered by excited thousands in Broad and Wall streets and Exchange place. Fail. ure after failure was announced in rapid succession, each collapse causing a fresh renewal of the excitement. The cu:mination was reached, however, when the vast exchange received proclamation of the ruin of Hatch & Foote, the greatest brokerage house on the street. The crowd scemed stunned for an instant, when a great wail of distress shook the building. They knew that a great panic had struck the street, and looked at each other in helpless amazement "Secretary Folger is at the Treasury building and will help us," rang out a clear strong, steady voice close to the Chairman's desk, and Immediately deafening cheers rang out through the building and were taken up and repeated upon the street. Many leading members rushed over to the Treasury building. found Judge Folger seated on the railing about Washington's statute, and received from him assurances that the Government would do everything in its power to help the street. This good news was carried back to the Exchange and produced a marked effect. Comparative quiet was restored, and operators began to look about and calcu ate the damage produced by the financial cyclone. It was found that two national banks, with a capital of $3,000,000 and $2,000,000, respectively, and eight of the largest brokerage firms in the city had collapsed: that stocks had declined as they were never known to decline before, and that the prices of produce had also greatly shrunk. An improved feeling was noted at the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on the 15th inst., until the failureof A.W. Dimock & Co.-the senior member of the firm is President of the Bankers and Merchants' Telegraph Company-was announced. The securities grew weaker. and again rallied when the Metropolitan National Bank resumed. At the latter bank, as well as at the Second National, many deposits were withdrawn. but the money was promptly paid. About fifteen minutes before the close of business the failure of Fisk & Hatch was announced, causing a sensation, as Mr. Hatch is President of the Stock ExchangeThen prices tumbled, and the market closed in a chaotic condition. No serious disturbances were reported throughout the country, the feeling prevailing that the storm could be weathered. In London and other European trade centers there was some excitement. and a fall in values of American securities was noticed. George I. Seney resigned the Presidency of the New York Metropolitan Bank, and Henry L. Jacques was chosen for the position. In the Stock Exchange on the 16th inst. values opened lower and unsettled, but before the first call a steadier feeling manifested itself, an advance of 1 to 2½ per cent. being noted. Then the failure of H. C. Hardy & Sons was announced, when values again sagged off, and the list dropped still further when it became known that the Newark Savings Institution had closed its doors. After this, confidence began to return. there Leing heavy purchases of stocks for foreign shipment. Before the close a dread of further failures resulted in a feverish feeling. which passed away rapidly when no disasters occurred, and the market closed in a "whirl of buoyaney" unknown for a long time. Call loans dropped from 1½ per cent. per diem to 5 to 6 per cent. per annum, and large amounts of money were received from the country. The feeling of confidence was enhanced by the Bank of New York loaning $3,000,000 on Government bonds, and by the issuance of $5,000,000 certificates by the Clearing House. Closing deals indicated an


