2175. United States Savings Bank (Washington, DC)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
savings bank
Start Date
March 14, 1933
Location
Washington, District of Columbia (38.895, -77.036)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
efd9036e

Response Measures

None

Description

No run is described in the articles. The bank was closed by the controller at the March 1933 banking holiday, refused a license (March 14, 1933 referenced), placed in receivership and liquidated; receivers paid dividends (65%, then 15%, then 10%) as part of liquidation. Litigation by former president Wade H. Cooper repeatedly attempted to force reopening but ultimately failed. Dates are drawn from contemporaneous newspaper reports (closure March 1933; receiver in charge by early 1934; dividend payments in mid-1934 and later).

Events (6)
1. March 14, 1933 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
Closed by the controller of the currency at the end of the President's banking holiday and subsequently refused a license (article text: refused a license at the close of the President's bank holiday and references to controller actions).
Newspaper Excerpt
the bank was closed in March, 1933, and refused a license at the close of the President's bank holiday.
Source
newspapers
2. February 19, 1934 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
The United States Savings Bank is a who is in appointed. the hands of proceeding receiver, to recently liquidate the bank. (Feb 19, 1934 Evening Star / Court of Appeals item). Carter B. Keene appears in later articles as receiver and administered payouts and liquidation efforts.)
Source
newspapers
3. June 18, 1934 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
U.S. SAVINGS BANK TO PAY $1,000,000 65% on Deposits to Be Hastened, Following Ruling of Treasury. Depositors of the insolvent United States Savings Bank will be paid a dividend of 65 per cent...the Treasury Department made plans to pay swiftly the dividend as soon as it will be physically possible to do so at the bank.
Source
newspapers
4. July 17, 1934 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The United States Savings Bank...today began paying a 65 per cent dividend, for which the bank has available about $1,000,000. Carter B. Keene, receiver, explained...Postcards were mailed to depositors...
Source
newspapers
5. February 7, 1935 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Keene, receiver for the defunct United States Savings Bank...many first dividend checks have been ready for months for delivery to former patrons of the bank who have proved their claims.
Source
newspapers
6. July 24, 1936 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Payment of a 10 per cent dividend to depositors and creditors of the defunct United States Savings Bank was authorized today by the Comptroller of the Currency...brings total payments made to $1,537,930, 90 per cent of claims against the institution.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (22)
1. July 19, 1933 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, July 19, 1933

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HAMILTON BANK'S OPENING DELAYED Complications Involving Two Member Institutions Hinder Plans. Letters from the eight member banks of the proposed Hamilton National Bank to their thousands of depositors have been further delayed by complications involving the two banks which were on a 5 per cent withdrawal basis before the banking holiday. These two banks. the District National Bank and the United States Savings Bank, had restrictions in effect allowing depositors to withdraw only 5 per cent of their deposits. The question now has arisen as to how the bank will handle the various groups of depositors which have made different kinds of withdrawals. For instance. supposing a depositor in the District National Bank had $100 on deposit. and withdrew $5 after the bank went on a 5 per cent restriction. Would this man be allowed to withdraw a full 50 cents on his dollar. or would he be credited only with 45 cents. making a total of 50 cents in withdrawal since the bank went on a restricted basis? Letter Revised Several Times. As soon as this point can be settled it is believed the long-delayed letter to depositors of the eight member banks will be ready for mailing out by the conservator The letter has been revised several times. Meantime an important work of examination by the Treasury Department on the two banks retaining trust departments is being completed. The finished Bank now trict examiner National has and with is the wind- Dising up an examination of the Federal American National Bank and Trust company When this is concluded it will open the way for final reorganization of loans between the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the member banks. This reorganization of loans has been going on for some time already but more remains to be done before the Hamilton Bank can open. May Borrow Cash. When the Hamilton Bank gets ready to apply for its charter. after raising its complete quota of subscriptions. for a capital structure of $1,250,000. it is thought likely that using the subscriptions for collateral, the Hamilton will borrow cash from other banks in order to present to the Treasury Department a certified check This check would accompany the application for a charter. Edwin C. Graham, president: Roger J. Whiteford. general counsel. and other officials of the Hamilton were busy today on numerous details of the new bank organization. including by-laws, forms and many others. Meantime at the Park Savings Bank. which is now in the hands of a receiver. the board of directors plan to hold a meeting tonight. The Depositors' Committee of this bank has called a mass meeting of all depositors at Central High School auditorium tomorrow night at 8 o'clock to explain the law suit it has filed and to tell the depositors about plans for the future by the committee.

