1723. German American National Bank (Washington, DC)

View Charter #2358 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
2358
Charter Number
2358
Start Date
October 31, 1878
Location
Washington, District of Columbia (38.895, -77.036)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
ee41bd8af9596ce6

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
68.7%
Date receivership started
1878-11-01
Date receivership terminated
1894-04-10
OCC cause of failure
Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good
59.1%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
32.2%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
8.7%

Description

The German-American National Bank suspended on Oct 31, 1878 due to inability to realize on real-estate mortgages. A receiver (B. U. Keyser) was appointed and the bank remained in receivership with asset sales advertised in April 1879, indicating it did not resume normal operations. Newspapers report crowds of depositors at closing but the primary action was a suspension followed by appointment of a government receiver and liquidation proceedings.

Events (6)
1. May 14, 1877 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. October 31, 1878 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
An excited crowd surrounds the building; the German-American Savings Bank has also closed its doors and put up the following notice: 'Owing to the suspension of the German-American National Bank, this bank is forced to close.'
Source
newspapers
3. October 31, 1878 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Inability to realize on mortgages and shrinkage in real-estate values; bank had large real-estate loans/investments (loans made via associated savings bank).
Newspaper Excerpt
The German American National bank ... suspended this morning.
Source
newspapers
4. November 1, 1878 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
5. November 1, 1878 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Controller of the Currency Knox has appointed B. U. Keyser, receiver of the German-American National Bank. Mr. Keyser ... has been busy at work on his examination of the condition of the bank since yesterday, ... takes charge today as receiver and was busily engaged ... making up a statement.
Source
newspapers
6. April 26, 1879 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
PUBLIC SALE OF SUNDRY SECURITIES ... B. U. KEYSER. Receiver. German American National Bank. Sale scheduled April 26th, 1879 (advertisements Apr 18–23, 1879).
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)
1. October 31, 1878 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, October 31, 1878

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CLOSED. BANK. After Their Money Looking Depositors the About Failures. National in Bank, reduncing mesented what said the German heavy American drafts cash being on of their ted. realized The officers consenting of mence the of securities amount of not having afterresterdas the reasury Treas bank hand, and the some amount compt This of morning the Mr. examine 7th neared and noon requested charge of the of the house Treasur. corner he to this day and to B take keyser, the one banking took At an and other hour per- but bank, closed bank and appeal streets, an exam mbers of deseared at the the door door morning mak! ing nun checks Around (the next mox mori holding doors sa ings them that round sons the medican of informa the German hundr nich information bank the orderly, OD find equence placard rational the sus Baterly Bank this and The trouble be In commercial rowd to keep under would only Josed. closed. mer but little troup the to Bank tha come the small nice open Many least others id suffer. that the The heterday friends balances way pre that all right positors positors had of drawn the that such ecement af this the ernoon making the National be called upon false Mr Keysel is the busy the depos are any delldoubt but holders to make up OF THE so fat bank national did not them in the night the called bank; of them that would the bring banks claim on the best From the posit The indi large business the per of deposit avidual deposition among bank bank bank the their that the the real does not application appear wild-cal years in o-day andaged all in thought many some thereon and held did made nich loans the make bank legititate. and upon wammer namme had done its solvent forbids the bank would been on real to ine under bank loans bank mate but the law trouble BANK made follow the mense cause of the TEMP OF na Jonal THE bank the instant the of the bankite of pon the assets on and John on the 12th the 1st the company Hitz, by R B. Ison and currency. cashier Rupp counts, prentis and Christain and bonds Response $2,830.00 bonds other and banks lation overar $70.000 bonds and $212.04 $42 due from and <149.34 other from ional ban $10,613 $12.62; 56: tixture $2 cash $1 $1 bills house. and paid fund it. $1 due other bank REAL ESTATION NER OF CAUSE ['HE alled to-day upon the the ional German Bank is the immedial Mr charge aske of the what from numbe de ment of this and failure or sin arises if left to work of time cause Mr. Key Keys The bank could in due surplus These of own for dollar It the Distri time to time than pay dollar real estate from this valuable were was much made higher the bank not are available If real vestments estat The asests assetts, but what are mean it now valuable appreciate proper due could very readily valuab paid the with? when You mor pay! in the end has had and the not care to pres you knew the loaned saving Distri you market It in this good were thorous in this real estate bu they The bank by bank is just assets on has been its deposit which pro made deal not have were but of ready cash pay Courses force ments does there sale of its The offi nest the think bank though pay for dollar dollar deposit is will least (am pay cents THE BANK, Mr durin He view. Prentisided the that Keysel Ke diltors rull. the dollar THE ASHIER OF was with would Bank be paid of line had were you? deposits deposit counts was bust your What large many small with did hea line of ith us. but ness there continee to did positors we had quit to concerns deposit we had of small THE FAIL RES seems bank a large number THE FACT AS wolled TO down did all of the of bout the this: two The money property ngs real esta was helped at its them flood out investment estiment of chen ional prope Bank one, bene for the conce the National the both bank The were law The forbids savings to bank the to such the holders of invest bank in realty. asa helper the could bank nen seems Bank to have enable been its officer invest ments Real estate dema the helped bank bank to as make current ational pric of either and national concerns to make at creditor The had stop pressure bought were made by the other bank out until being continued upon both, they THE BANK, helped urotect one itself the saving and both the ECHETARY Collapsed pressed OF THE is due suspension MR HATTING his opinion shrinka the located in Fed states that in to the nich when property 000, and but the building was in them about the has pato eral that buildings) n.and has cost not been paying all be bank all right was that up, late that has the that the savings the doubt and of the opinion THE LOSERS. LOTIONS loses $5,050 by SOME OF coachman luss, the the $450. President The bank compan was failure. Adoiph littl Jerry ermanta savings Vings, Life Insu will lose heavily thought has paid wolders agent lost lis of the the of aend $35,000 for the past lia of New York; about no are personally rore usual is The bank stoc their share board of direc run mina from $300. The of to the depos it will be the seen that bank months ple for the ements amount made balanc and on from this large The anally state show 10 $350,000 balan 50 000, was doing a