Article from The Rock Island Argus, May 23, 1884

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THE BUSINESS SITUATION. An Ugly Rumior in Wall Street-The Penn Bank. NEW YORK, May 23.-There is no im provement in the tone of speculation, and there is a growing apathy in tra ling of any kind. All attemp to market stock caused a decline, and a eding of great uncertainty prev ilsd. A atch of unfavorable reports was circulated, among them one to the effect that th Metropolita: National bank would be competal to close it: doors in consequence of the avy drain .11 sin o resumption. The bank, officials, however, deny the report and assettial the institution was fully able to meet all demand The failure of the firm of E. H. Shaw has been announced ou the stock exchange. Of the affidavits against Ferdinand Ward three were made by J. Nelson Tappan, J. Sewell Tappan (Mr. Tappan's son), and William Bingham. The arrest of Ward was made upon an order issued by Judge Donahue on Monday last in the action brought by J. Nelson Tappan to recover $32,000. The suit is brought against Ulysses S. Grant, Ferdinand Ward, James D. Fish, William C. Smith, and U. S. Grant, Jr. Rumors are floating around Wall street that U. S. Grant, Jr., has suddenly left for Canada. Everything is quiet at Russell Sage's office. A clerk is reported to have said that Mr. Sage had paid out $6,000,000 within the past few days, on his "put" privileges. NEW YORK, May 23.-Jay Gould says he has proof that outside investors have been heavy buyers of Western Union during the past two weeks, and that the stock has been taken from the street and transferred. Concerning the stock market Mr. Gould had very little to say. He believed that parties with capital were anxious to get securities at the present figures and there was every reason to suppose that we had passed through the troubles. He had been talking to a prominent bank official, who declared that We had nothing to fear from our associated banks, and that each day brings a brighter outlook. PITTSBURG, Pa., May 3.-A more complete understanding of the exact condition of the Penn bank and the feeling that they will be able to pay ali their liabilities, together with the concerted action of the bankers, has had a reassuring ef fect, and confidence to a large degree is restored. It was feared that there would be runs on several banks that were reported on the street as in a weak condition, but a visit to alleged shaky banks at noon found all serene, with the checking out not much greater than usual. Bankers expressed themselves as perfectly able to meet the do mands made on them. The officials of the bank are busy getting affairs ready for resumption. Their clear ances have been made good, and they will open their doors with $600,000 in cash on their counters. Many of the largest depositors have signified their intention of allowing their money to lay in bank, and long before the hour of opening a number of the heaviest depositors force their way to a side entrance and insisted on making then deposits. The bank, however, refused to accept them until they resumed. ST. LOUIS, May 23.-Attachment suits ag gregating over $40,000 have been filed against the firm of Kaufman, Cohn & Co., wholesale milliners. They :will make an assignment, Their liabilities are about $75,000. The creditors are principally in New York. The assets are between $30,000 and $40,000.


Article from The Times, May 23, 1884

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WALL STREET PANIC. A TUMBLE IN STOCKS, AND FIRM AFTER FIRM FORCED TO SUSPEND. The announcement Wednesday morning that John C. Eno, president of the Second National bank of New York, was a defaulter for nearly $2,000,000 was sufficient to pave the way for a serious panic in Wall street. In the wild rush to sell securities prices opened from one to five points lower, and dropped at a frightful rate of speed. Within a few minutes the suspensions were announced on the stock-exchange of Hatch & Foote and O. M. Bogert & Co., heavy banking-houses, and of J. C. Williams, Goff & Randall, and N. Robinson & Co., brokers. Next came the failure of the Metropolitan National bank, with a capital of $3,000,000, whose president is George I. Seney, the promoter of the Nickel-Plate road, whose losses in the Ohio Central and East Tennessee roads are believed to have been very heavy. A run commenced on the Second National bank, where depositors soon found that James A. Trowbridge had been elected president; that the defalcation of J. C. Eno had been promptly paid up by his father, and that the bank examiner pronounced the institution sound. By noon every foot of room in Wall street for ten blocks was occupied by an excited crowd, among them being many ladies. Secretary Folger happened to be in New York and ordered the immediate payment of the last call for bonds, in the hope of easing the momentary stringency produced by the panic, as currency commanded 1 per cent. per diem. Before the stock-exchange closed the suspensions were announced of Hotchkiss & Burnham and of Donnell. Lawson & Simpson. Later in the afternoon the Atlantic State bank of Brooklyn, with a capital of $2,000,000 closed its doors. The events of the morning drove St. Paul preferred, Northwestern common, and Pullman stock to par, knocking Michizan Central 12 points, forced Union Pacific to 39 and Western Union to 49. The total transactions were 630,000 shares. The petroleum markets in the Pennsylvania cities were driven down ten points, with but little recovery. July wheat in Chicago at one time showed a decline of 41 cents from Tuesday's highest figures, but most of the loss was regained. Charles M. Bayard, a stock-broker in Philadelphia, suspended payment. In Boston large blocks of Mexican Central bonds and Atchison stock were flung on the market, causing a drop of from five to seven points. On Thursday the resumption of business by the Metropolitan National bank of New York, under the presidency of Henry L. Jacques, gave a strong impetus to the stock market. There was no wild enthusiasm over Wabash or Denver, but such properies as ordinarily do something for their owners were in brisk demand at better orices. The announcement of the failare of A. W. Dimock & Co., promoters of the Bankers' and Merchants' Telegraph company had but little effect on the howling crowd of brokers on the stock-exchange. Parties deeply interested scattered over the country the statement that foreign bankers were hungry for American securities, and quotations were marked up rapidly unil the famine was appeased. Money ruled firm at 12 per cent. per annum. A sharp decline in government bonds out the speculative fraternity on their guard, and just before the close of business prices were smashed from one o five points by the collapse of Fisk & Hatch, the heaviest dealers in federal securities.