2. September 2, 1933 The Washington Times Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Times, September 2, 1933

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COOPER CLAIMS PLOT TO RUIN INSTITUTIONS Treasury Heads Named in Plea To Keep U. S. Savings As Independent Col. Wade H. Cooper. president of the United States Savings Bank, and holder of 56 per cent of its capital stock. today appealed to the District Supreme Court for an injunction to restrain Treasury officials from forcing his bank into the Hamilton National Bank merger. Through Attorneys W. Bissell Thomas, John W. Staggers and same in Louis counsel L. which Whitestone, represented the him blocking court approval of the names as Colonel Hamilton Cooper contracts yesterday, defendants SecreT. tary of William the Treasury: H. Woodin, J. F. O'Connor. comptroller of the currency; his deputy, F. G. Awalt: Walter J. Cummings, assistant R. Milford, retary of and the W. Treasury; Irving Shuman W. secthe Treasury Zepp, of the former reorganization Department: vice president Wilbur division. of H. United States Saving Bank. and E. C. Graham, president of the Hamilton National Bank. Rule Signed Justice Adkins signed rule requiring the defendants to a show cause the be rule tion will should Tuesday be not heard why before granted. injunc- Justice The who the same him Jennings time Bailey, have placed will before at the banks for pating petitions the eight in of the closed merger conservators partici- court of of assets to approval the $900,000 Hamilton of the of transfer Bank, including over those of the United Staes Savings Bank. It is charged that since March the 5. holiday when began, the national defendants banking to large spiracy part have of been the gain engaged banking control in of assets a a con- in are wreck furtherance the District about to of of deliberately Columbia, that conspiracy and in eight prosperous banks of the District. "Bleeding" Seen These eight banks at the time of the banking holiday had a capital structure of $5,000,000 and deposits totaling $27.000.000. Under eight the Hamilton banks would Bank bleed plan their these assets to build a capital structure of $1,000,000, with available deposits approximating $10,000,000, the court is told. Colonel Cooper says that his one, bank ous has earning always been from a 40 prosper- to 60 per cent on its stock of $100,000 up to the time of the banking holiday. deceding During the the holiday period his of bank's panic preposits fell from $2,500,000 to $1. in is value, 800,000. but its its securities capital structure shrunk yet unimpaired, he said. Farce Charged The defendants have conspired to force his bank into the Hamilon the pay to of ton its system quick depositors assets by taking 50 per $900,000 promise cent of in hands of their the claim. bank leaving conservator the frozen assets liquidate, own Left which to its Colonel will devices. Cooper be difficult Colonel alleges. to a subremitted Cooper claims, to the under Treasury plan but the conon of bank have fendants, jected spiracy because his the of part alleged could the deper cent of and dated claims paid 75 sufficient immediately, depositor liquiassets to pay the remainder within a short time. Sentenced Youth

3. September 11, 1933 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, September 11, 1933

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Petition for Approval of Contract Withdrawn by Treasury Attorneys. COOPER WILL PUSH PLANS TO REOPEN INSTITUTION Disappointed Because His Victory Bars Producing Lot of Facts About Department. The United States Savings Bank was definitely removed today from negotiations which would have merged it with the new Hamilton Bank. This was accomplished when attorneys for the controller of the currency withdrew their petition for approval by the District Supreme Court of the merger contract between the savings bank and the new merged bank. The court already had approved merger contracts of seven other banks which will allow the new Hamilton Bank to open with an initial payment to depositors in the seven closed banks of approximately $9,000,000. The Treasury decided to withdraw its petition on receipt of the letter from the Organization Committee of the new Hamilton Bank Saturday. The letter announced the committee was obtaining stock subscriptions from other sources to replace the $51,000 in stock in the new bank which would have been subscribed by depositors in the savings bank. and stated the new bank was no longer interested in the proposed contract for the savings bank. Bailey Approves Action. Counsel for the Treasury Department called on Justice Jennings Bailey in chambers of District Supreme Court today and notified him the Treasury had withdrawn its petition. This notice considerably disappointed a large crowd which had thronged the court room in the expectation of fireworks when attorneys for Col. Wade H. Cooper, president of the closed savings bank. opened up their legal attack on the validity of the contract. Justice Bailey approved the action of the Treasury in withdrawing the petition, but retained Col. Cooper's injunction on the court's docket for any further decree that might be necessary during the course of Cooper's I endeavors to reopen his closed bank. George P. Barse, counsel for the : controller of the currency, not only ; informed the court the petition for approval of the contract had been withdrawn. but also that the controller of e the currency would allow Col. Cooper access to the list of depositors in the e bank so he could go ahead and work out any scheme he desired to reopen the bank under its own power. S Cooper Disappointed. $ Although W. Bissell Thomas. Col. : Cooper's lawyer, regarded this as a vic: tory, his client, Cooper, expressed disappointment at the outcome. He said a lot of facts he had about bring the Treasury to light, Department he wanted to and now he would be unable to do so. He said he would go to work immediately and get his depositors to agree on a plan for opening the bank. His plan. the same which he previously offered to the controller, he said. would yield them 65 to 75 cents on the dollar of their deposits immediately. Asked when he thought he could have his bank open. he first declined to Continued on Page 2 Column 3)