2. October 31, 1878 Daily Press and Dakotaian Yankton, SD
Article from Daily Press and Dakotaian, October 31, 1878

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BUSINESS TROUBLES. AT PHILADELPHIA. Philadelphia, Nov. 1.-Detwiler & Welsh, owners of the Market street flour mills, have failed. Liabilities about one hundred thousand dollars. AT TROY. Troy, N. Y., Nov. 1.-The MercLants and Mechanics' state bank closed to-day. AT WASHINGTON. Washington, Oct. 31.-The German American national bank, which grew out of the German American ravings bank, and occupied the same building, suspended this morning. The German American savings bank has also closed its doors and put up the following notice: Owing to the suspension of the German American national bank, this bank is forced to close. The officials of the savings bank declare that their institution is sound. Both banks were owned and patronized principally by Germans, and the suspension causes much surprise. An excited crowd surrounds the building. The cause was an inability to realize on real estate mortgages. The national bank examiner expects the depositors to be paid in full.

3. October 31, 1878 The Cincinnati Daily Star Cincinnati, OH
Article from The Cincinnati Daily Star, October 31, 1878

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ANOTHER BANK CLOSED. Great Excitement in Washington. National Associated Press to the Star. WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-The German American Savings Bank, of this city, closed its doors this morning. When the fact became known a large crowd of depositors gathered in front of the bank and considerable excitement prevails at this hour. No explanation as to the cause of the closing has been given. WASHINGTON, Oct. 31-4 P. M. .-The German American National Bank, which this morning suspended, was agent in this city of the Germania Life Insurance Company of New York. Mr. John Hitz, the Swiss Consul here, is the President of the bank, and one of the principal depositors. It is said he has at least $50,000 in the bank. The bank was formerly a savings bank, and organized as a National Bank under the provisions of the act approved June 30th, 1876, The bank has heretofore been considered as solid; at the same time it was known that it was carrying a large amount of real estate and loans.

4. October 31, 1878 The Rock Island Argus Rock Island, IL
Article from The Rock Island Argus, October 31, 1878

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WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-The German American National bank which grew out of the German-American Savings banks, and occupied the same building, suspended this morning. The German Savings bank had also closed its doors and put up the following notice: Owing to the sus pension of the German-American National hank this bank is forced to close. The officials of the Savings bank declare their institution is sound; both banks were owned and patronized principally by Germans, and the suspensions caused much surprise. An excited crowd surrounded the building. The cause of failure was inability to realize on real estate mortgages. The national bank examiner expects depositors will be paid in full. WASHINGTON. Oct. 31.-There was a preliminary hearing of New York parties interested in the Kidglove assessment this morning at the treasury department. Mr. Clarke, representing Iselin & Co., agreed the facts were sufficient to justify the secretary of the treasury in remitting the entire matter to the appraisors on the ground there had been no valid appraisement; there had certainly been irregularity in the proceeding; Judge French did not understand the secretary of the treasury as ad vising any course affecting the valuation, but merely to examine the lawsuit involved. General Appraiser Kitchum asked how the appraisement could be reopened as the gloves had gone into consumption, and Mr. Ciarke replied the customs officers have samples, Judge French said he would notify the parties interested when he would come to a decision on the legal questions involved, and the conference closed.

5. November 1, 1878 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, November 1, 1878

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THE CLOSING OF TWO BANKS. A SUSPENSION BY WHICH A NEW-YORK COMPANY AND MANY CLERKS IN WASHINGTON MAY LOSE. |GENERAL PRESS DISPATCH! WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-The German-American National Bank, an institution which grew out of the German-American Savings Bank, suspended this morning. The German-American Savings Bank has also closed its doors and put up the following notice: 'Owing to the suspension of the German-American National Bank, this bank is forced to close." The German-American National Bank was organized May 14, 1877, with a capital of $130,000, and a circulation of $63,000. The president is John Hitz, the Swiss Consul-General in this city, and the cashier, Mr. C. E. Prentiss. The cause of the failure was the inability of the bank to realize upon mortgages upon real estate, in which it had a large amount of money invested. Controller Knox this morning detailed Examiner B. U. Keyser to investigate the affairs of the bank, and he is now in possession of the establishment. *After a hasty examination, he has stated that it is probable that the depositors will be paid in full. The German-American Savings Bank. which was run in connection with the National Bank, seems to have caused the trouble. It is said that if the National Bank had done its own legitimate business, it would have been solvent to-day; but the savings-bank loans on real es. tate, which the law forbids a National Bank to make, was the cause of the trouble. The National Bank was not a Government depository, and therefore DO United States funds were in it. Quite a number of Government clerks, however, had deposits there. The bank bas paid no dividend for the last eighteen months. "Jerry," the president's coachman, lost his savings, $450. The bank was the agent of the Germania Life Insurance Company, of New-York, and that company will lose heavily, it is thought about $30,000 or $35,000. The last statement of the bank made to the Controller of the Currency was on the 12th inst. It showed that the resources were $531,9170 The individual deposits at the time were $303,447 07. The officers of the banks promise to make a statement to-morrow covering the actual condition of both the National bank and the savings bank.