Article from New-York Tribune, May 25, 1884

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THE METROPOLITAN GOING ON AS USUAL. The rumors that the Metropolitan National Bank was going into liquidation which were rife several days ago were revived yesterday and gained considerable credence. The truth of the rumors was fiatly denied by President Henry L. Jaques and Bank Examiner A. M Scriba. " The bank is gradually reducing its deposits," said Mr. Jaques to a TRIBUNE reporter, " but not with the view of going out of business. That question had not been discussed inside the bank, but seems to have been fully discussed outside. We are going on with our business Just as usual. Of course its volume has greatly decreased, but we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are working on a perfectly substantial basis." "There is not the slightest intention, so far as I am aware," said Mr. Scriba, "on the part of the Metropolitan Bank to go into liquidation. I have not heard it intimated except from outside. Everything is going on weil here and the intention of the bank officers, I understand, is to continue and build up the business to its former proportions if possible. It was a terrible blow to this institution, and a great mistake was made when its doors were closed, and it will take time for it to recover its former standing, but it is sound and can pay every dollar of its liabilities to-day." George I. Seney has not been at the bank for two days, his physicians having advised him to keep quiet and rest for a time. FACTS ABOUT THE ATLANTIC BANK. Receiver Freling H. Smith, of the Atlantic Bank, yesterday, assisted by o. M. Denton, the cashier,