4. October 4, 1933 The Washington Times Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Times, October 4, 1933

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FRANKLIN BANK NEARLY READY TO REOPEN Treasury Speeds Up Case; Plan Calls for Payment, in Part, to. Many Depositors The local banking situation as it concerns closed institutions began to clear today with the announcement at the Treasury that considerable progress has been made in a plan to reopen the Franklin National Bank. This announcement, following the approval yesterday of a plan whereby the Mt. Vernon Savings Bank will release nearly $1,000,000 in frozen deposits through a sale of assets to the Washington Mechanics and Savings Bank, will leave but few other closed banks in the city. Shuman's Big Job So far has the work of reorganization progressed, that Maj. W. Irving Shuman, special representative of the Comptroller, who has engineered both the Hamilton merger, the Chevy Case sale and the Mt. Vernon bank agreement, in connection with his task of reorganizinz closed local banks, has resigned to join the new Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Of the Franklin reopening plan it was understood that it contemplates the payment of a substantial per cent of depositors' accounts with payment in full to come. Cooper Case Halted Only the United States Savings Bank, of which Col. Wade H. Cooper is president, and the Industrial Savings Bank, a colored institution, will remain closed after the Franklin plan is finally approved. The Treasury has already stated publicly that before January 1, all banks will either be reopened through some plan or placed in receivership. Colonel Cooper today in District Supreme Court was temporarily halted in his effort to force the Treasury approval of his plan when his suit was postponed until Monday.

5. October 5, 1933 The Washington Times Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Times, October 5, 1933

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DEPOSITORS AIM AT REOPENING SAVINGS Committee to Spurn Cooper's Fight Against Treasury in District Courts A committee of seven depositors of the closed United States Savings Bank, appointed at a mass meeting at Central High School to aid the 12,000 other depositors in having the bank reopened, laid plans today for the procedure to be followed. It is believed that this group will go direct to the Comptroller of the Currency with some plan for reopening the bank, regardless of the outcome of litigation instituted by Col. Wade H. Cooper, president of the bank. Under this procedure, Colonel Cooper will have no voice in the matter. Issues Ultimatum The Comptroller has already told Colonel Cooper that unless he can suggest a better reopening plan than that which the Treasury has rejected, steps will be taken to either reopen the bank through another plan or place it in receivership for the purpose of liquidation. Mrs. Mark C. Bullis, 1800 block Sixteenth Street Northwest, only woman member of the committee,