6. November 1, 1878 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 1, 1878

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The Suspension of the GermanAmerican Banks. There were but few persons about the Ger man-American Banks, corner of F and 7th streets, to-day. Some of these were in great distress and extremely anxious for news of the state of affairs. The officers were busy at the books and unable to give much information. SOME OF THE DEPOSITORS. The German American Fire Insurance Company had about $800 on deposit; Henry Franc about the same amount; C. Auerbach several hundred dollars; Justice Chas. Walter several hundred dollars, Christian Ruppert several thousand; Luchs & Bro. a few hundred dollars; Louis Schmidt $250. The German Life Insurance Company, of New York, had no such amount in the German American National Bank as has been stated. Receiving here only renewals on life insurance policies they had this month collected only some $300 to $350 having as customary on the 14th of October withdrawn all collections up to that date. APPOINTMENT OF A RECEIVER. Upon the request of the principal depositors and shareholders, Controller of the Currency Knox has appointed B. U. Keyser, receiver of the German-American National Bank. Mr. Keyser, in his capacity as examiner, has been busy at work on his examination of the condition of the bank since yesterday, but has not gone far enough to make a report. He has. however, stated verbally to Controller Knox that the deposits amount to about $280,000. This is considerably less than claimed in the bank's report of its condition on October 1st. THE SITUATION THIS AFTERNOON. Mr. Keyser, as receiver, took charge to-day, and was busily engaged with his assistants in making up a statement. on calling at the bank this afteinoon, several officers of the othe national banks of the District were in consulta tion with the officers of the German national bank. It was given out that the examiner and his assistants were progressing well with the examination. and that by to-morrow they would have a statement ready for the public, which would show the true condition of affairs. The present indications are that the depositors will be paid in full, but notwithstanding this, there has been some selling of accounts (small in amount) to-day at 50 cents on the dollar. Some parties, whose obligations are in the bank, are engaged in this business in the ex pectation of having the amount of such ac counts applied to the payment of the obligations; but in this they will be disappointed. By the appointment of a receiver the government takes charge and becomes the holder of the notes, and dollar for dollar will be demanded, while the parties who purchase deposite accounts will stand on the same footing with other depositors and receive, on the winding up, the same proportion as others.

7. November 1, 1878 The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, November 1, 1878

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COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL BANK SURPENSION. WASHINGTON, October31.-The GermanAmerican National Bank, which grew out of the German Savings Bank, and occupied the same building, suspended this morning. The German-American Savings Bank has also closed its doors and put up the following notice: "Owing to the suspension of the German-American National Bank, this bank is forced to close." The officials of the Savings Bank declare that their institution is sound. Both banks were owned and patronized principally by Germans, and the suspension causes much surprise. An excited crowd surrounds the building. The cause of the failure was the inability of the bank to realize upon real estate mortgages. The National Bank Examiner, now in charge, states it is probable that the depositors will be paid in full. DETWILER & co. PHILADELPHIA, October 31.-Detwiler & Co., owners of the Market street flour mills, have failed. Liabilities $100,000. LONDON, October 31.-The liabilities of Thompson & Nephew, timber merchants, are £60,000. FAILURE OF J. A. HEMANN & CO. CINCINNATI, October 30.-The banking house of Jns. A. Hemann & Co. closed doors this afternoon. All demands upon the bank were paid over the counter up to S o'clock, but their accounts at the clearing house were not adjusted and at 5 P. M. a deputy from the sheriff's office served an attachment, issued at the instance of John Berger for $1,140. He attached the fixtures of the bank and also the household furniture of Hemann at his residence. It is said that Archbishop Purcell and his brother are not depositors, and have not been for several months. The report that the Volksfreund newspaper is any ways concerned is untrue; that concern losing nothing. Mr. Hemann has had no interest in that paper for fifteen years. The bank has been paying 6 per ct. interest on deposits, and has experienced some heavy losses. Last May the deposits amounted to $3,520,000. There was a run then, but the bank survived it. There has been a steady decline lately, and the suspension was inevitable. The firm decline to make a statement of the assets and liabilities. The latter are very heavy, and it is variously stated that they are about $75,000, or as high as $250,000.

8. November 1, 1878 Knoxville Daily Chronicle Knoxville, TN
Article from Knoxville Daily Chronicle, November 1, 1878

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WASHINGTON. ASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-The German-American National Bank of this city has failed, but it is thought depositors will be paid in full. Owing to the suspension of the German-American National Bank of this city, the German-American Savings Bank has also suspended. Both of these banks were owned and patronized principally by Germans. The suspension caused much surprise. The President of the German-American National Bank is John Hitz, the Swiss Consul General in this city. The shrinkage in real estate value in which both banks were largely interested caused the failure. The President has issued a proclamation appointing Thursday, the 28th of November as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. The State Department is advised that an International Exhibition will be held in Melbourne commencing Octoher, 1880. Parliament has voted $300,000 for the erection of the necessary buildings. The United States Consul at Tangier sends to the State Department an account of the fearful ravages of the cholera in the interior of Morocco. Business is almost completely paralyzed. The cholera is sweeping over the middle and Southern provinces. Hundreds are dying of starvation. Never before has Morocco passed through such a fearful ordeal.