Article from The Bozeman Weekly Chronicle, May 28, 1884

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TOLD IN A LINE. Chief Justice Waite spends the summer at Lynn, Conn. Bartholdi, the sculpor, will be banqueted in Paris Wednesday. Senator Edmunds hasgone to Vermont with his wife and daughter. Roger A. Pryor was blackballed by the New York bar association Thursday. President Arthur recently repeated a whole page of Vernon Grey, not having seen the work in twenty years. Justice Harlan, who is holding court in Chicago, could not get rooms at the hotels and is sleeping in a room adjoining his court room. Mr. Emerson, known to the general the less name of sailed by the "Billy," public by conventional Adriatic for England. He has a horse entered for the Derby, to be run on the 26th. Miss Braddon, the novelist, has for many years given every Wednesday a roasted leg of mutton for dinner to the poor children of a neighboring public school. In private life Miss Braddon is known as Mrs. Maxwell. Webb, the heir to Byron's of Newstead commansion Algernon Abbey, lately suicide at int his The mitted estate passed Dambridge, father's England. hands from those of Col. Wildman, to whom it was sold by Byron. W. Drexel, the New York banker, the railway man, J. Senator J. Arkell, and A. Sleicher, of newspaper fame, become the directors of the Albany Journal, now newly incorporated, with $140,000 capital. Charles O'Connor's fine estate on North Shore, including his fire-proof liwill pass by into of the Roman the brary hands building, Catholics request of Nantucket. Mr. O'Connor paid off the entire debt of the town of Nantucket. Mrs. Frank Leslie's weekly reception at the Victoria hotel, Thursday evening was attended by the literary friends of Mrs. Robert M. Wilcox, nee Miss Ella Wheeler, the Wisconsin poetess, who was staying in New York for a few days on her wedding tour. Prof. Gilbert E. Bailey, the well known has been reappointed Territorial of Wyoming geologist, geologist Territory. Prof. is one of the early much to develop has Bailey done pioneers, the mineral and resources of the Black Hills of Dakota. Stone Pasha reviewed the Sixty"ninth regiment in New York Thursday night. He wore his Egyptian uniform, saluted the as it passed in review with and bore the his yataghan, regiment decorations of the Turkish order of the Medjidieh and of the crown of boiy on his breast. Robert Seney, a son of the president of the Metropolitan National bank, and a member of the firm of Nelson, Robinson & Co., of New York, was just about to start from London on a six-weeks' tour of the continent when he heard of the embarressment of his father's bank and the suspension of his own firm, and started for home. James Whitcomb Riley, the Indiana poet, whose verses are everywhere quoted, was born at New Bedford, Mass. Capt. Riley gave the young man an ample fortune when he attained his majority, and young James invested the bulk it in hotel, which he named the of a his hotel Ocean View house. Riley sold in the winter of 1878, invested hismoney in Pennsylvania oil, lost everything, and thon moved to Indiana, to try farming. Mrs. Belva A. Lockwood, the woman lawyer, is to deliver her lecture, "The Statesman and His Shortcomin on the 30th. ings," American Chicago In recent- this lecture, delivered in Washington ly, Mrs. Lockwood's strictures on Blaine and Tilden were so severe that the friends of those gentlemen asked her to leave those passages out hereafter. Mrs. Lockwood has in her possession photographic copies of the "Mulligan letters," which she will exhibit to her audience.


Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, June 17, 1884

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BEST THE WORLD. Our Banking System-The Recent Ff. mancial Failures Touched Up. WASHINGTON, D. C., June 16.-In the Senate to day Senator Butler called up his resolution, offered some days since, providing for an examination of the New York banks by a committee of the Senate. Mr. Morrill moved to refer it to the Committee on Finance. Mr. Blair favored the resolution, and said if the Compiroller of Currency was now doing his duty concerning the banks, he had withheld his activity too long. Mr. Vest paid the Marine National, Metropolitan National and Second National banks failed with deposits amounting to many millions of dollars. The people have been awindled out of there millions. He inquired what the Comptroller of Currency bad-been doing while these banks were piling up their swindling operations and making false statements under the eyes of the government officials. Mr. Batler referred to the recent defalcation of $100,000 in a Cleveland bank, discovered soon after the house had been examined by the Government examiner. einquired how this defalcation could, 29 reported, cover EO long a period of time if the examiner had done his duty. Mr. Morrill said no good could be of. fected by an investigation. Mr. Plumb had heard of only one bank failure in New York City, namely, the Ma. rine National Bank. The President of that had been indicted by a grand jury on the application of the District Attorney. The Metropolitan Bank had closed ita doors for twenty-four hours, but the Second National had not closed its doors at all. Mr. Sherman did not believe any good could come of an investigation by 8 committee; euch a committee working in public with reporters and a crowd around would be helpless and ag uselees 28 possible. The fact that there were no more failures than had happened in the last ninety days after the instance of the dofalcation shown by the high bank officers was a compliment to the National Banking system. Nothing Congress could do could prevent bad men having charge of money from stealing. It could punish him after he had etolen. Mr. Sherman referred to the action of the clearing house, a voluntary association, in coming to the aid of the businers community in an emergency a3 illustrating the excellence of our financial system. If the occurrences of the last few months had occurred in older times-in good old Democratic times, he might say -if they had occurred before the present National banking system had been catablished, the trouble would have been very much more serious and extended to other countries with which wa had financial transactions. A panic in this instance had been avoided by the action of the EB. sociated banks. They had worked out their own salvation. The matter then went over until to-morrow:


Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, November 19, 1884

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TELEGHAPHIC SPARKS. Willis L. Boughton. formerly of Norwalk, Conn.. was sentenced in New York, Tuesday, to the State prison for one year for having voted illegally at the late election. The trouble in the Branford lock works at New Havea has been amicably settled, the men will return to work Wednesday. The mills of the Sharon, Pa.. Iron Co., employing 500 men, closed down Tuesday on account of lack of orders. Tuesday the stockholders of the Metropolitan National Bank voted that the institution go into voluntary liquidation. John B. Merrill, editor of the Woodhaven, L. I., Journal was arrested Monday night on complaint of a police officer who charged him with libel. He was admitted to bail. Ex-Gov. Hendricks has started from Indiapolis to attend the democratic jollification meeting at Brooklyn next Thursday evening. Fire in Patterson, Pa., Tuesday forenoon, destroyed eight houses. occupied by eleven families. A reduction of 10 to 15 per cent in the pay of the operatives of tho Great Falls, N. H., cotton mills is announced; also that the mills will run on two-thirds time for the present The New York State board of canvassers will meet Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Returns from 11 counties have not yet been received. The board will probably adjourn until Friday. In Richmond, Va., great jubilee in the celebration of Cleveland and Hendricks election occurred Tuesday. Preparations had been in progress for the week and the affair was a grand success. Geo. B. Hender, one of proprietors of the Crystal Palace Opera House in Montreal has absconded. Cleveland plurality in West Virginia, with three counties to hear from, will be 4500. There was a light snow fall in New York, Tuesday evening; the first of the season. The New York Chamber of Commerce had its 116th annual banquet at Delmonico's Tuesday night. Among the guests were Senators Hawley and Warner Miller. Minister Morton, Monsignor Capel, Hon. Wm. M. Evarts and Hon. S. S. Cox. United States Senator Lamar of Mississippi has commenced suit in the United States Circuit Court against the government to recover $100,000 for cotton taken from his plantation in 1865 The Vermont legislature has set as the date for final adjournment Wednesday, Nov. 26th. A bill passed the Vermont House, Tuesday, increasing the salary of the Governor to $1500; a bill establishing a soldiers' home passed the House unanimously. Complete unofficial returns from 14 counties in Nevada show the following republican majorities : Blaine, 1664; Woodburn, for Congress. 358; Hawley, supreme judge, 990. Commander-in-Chief John S. Kountz of the G. A. R. was given a cordial reception in Worcester, Mass. Tuesday night. At a conference of the representatives of the leading rolling mills in Philadelphia, Monday, a reduction of 5 4-5 per cent. in the wages of the puddlers and other workmen was agreed on. The reduction will effect about 5000 workingmen in Philadelphia. In the House of Lords, Tuesday, the franchise bill passed the second reading without division.