6. October 13, 1933 The Washington Times Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Times, October 13, 1933

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CASE TO DECIDE KNOTTY LEGAL QUESTIONS Claims of Numerous Parties to Action Conflict; Federal Officers Involved Counsel for the many parties represented in litigation surrounding the Park Savings Bank, which, with shortages exceeding $2,000,000, is in the hands of a Treasury receiver, today in District Supreme Court had the trial date set for October 25. Justice Jesse C. Adkins is scheduled to hear the case but it is possible that it may be transferred to Justice Jennings Bailey. The Parks Savings case is con sidered the most important of local banking cases because of the unusual questions of law raised during the efforts of depositors to salvage their savings from the wreckage following the suicide last spring of Robert S. Stuntz, vice president. Treasury Power Tested A depositors' committee represented by Attorneys E. Hilton Jackson and William E. Richardson began the litigation when they challenged the right of the Treasury to place a conservator in the bank, which they claimed was an Alabama corporation. It was then discovered the bank's charter had expired some years previously, and then the Treasury placed a receiver in charge. Stockholders and directors then became involved when it was claimed that, in view of the expiration of the bank charter, the depositors were operating as a copartnership and the stockholders were liable for the return of $50,000 in stock dividends they had been paid. Meanwhile three other banks in the District which have been closed since the holiday, reported progress in their plans. Agreement Near It was reported that Franklin National Bank officials are about to come to an agreement with the Comptroller on the differences in their respective plans for reopening, and the Washington Mechanics and Savings and Mt. Vernon groups are encouraged in their effort to pay more than the original 35 per cent on deposits provided in the initial agreement merging the two. Attorneys for Col. Wade H. Cooper state that probably Monday they will ask the District Supreme Court for an early trial date on Col. Cooper's suit to compel the Treasury to relicense his United States Savings Bank.

7. November 5, 1933 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 5, 1933

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BANKS MAY COME INTO COURT AGAIN United States Savings and Parks Savings Are Still in Litigation. Progress was made last week in disposition of the unlicensed bank situation in the District of Columbia, with prospect that the two banks in litigation will come before the courts again t is week. The case of the United States Savings Bank, which has been hanging fire ever since this institution was dropped from the Hamilton National Bank merger, will come up for hearing Tuesday morning before Justice Jennings Bailev in District Supreme Court. Depositors of the Park Savings Bank. wh last week lost their fight for a court receiver to replace the Treasury Department receiver. plan to file an amended bill in an effort to collect as much as possible from the directors and stockholders. Two Receivers Named. Two receivers were appointed for eight unlicensed banks. one of whom has taken charge. with the other scheduled to arrive this week. Former Gov. Cary A. Hardee of Florida has already taken over the remaining assets of the Federal-American National Bank & Trust Co. and the old Chevy Chase Savings Bank. Norman R. Hamilton of Portsmouth. Va., is planning to arrive here next Wednesday to take charge of six other unlicensed banks, which are the District National Bank, the Northeast Savings Bank, the Eventh Street Savings Bank. Washington Savings Bank, Woodridge-Langdon Savings Bank and the Potomac Savings Bank. Meantime negotiations for a merger of the Franklin National Bank with the Washington Mechanics Savings and the Mount Vernon Savings Banks have been under way, without a complete agreement having been reached. It was understood last night that progress had been made in the negotiations. although final decision had not been made as to whether the Franklin would merge or try to reopen alone. The Mount Vernon-Mechanics merger is making rapid progress, officials said last night. 4 Banks Unlicensed. As the District of Columbia situation stands today, according to Controller of the Currency O'Connor, in a review of the unlicensed banks of the Nation last night. there were 13 unlicensed banks here at the close of the President's holiday in March: nine of these have been licensed, chartered or placed in liquidation, and four of these are still unlicensed. Of these four. two plans have been approved. one for the Mount Vernon Savings Bank to merge with the Washington Mechanics, and the other for the reopening of the Franklin National Bank. Officials of the Franklin bank have not yet given their full agreement, however, to the Treasury plan. One plan has been disapproved, according to the controller's tabulation. This is presumed to be the plan for the United States Savings Bank, whose president, Col. Wade H. Cooper, is fighting the Treasury in the courts to force adoption of the Cooper plan. And finally, one plan for license is under consideration, that of the Industrial Savings Bank, a colored institution. which hopes to reorganize into a national bank. The United States Bank long has been in the courts, since Col. Cooper made such a fight to keep it out of the 4 Hamilton National Bank merger that the Treasury voluntarily withdrew it (Continued on Page 2, Column 4.)