9. November 1, 1878 Eureka Daily Sentinel Eureka, NV
Article from Eureka Daily Sentinel, November 1, 1878

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EASTERN NEWS. NIGHT DISPATCHES. |SPECIAL TO THE EUREKA DAILY SENTINEL.] Opinions in Regard to General Pope's Evasion of the Sammous to Testify. NEW YORK, October 31. The generally accepted view of fairminded military men, and civilians, condemn General Pope's evasion of the summons to testify in the Fitz-John Porter case. The "Herald" declares that he acted very unwisely for his own reputation, and intimates that Pope, as the instigator of the original trial, here confesses that it would be awkward for him to attempt to support his former testimony. The "World" also says his refusal has given very strong evidence against himself. The Board's emphatic decision admitting in evidence all the documentary statements affecting the Porter case, written by Pope and filed in the War Department. will establish a wide and important conflict between Pope's statements at different times. which his refusal to testify now debars him from the opportunity to reconcile. The decision giving Porter's counsel the closing argument in the case was based on the fact that Porter has the affirmative in the issue, as the onus rests upon him of showing that his former conviction was in error. A Woman Chloroformed and Robbed NEW YORK, October 31. Mrs. Clarence Ogden, of 299 Fifth Avenue, was discovered in her bed at 9 o'clock Monday morning. insensible. Her wrists were bound together with cords, and her mouth gagged. She had been chloroformed by two masked men, who succeeded in carrying off $800 in money, a clock and a quantity of jewelry. The diamond from one ring they cut from the settings, not being able to get it from the lady's finger. Mrs. Ogden did not recover consciousness until 11 o'clock in the day. There is no clue to the burglars. Mrs. Ogden keeps a boarding at the number in question, and her husband was not at home at the time of the burgiary. A Cattle Man Killed by Baldy Ford. DEADWOOD, D. T., October 31. A Texas cattle man, named Russell, was shot and instantly killed by "Baldy Ford," at Sturgis City, 14 miles from here, on Tuesday night. Russell was engaged in playing cards, when Ford entered the saloon, with the remark that he was the best man in the house. Russell took offense at this, and sprang to his feet with the intention of having a fist fight, but before he could close, Ford pulled a pistol and discharged the entire six shots at Russell, the first entering his left eye and the others taking effect in his body. Ford was subsequently arrested and is now in jail here. He bears a very bad reputation, having been frequently in difficulties. The Appointment of Dr. Gilvoly. NEW YORK, October 31. Pope Leo XIII. has appointed Doctor Gilvoly to the position of Apostolic Delegate from the Holy See to the United States and Canada. The statement that the Pontifical Secretary of State will consult the British Government before appointing Cardinal Cullen's successor, recalls the former report that an understanding has already been arrived at between Great Britain and the Vatican, with the view of suppressing Irish disaffection. The appointment therefore, is expected to have an important political significance. Suspension of the German-American Savings Bank. WASHINGTON, October 31. The German-American National Bank, which grew out of the German-American Savings Bank, and occupied the same building, suspended this morning. The German-American Savings Bank has also closed its doors, and put up the following notice: "Owing to the suspension of the German-American National Bank, this bank is forced to close." The officials of the Savings Bank declare that their institution is. sound. Both banks were owned and patronized principally by Germans, and the suspension causes much surprise. Excited crowds surround the building. The Epidemic at an End. NEW ORLEANS, October 31. It is probable that the Board of Health will declare the epidemic at an end tomorrow, as the deaths from other causes exceed those from the fever. Barnum for Butler. NEW YORK, October 31. a United States Senator Barnum, in speech at Hartford last night, said that if he was a citizen of Massachusetts, he should vote for Ben Butler.

10. November 1, 1878 The Waco Daily Examiner Waco, TX
Article from The Waco Daily Examiner, November 1, 1878

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WASHINGTON. Weather Indications. WASHINGTON, D. C., October 31.-Indications for the west Gulf States clear and partly cloudy weather; northerly cold and shifting to warmer; southerly falling barometer. The President's Proclamation, WASHINGTON, D. C., October 31.-Tha President has issued a proclamation appointing Thursday, November the 28th inst. as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Suspended. WASHINGTON, D. C., October S1.-Owing to the suspension of the German American National bank of this city, the German American saving bank has also suspended. Both these banks were run and patronized by the Germans. The suspension caused much surprise. The President of the German American National band, and John Hitz, the Swiss consul General in this city, say a shrinkage in real estate value, which both banks were largely interested caused the failure.

11. November 1, 1878 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, November 1, 1878

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News of the Day. Arrangements are being made for a grand international exposition in New York in 1889. The Calvert sugar refinery, in Baltimore, has been sold to Mr. Harrison, 8 sugar refiner, of Philadelphia for $75,000. It is rumored in Washington that the son of Admiral Porter has been discovered a defaulter for three or four thousand dollars. The Confederate monument at Augusta was unveiled yesterday in the presence of a vast crowd. Gov. Colquitt, Hoo. Alexander H. Stephens and others were present. The monu ment was executed in Italy, and is said to be one of the handsomest in the country. The Synod of Georgia, by a vote of forty one to seventeen, has seustained the appeal of Frank E. Black, suspended from the Central Presby. terian Church of Atlanta, for giving a dancing party in his house. The church session will appeal the case to the General Assembly. The four tramps who attempted to wreck a Shore Line freight train early on Wednesday morning were ingeniously captured last night. two by being offered a ride on an engine and two by being allured to a supposedly disabled engine. They were bound over to the Superior Court. The executors of William J. Caner, of Philadelphia, a member of the firm of James S. Mason & Co., the blacking firm, who died several years ago, have rendered their account. The total estate amounts to $702,649.51. and the only heir is Harnson K. Caner, son of Mr. Caper, who has not yet attained his majority. Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt paid Geo. N. Stone, of Ciocipnati, $21,000 cash for his four year old filly Maud D., who trotted a mile in 2.17, at Lexington, last week. One half the interest in the stallion Hambletonian Mambrino, owned by Jos. Montgomery, of Harrisburg, Pa., was recently sold to Chas. N. Rossell, of Philadel phia, for $6,000. A Fort Worth special says two masked men stopped the west bound stage coach yesterday, near Merry's Creek. While the highwaymen were plundering the mail bags two freighters drove up and opened fire on the robbers. One of their horses was wounded. The robbers roturned the fire, but seeing it was getting hot, both mounted one herse and rode away. They secured three registered packages, the value of which is unknows. The stage was without passengers. The German-American National Bank of Washington city closed its doors yesterday morning, and was followed by the AmericanGerman Savings Bank, both occupying the same building. The National Bank has been crippled by the shiinkage of real estate on which they held mortgages, but, it is said, will be able to pay its depositors. The savings bank was organized to enable the officers of the National bank to make such investments through the former institution as could not legally be made by the latter, the law forbiddisg a National bank from investing in real estate.