Article from New-York Tribune, November 20, 1884

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Financial, # A MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE WELLS FARM LAND AND MINING COMPANY, for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees of said company, will be held at the office of Simpson, Thacher & Barnum, No. 11 Pine-st., in the city of New-York on Saturday, November 22, 1884, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon of that day. Dated Nov. 19, 1884. EDMOND KELLY. # CAPITAL WANTED, TO PUSH ONE OF THE latest and best improvements in the steam line. Reheating exhaust, superheating live steam, or heating air by utilizing waste gases from any boiler. S. D. BREWER, 18 Broadway. # LOUISVILLE and NASHVILLE R. R. CO. Deliveries of the ten-forty bonds and stock of the Louisville and Nashville R. R. Co. will be made to the subscribers, on and after the 6th instant, on the presentation and surrender of the receipts issued to them at the Transfer Office of the Company, No. 62 Wall-st. (Room 29), New-York. Nov. 8, 1884. EX. NORTON, Vice-President. OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL GAS-LIGHT COMPANY OF NEW-YORK, 360 Fourth-ave., NEW-YORK, November 5th, 1884. NOTICE is hereby given that the Transfer Books of this Company will be opened on the morning of the 6th day of November and close on November 10th, at noon By order of Board of Directors. PHILIP ALLEN, Secretary. NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of stockholders of the OCEAN NAVIGATION AND PIER COMPANY for the election of seven Directors and two inspectors of Elections for the ensuing year, will be held at the branch office of this company, 65 South-st., on December 20, 1884. Polls open from 12 to 1 p. m. EDWARD WIGHT, Secretary. NOTICE.—The Metropolitan National Bank of New-York located at New-York city, in the State of New-York, is closing up its affairs. All note-holders and others, creditors of said association, are therefore hereby notified to present the notes and other claims against the association for payment. Dated November 19, 1884. GEO. J. MCGOURKEY, Cashier. # STOCKHOLDERS OF THE ROCHESTER and PITTSBURG R. R. CO. and others desiring to subscribe for the stock of the new company as proposed by the Second Mortgage Bondholders of the Rochester and Pittsburg R. R. Co. must apply before December 1st next, at the office of WALSTON H. BROWN & BROS., 20 Nassau-st., N. Y. THE UNION PACIFIC RAILWAY COMPANY. TREASURER'S OFFICE, 44 EQUITABLE BUILDING. BOSTON, Nov. 4, 1884. THE undersigned, on behalf of this company, hereby offers to purchase during the current month, any or all of its outstanding Land Grant Bonds, of the several issues, at the following prices: Bonds of the series payable April 1, 1887, 106 per cent flat. Bonds of the series payable October 1, 1888, 103 per cent flat. Bonds of the series payable April 1, 1889, 109 per cent flat. Any bonds of the above specified issues may be tendered before the 30th instant, at the office of the company, No. 44 Equitable Building, Boston, or at its office No. 195 Broadway, New-York, and will be received and settled for at the above rates, in cash, regular delivery. HENRY MCFARLAND, Treasurer.


Article from New-York Tribune, June 3, 1885

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# THE EQUITABLE BUILDING TO BE ENLARGED. The Equitable Life Assurance Society has for a long time owned the building at No. 112 Broadway, next its office structure, occupied by Delmonico. It purchased at the receiver's sale of the Metropolitan National Bank the property of that bank at No. 110 Broadway, and thus secured the entire Broadway front froîn Cedar to Pine-st., on the east side. It has also purchased four lots in Pine-st., in the rear of the bank building. It thús owns the entire block, except the Nassau-st. buildings. The leases of this property will all expire by May, 1886. It is the intention of the company at that time to begin the erection of an extension to its present building over the newly acquired area. The company requires additional office room for its own business and will thus secure it on the same floor, instead of occupying another floor of its present structure. The low price of building material and especially of iron required in fire-proof buildings is considered a great inducement for the erection of the new structure as a business investment. The present accommodations for banks, bankers and lawyers will be at least doubled. Plans are now being considered and matured.


Article from New-York Tribune, December 20, 1885

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BETTLING THE METROPOLITAN BANK AFFAIRo. To the Edator of The Trioune. SIR Will you oblige an interested reader by publishing information relating to the Metropolitan Bank, of New-York City I Who 18 the receiver. and is there any hope for the stockholders I Widows and orphans have been wronged by the officers of the Metropolitan Bank, and when we complain no notice is taken E. BELDEN. of the letters, nor explanation made. Guilderland, Albany County, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1885. [The Metropolitan National Bank resumed business after the suspension in the May panic of last year, but in the following November the stockholders voted to wiud up its affairs in voluntary liquidation. The depositors have been paid in full, with the exception of a few who have not called for their money. The affairs of the bank are carefully supervised by the directors and also by the Loan Committee of the Clearing House Association. The stock has sold below 9 in the open market, but at present about 30 is bid for it. George J. McGourkey, the cashier, said the other day that no letters from stockholders had been received which had not been promply answered.-Ed.]