12. November 1, 1878 Alexandria Gazette Alexandria, VA
Article from Alexandria Gazette, November 1, 1878

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SUSPENDED BANK --Amoog the depositors in the German American National Brok, which suspended in Washington'yesterd.y. WAS Mr. Robert Portoer, of this city, who had a balareof bala: coof about $1,000 in the institution. It is believed however that the depositors will be made safe. Therumor in circulation, that the German Banking Company of this city were lesers, is incorrect. as that company has a small amount to the credit of the Washington bink. The two banks are not regular corres. pondents.

13. November 2, 1878 National Republican Washington, DC
Article from National Republican, November 2, 1878

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THE GERMAN-AMERICAN BANKS. A Government Receiver Appointed-The Savings Bank Said to be Solvent. The doors of the German-American banks were closed yesterday and the curtains drawn so that the public could not see what was going on inside. Comptroller of the Currency Knox yesterday appointed Mr. B. U. Keyser receiver of the GermanAmerican National Bank. Mr. Keyser took charge yesterday E.S receiver, and began immediately the work of preparing a statement. It is expected that the statement, showing the actual condition of the affairs of the bank, will be made public in two or three days. The present indications are that the depositors will be paid in full. $ THE SAVINGS BANK. A meeting of the directors of the savings bank was held yesterday and a preliminary examination made. The assets were found perfectly good and sufficient to meet all liabilities. Mr. Mattingly, the secretary, was directed to prepare a statement of the affairs of the bank. The officers state positively that there is no need of alarm. They have a right to take advantage of the law requiring depositors togive sixty days n otige before drawing out their deposits, and it is probable that no more time than that will be required to settle the bank's affairs. The real-estate loans made by the bank were made on wide margins, and nothing will be lost. It does not seem probable now that the bank will resume business: but, judging from what is said by the officers, the affairs of the institution are in such a shape that business could be resumed immediately. provided public confidence was entirely restored. The bank was not obliged to close on account of any trouble in its own affairs, but the action was made necessary by the suspension of the national bank, the natural con equence of which would have been a run on the savings bank. The statement that the Germania Life Insurance Company loses heavily by the suspension of the national bank is incorrect. The bank was not the agent of the company, but simply its Washington depository. Its deposits at the time of the suspension amounted to but $342.41, instead of $80,000, as stated.

14. November 4, 1878 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 4, 1878

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PERSONAL.-Ex-U. S. Treasurer John C. New is in the city. John G. Thompson, Sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, Lethas gone to California for his health. ters have been received here from the friends of Hon. J. F. House, of Tenn., announcing that he has been seriously ill, but is now out of danger, although convalescing slowly. THE GERMAN-AMERICAN BANK SUSPENSIONS. Mr. Keyser, the receiver of the German American National Bank, is still busily engaged with his assistants in investigating the affairs of the bank; but as yet is unable to furnish a statement of its condition. He, however, expects to furnish the statement some time this week. THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.-The rooms formerly occupied by the late Prof. Joseph Henry in the Smithsonian institution are being refited into offices for the uses of the institution, and will be occupied as such by Prof. Baird, the secretary and his assistants. The rooms heretofore occupied by the secretary. his chief clerk and other clerks, will be utilized for the increasing demands made by the museum. In addition to the office being prepared for Prof. Baird he utilizes as an office a portion of his residence on Massachusetts avenue, and for which the government allows him no rent. The fish commission having become so interlaced as it were with the operations of the institute in the diffusion of useful knowledge, accommoda. tion will also be prepared for it in the Smithsonian building. Wm. J. Rhees, the efficient chief clerk of the Smithsonian institute, is ili at his home in the county. Mr. Rhees has overworked himself in preparing a history of the institution, from the date of the Smithson bequest, also a short history of the life* of Smithson, he has collated all the acts of Congress applicable to the institution, including the more important debates thereon. The work, when completed. will be issued under the auspices ofthe institution. THE MISSION OF THE CHINESE EMBASSY to this country is said to be to protect the rights of the Pekin government, in case any legislation is attempted here to revise the Burlingame treaty SO as to give this government the sole control of the matter of Chinese immigration. The Chinese have an idea. founded upon the demands made by the Congressmen from the Pacific coast, that to bring the control of immigration solely within the power of the United States is virtually to prohibit it. It is believed that. if such action is insisted upon by Congress, China will take steps to prohibit American immigration to China, to the extent that Chinese immigration is prohibited in the United States. To guard well the interests of China in this respect is said to be the specific duty of Chen Lan Pin and his suite in coming to the United States. THE U.S. S. TICONDEROGA was put in commission at Portsmouth, N. H., to-day, the Navy department is telegraphed. The Ticonderoga is the vessel in which commodore Schufeidt is to make his two years' cruise to Africa, in the interest of An erican commerce and navigation. She will shortly sail from Portsmouth for Norfolk, where Commodore Schufeldt will join her. She will sail for Africa about the 1st of December.

15. November 8, 1878 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 8, 1878

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THE EVENING STAR. Washington News and Gossip. GOVERNMENT RECEIPTS TO-DAY.-Internalrevenue, $394,126.31; customs, $470,174.08. SUBSCRIPTIONS to the four per cent. loan today amounted to $222,250. THE CABINET was in session about two hour and a-half this afternoon. What should be abodied in the annual reports of the diffe en Catinet officers and of the President was discussed. Secretary McCrary submitted reports showing that everything on the Rio Grande was quiet anl peaceable, with the prospect that they would remain SO permanently. Both Mexico and the U S. force were doing excellent duty in punishing raid and depredations. This information was the subject of much gratification to the Presi lent and all the members of the Cabinet. THE DELAY OF THE RECEIVER of the German National bank to publish a statement of its condition has given rise to a good deal of harsh criticism, and if the bank is in as solvent a condition as the receiver reports it verbally to be, then that fact should be officially communicated to the public. It is but justice to the bank officers, its patrons and the receiver, that this should be done to stitle stories afloat about fraudulent transactions. THE APPROPRIATION BILLS.-COL. Robert J. Stevens, clerk to the House committee on appropriations, has issued a call for the assembling of that committee in this city on the 20th inst. It is expected that there will be a very full atThe committee will get its sessions will be the of on the to tendance. work, until and reassembling Congress immediately almost continuin December. For the past or Col. Stevens has been ous first three Monday weeks and visiting procui two the the different departments them data concerning the will submit to and such other which these ing heads from of data, they information Congress. estimates From as it be to secure from committee will have a good to begin the work of the ments, may the necessary preparation the founda- depart- of the Most of as the fortification bill, the Indian bill, and the West bills-such bill. tion regular appropriations. the the Point peasion smaller billfor submission to Work will also be will reassembling. be ready the gotten House executive, at well its under way on the larger bills-the and legislative and judicial, the sundry civil. the post office bills. It is not thou cht that they be will be ready for submission, but they will pretty completely blocked out. THE OPPONENT OF GEN. HUNTON received only three votes in Alexandria. In view of the there is a custom house and post in that city presumably under office fact that looks the patron- on the of the the administration, it the age returns as if the employes of buildings of There are also quite a aforesaid face the faith. of ths government had number departed in Alexdepartment clerks living overlooked the andria, government who probably held. important fact that an election was being NAVAL ORDERS.-Lieut. commander Oscar F. ordered to the New Hampshire, at S. C., as executive. ordered to duty as W. Port A. Hegerman, smith, Royal. purchasing Paymaster Inspector pay- JOS master at Washington, D. C. Pay Williams, detached as purchasing paymas- in W. at Washington, and ordered as inspector yard. charge ter of stores at the Washington navy GEN. KETCHAM'S MAJORITY. - The Poughsays:- The majority for General is not only unprecedented it is one of the largest ever Ketcham keepsie but Eagle in this received district, by candidate for congress in this state. so our far any from this county. now complete special returns the voteon congressmen, and Columbia as regards received from Putnam and It enable us to give the couities, legrams majority Colum- nearly exact, as follows:-In Dutchess, 6,345; bia. 140: evidence Putnam. of Gen. 1.096. Ketcham's popularity at This home is very gratifying to his numerous his friends in the District of Columbia. SCUADRON IN ASIATIC WATERS.-Rae Admiral OUR T. H. Patterson, commanding the U.S. Astatic station, in a communica Yohohama naval to force the Navy on department, dated movemen tion Japan, vessels October under 11. 1STS, his reports command the as follows be of the Monongahela, capt. Fitzhugh, the cholera The declared U.S.S. free from disease, and Shanghai, ing disappeared from 1s having entirely returned to that place October boilwas to Woosung have Bar to complete repairs to Yokohama on from when she would proceed Alert, Com ers, &c., Nagasaki and Kobi. The where via Boyd, is at Feochow. further apmancer remain until there is no and their prehension would of American thence citizens she would proto occasion may property Hong being moiested; Kong. and visit Swaton, Amoy, receed and places in that vicinity, Boyd. as leaving Amoy rock for quire. Kong, commande would make a search bark for the Forest winter. Hong Belle upon is which alleged commander the to American have Manley, struck having last Hong Kong been subjected The Panger, to the enervating on heat being of rellevedd by during the proceed to the Alert Perkins, would commander past summer, Bang-Kok, Yohohama. left Yoko- Stam, The Ashuelot, 3d for Saigon on her return and hama Park-hol October and Hot would HOW, reaching Februery call at Hong next. the middle of will, Kong about Lieutenant Commander Green, Teintsin The her Palos, services are not required, sets in. leave The health of good. is for if the Shanhai officers before and men winter of the squadron remain

16. November 8, 1878 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 8, 1878

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may iound. To my second inquiry, What amount was collected during each of the last four fiscal years," you reply "about $150,000;" which, beside being very vague, is astonishingly small, when it is considered that there were probably $5,966,262.37 of taxes collected during those years, according to the reports of the Commissioners, viz:-For 1875, $2,223,528.17; for 1876, $1,005,966.14; for 1877, $1,256,768.06; for 1878, estimated, $1,480,000, the tax year not being closed To my third inquiry, " What disposition was made of the amounts SO collected," you do not allege that any portion thereof was paid over to the commissioners of the sinking fund, as the law directs, but aver that the District Commissioners "actually paid on account of the sinking fund nearly four times more than their apportionment called for, besides paying $1,236,633.07 of general indebtedness." 1 find myself, by law, made the successor of the commissioners of the sinking fund of the District of Columbia, and in reply to my inquiries, honestly made for information and for the best interests of the District, I am, by order of your honorable body, invited to look for that information where it is not found to exist; am told, when I ask for the amount realized each year, pursuant to provisions repeated in many laws of the United States, and of the District, and after public advertisement of the yearly apportionment, that the amount devoted to the sinking fund for the four years was "about $150,000," and am then treated to a recital of financial transactions of the past, not definitely warranted by law, by which it is made to appear that although the $150,000 was not legally devoted to its specific object, yet something over $1,900,000 of debt, bonded and floating, was wiped out about that time. I wish no controversy on the subject. I find that for sixty years there has been one long attempt at a sinking fund for the District; that for forty years there have been commissioners of the sinking fund; that the bonded debt is at this time over $22,000,000, and yet there is to-day no sign or shadow of a sinking fund, although there are many provisions of existing law in regard to outstanding bonded debt of the District. requiring annual contributions to the sinking fund. This state of things is not business. Permit me to say that, under District laws, confirmed by Congress, and the stipulation on the part of the United States in the act of June 11th, 1878, that they will appropriate from the public Treasury fifty per cent. of the estimated general expenses of the District including interest on the bonded debt, and the amounts legally due the sinking fund, the District has a fairer opportunity before it than any municipality ever had, with wise management of its affairs. to reduce the weight of taxation, the bonded debt, the rate of interest thereon and to lighten the burdens of the people. I believe the country at large, as well as the people of the District, are looking to those to whom these interestsare committed under the laws, to bring about the above results. Very respectfully, JAS. GILFILLAN, Treasurer U.S. Hon. Commissioners of the District of Columbia. THE GERMAN-AMERICAN NATIONAL BANKGood News for Depositors.-The statement on which the receiver of the German-American National Bank (Mr. B. U. Keyser) has been at work some days, has been SO far advanced as to warrant the belief that it will be ready for publication by early part of next week. Much of the work is now being verified, and some parties engaged in the bank say that the indications are that the bank will come out much better than some of the public expected, and that there need be no surprise if the receiver should be able to pay to depositors dollar for dollar, and that at no distant day. Mr. Samuel L. Mattingly, the cashier of the German-American Savings Bank, has his statement well advanced, and will present it to a meeting of the directors to-morrow evening; and it will, it is stated, show that the affairs are not in SO bad a condition as was at first SUDposed, and that with a little time_they will be able to pay up in full. THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION will not affect the price of clothing at the Boys' Clothing House of B. Robinson & Co., 909 Pennsylvania avenue, as they will continue in the future as in the past, to furnish the best goods for the least money, and from the largest stock in the District.-Adet. MARRIAGE LICENSES have been issued to W. F. Diggs and Susie Dixon; Louis Milocich and Theresa M. Ratto; Richard H. Skiner and Adeline Porter; Charles W. Mason and Lavinia Lemore. BUILDING ASSOCIATION.-At the 50th meeting of the Second Washington association, last night, $2,000 was sold at an average premium of 80. To THOSE who desire good wearing clothes for their boys, at low price, we can recommend the American meltons offered by A. Saks & Co. Advt. OLD MOSES"-THE LARGEST TREE.-A section of the largest tree in the world is now being ex-

17. November 13, 1878 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 13, 1878

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LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE. A Case of Brother-in-law. Mr. Editor: The statement published in one of our morning papers some days ago that Mr Benjamin U. Keyser, the gentleman appointed examiner of the suspended German National Bank of this city, was not a brother-in-law of Mr. John J. Knox, the comptroller of the currency, from whom he obtained his appointment, is untrue. Every person who has resided in Washington for any length of time knows that Mr. Keyser and Mr. Knox are brothers-in-law, and I am surprised that the editor of the Post, and one or two writers in that paper, should say anything to the contrary. It is also susceptible of proof that Mr. Keyser was appointed bank examiner solely because he was Mr. Knox's brother-in-law. As to Mr. Keyser's responsibility I have not a word to say, but a less competent and a more unsuitable person to perform the duties pertaining to his position it would be a difficult matter for Mr. Knox to find among the business men of Washington. For the sake of the large number of poor people who have placed their funds in this bank and who are spending days and nights of the most intense anxiety be. cause of its suspension, I do think Mr. Keyser ought to relinquish his position and let some first class business man be appointed in his place. This would be SO much more satisfactory to the creditors of the bank. You know, Mr. Editor, there is everything in having a number one business man to settle the affairs of a susBUSINESS. pended bank. November 12. 1878.

18. November 16, 1878 The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, November 16, 1878

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ALL AROUND THE WORLD. No crop report will be issued this month but a report covering the yield and average will be made in December. Herman Moran fell into a settler in Dalzen & Chapin's salt blocks, at Bay City, Mich., to-day, and was scalded to death. At noon to-day Napoleon Campana of Bridgeport, Ct., had scored 440 miles in his effort to beat O'Leary's record,3 hours remain. M. Frank Page, of Boston, has been held for examination on the 20th on a charge of a conspiring to cheat his creditors. Bail fixn ed at $75,000. An overflow of the Tiber has inundated the Ripelta Piazza of Pantheon, Via Tardimona, Piazza St. Angelo, Ghetto and all the lower streets of the city. E. C. Harden, of Montpelier, Vermont, was sentenced to-day to be hanged on the first Friday after the first of January, 1880. The Supreme Court refused a new trial. Lawrence Reilly, of New York, age 60, knocked his wife, age 45, insensible today, and thinking he had killed her, cut his own throat. The wife may recover. Bombay dispatch to Timesof India, from Kohat, says: the Government at Simla, has issued stringent orders, to military comanders to supervise all press telegrams. Captain John S. Sleeper formerly Editor and part proprietor of the Boston Jour. nal and a popular writer under the non de plume of Hanser Martingale, died last evening. aged 84. The Receiver of the German National Bank at Washington, D. C., states that the liabilities of the concern are $293,634, and the assets $294,350. In addition the personal liabilities of the stockholders are estimated at $100,000. The Grand Officers of the Ancient Order of United Workmen met at Chicago this morning for the purpose of adjusting their losses on account of the yellow fever. The Order was seriously impoverished, and especially in Tennessee. Joseph Levy, Isaac Perlatein, Abraham D. Freeman and Charles Bernstein have been arrested in New York by the Fire Marshal on the charge of causing a number of fires on the east side of the city in the hope of securing excessive insurance. At the request of a number of prominent citizens of Cincinnati, the College of o music will reproduce the Oratorio Messiah during Christmas week. This Oratorio, it will be remembered, was one of the distinguising features of the festival last to spring. Mr. Whitney has alreaday been engaged. A London Committee of which Lord I Lawrence is chairman and which was formed to seek expression of public opinion about the early summoning of Parliament have asked Lord Beaconsfield to grant them an interview November 20th, the day on which the time given the Ameer of Afghanistan to reply to the British ultimatum expires. The Berlin Post in an article relative to the closing of the Paris Exhibition, says that Germany observes without anxiety the renewed power of France, which would only be dangerous if the nation surI rendered its right of judgment to the adventurous usurpers. The present moderate and conservative republic offers a guarantee against all excessesi in the foreign policy The suit instituted by Peter Marie, o Frank A. Otis, Geo. Fearing, N. A. Condrey, R. L. Cutting, jr., and Jacob Cromt well against Cornelius Garrison, for $3,600,000 damages, for the alleged violation of an agreement by Garrison for the reorganization of the Pacific Railroad of Missouri, was argued in the Superior Court of New York yesterday. The Judge took the papers.

19. January 30, 1879 National Republican Washington, DC
Article from National Republican, January 30, 1879

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HOME AFFAIRS. CITY NOTES. -The sixth complimentary soirce of the Mignon Club will take place at Marini's Hall this evening. -The House of Representatives last night passed a bill to change the name of the barge Cockade City to Republic. -Newmyer's provision store, corner of Thirteenth and G streets, was broken into late on Tuesday night and robbed of about fifty hams. -Some hungry rogue relieved a country wagon of two rolls of butter last evening while it was standing at the corner of Seventh and P streets. -Two marriage licenses were issued yesterday, and these to Bartram Zevely and Nina Evans, and F. H. Rainey and Frances E. McElfresh. -Thieves entered the jewelry store of G. B. Beringer, southeast corner of Fourteenth and P streets, yesterday afternoon, about three o'clock, and stole three silver watches. -The Unity Club will meet in the parlors of the National Hotel to-morrow evening. William Rea, LL. D., of Chicago, will read an cssay on "The Amalgamation of Nationalities, and its Effect upon American Character." -Thieves entered the store of Mr. F. W. Rest, merchant tailor, No. 425 Twelfth street, Tuesday night and stole about one hundred and fifty dollars' worth of goods. They gained an entrance by cutting a square hole in a panel of the rear door and forcing the lock from the inside. -Detectives McDevitt and Voss yesterday arrested a young white man named George Forrester, having in his possession a handsome silk dress, a pocket-book with the name of L. A. Treadway, 1703 De Sales street, marked on it, and a lady's gold bracelet. He will have a hearing to-day. -An inquest was held at the Eighth Precinct Station yesterday on the body of Mr. David Hardester, who was knocked down and killed on Pennsylvania avenue, between Fourth and Fifth streets west, last Monday, and a verdict was rendered that the affair was accidental, and exonerating the driver of the back from blame. -Mr. E. W. Anderson, secretary of the depositors' committee of the German-American National Bank, gives notice that depositors should swear to their accounts at the office of the receiver of the bank before the 1st of February in order to receive their shares of dividends, as the receiver's books will be closed on that day by order of the Comptroller.

20. April 18, 1879 Evening Star Washington, DC
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B. H. WARNER, Real Estate Auctioneer. PUBLIC SALE OF SUNDRY SECURITIES I will offer for sale, at public auction, at tue o fice of B. H. Warner, 916 F street n. W., at 1 o'clock p. m., SATURDAY, April 26th. 1879, the following named securities: Certificate Board of Public Works, dated Ap il 9, 1873, for assessment upon part of lot 9, square 382 Tax sale Certificates dated March 16, 1875, as follows: Lets 6, 8 and 9, square 227: Lot 4, square 230; Let C, square 295. Tax lien Certificates on Lots T, U and V, square 4/2. dated July 1, 1873. 68 Shares of Stock in the German American Fire Insurance Company, of Washington, D. C., par value $100 per share. 20 Shares of Stock in the Second National Bank of Washington, D. C. par value $100 per share. 1 $50 U. S. 4 per cent. Boad. Terms cash. B. U. KEYSER. Beceiver. German Amer can National Bank. ap18-eo

21. April 21, 1879 Evening Star Washington, DC
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B. H. WARNER, Real Estate Auctioneer. PUBLIC SALE OF SUNDRY SECURITIES I will offer for sale, at public auction, at tae office of B. H. Warner, 916 F street n. W., at 1 o'clock p. m., SATURDAY, April 26th, 1879, the following named securities: Certificate Board of Public Works, dated April 9, 1873, for assessment upon part of lot 9, square 382. lows: Tax sale Certificates dated March 16, 1875, as folLets 6, 8 and 9, square 227: Lot 4, square 230; Lot C, square 295. Tax lien Certificates on Lots T, U and V, square 4h2. dated July J, 1873. 68 Shares of Stock in the German American Fire Insurance Company, of Washington, D. C., par value $100 per share. 20 Shares of Stock in the Second National Bank of Washington, D. C.; par value $100 per share. 1 $50 U. S. 4 per cent. Bond. Terms cash. B. U. KEYSER. Beceiver. German American National Bank. ap18-eo

22. April 23, 1879 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, April 23, 1879

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B. H. WARNER, Real Estate Auctioneer. PUBLIC SALE OF SUNDRY SECURITIES I will offer for sale, at public auction, at the office of B. H. Warner, 916 F street n. W., at 1 o'clock P. m. SATURDAY, April 26th, 1879, the following named securities: Certificate Board of Public Works, dated April 9, 1873, for assessment upon part of lot 9, square 382 lows: Tax sale Certificates dated March 16, 1875, as folLets 6, 8 and 9, square 227: Lot 4, square 230; Lot C, square 295. Tax lien Certificates on Lots T, U and V, square 452, dated July 1, 1873. 68 Shares of Stock in the German American Fire Insurance Company, of Washington, D. C., par value $100 per share. 20 Shares of Stock in the Second National Bank of Washington, D. C.; par value $100 per share. 1 $50 U. S. 4 per cent. Bond. Terms cash. B. U. KEYSER. Receiver. ap18-e0 German American National Bank.