8. November 12, 1933 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 12, 1933

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O'CONNOR WITNESS TOMORROW IN U.S SAVINGS BANK CASE Controller Called by Cooper in Effort to Force Reopening Plan. JURISDICTION OVER OFFICIAL IS ISSUE Charge of Arbitrary Use of Discretion Under Attack by Counsel of Treasury. Controller of the Currency J. F D'Connor is expected to take the witness stand tomorrow morning in the United States Savings Bank case béfore Justice Jennings Bailey in District Supreme Court The controller has been called as a witness by Col. Wade H. Cooper, president of the bank, who is attempting to force the Treasury Department to reopen the bank under the Cooper plan, which has been rejected by the Treasury Controller O'Connor testified once before in September during Col. Cooper's original suit, which resulted in withdrawal of the United States Savings Bank from the Hamilton merger The issue before the court this time to reopen the bank is set forth in an amended bill filed by Col. Cooper's counsel, W. Bissell Thomas and John W. Staggers. The Treasury DepartP ment, through counsel, George Barse and Charles E. Wainright, is stoutly opposing Col. Cooper's efforts to force the Treasury to use the Cooper plan. Question of Jurisdiction. The Treasury has raised the principle issue of whether the court has jurisdiction to compel the controller of the currency to take certain specified action. The question, Barse has insisted. narrows down to whether the controller has acted within his discretion or whether he has been arbitrary in the use of discretion Government agencies always have been vigilant in defending their executive discretion against attack. Justice Bailey during the two days which the trial has run, already has twice expressed some doubt as to whether he has jurisdiction He asked Treasury coursel whether any other courts had forced the controller to take such action as is asked in the present case. and Treasury counsel recalled there were none on record. Cooper's counsel has been digging deep into the status of the bank and endeavoring to show from testimony of several witnesses that the controller did act in an arbitrary manner in refusing to let Col. Cooper reopen on the plans he has submitted so far. Justice Bailey, before adjourning court Saturday noon, asked that counsel for both sides submit briefs by tomorrow on the question. Commercial Dividend. Meantime another important development in the bank situation here will be the payment tomorrow of the second dividend from the insolvent Commercial National Bank, of which Col Cooper also was president. This bank already has paid the first dividend of 20 per cent and tomorrow will be ready at 9 o'clock to begin paying out checks for the second dividend of 30 per cent The bank will be open daily from 9 to 5 o'clock. Progress is being made by the three member banks of the new MechanicsFranklin Savings Bank merger toward getting waivers from depositors of the two unlicensed banks and selling stock in the new enlarged institution. The Mount Vernon Savings Bank. which was unlicensed, is rapidly receiving from its depositors waivers for 60 per cent of their deposits in order that they may receive 40 per cent in cash when the new bank opens. Sale of stock is progressing rapidly, officials say. The unlicensed Franklin National Bank is the scene of great activity as preparations are made to transfer the prime and liquid assets of this institution to the new merger, in order to leave the remainder in the hands of three trustees. Examiners for the Treasury and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation are in the bank, and it is expected that a determination soon will be reached as to exactly what percentage the depositors will receive. It is expected to be somewhere between 65 and 75 per cent Ezra Gould, president of the Washington Mechanics Savings Bank, the open stitution, which stricted but has had a record of many years of successful operation without interruption, has been busy with many problems involving the consolidation of the three banks The new institution. of which he will be president and John B. Cochran of the Franklin Bank will be chairman of the board will have a capital stock of $300,000 and deposits of about $6,000,000. The Park Savings Bank case still is hanging fire in District Supreme Court, with the Depositors' Committee planning to file an amended bill designed to establish the liability of directors and stockholders in this sadly insolvent bank. where the shortage is now over $2,000,000. Negotiations are under way with Treasury officials concerning a proposed plan to reorganize the unlicensed Industrial Savings Bank.

9. November 19, 1933 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, November 19, 1933

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Counsel to Be Heard by Justice Jennings Bailey Tomorrow. MERGER PLAN RUMORED IF GOVERNMENT WINS Cooper Victory Would Mean Reopening With 65% Paid Depositors at Present Time. Fate of the United States Savings Bank soon will be decided, after arguments of the case scheduled to take place tomorrow in District Supreme Court before Justice Jennings Bailey. Col. Wade H. Cooper, president of the bank, is attempting to force the Treasury Department to reopen his bank according to terms of the Cooper plan, which has been rejected by the Treasury. Should Cooper win, he would reopen the bank under a plan to allow the depositors 65 per cent of their deposits in cash while waiving the other 35 per cent, which would be paid later. Should Cooper loose, it is believed some action would be taken soon to settle the future of this bank, which was refused a license on March 14, at the end of the President's banking holiday. Reports Concern Outcome. There have been unconfirmed reports that in case the Government wins the court battle, the United States Savings Bank might join the merger of the Washington Mechanics Savings Bank, Mount Vernon Savings Bank, and the Franklin National Bank. On completion of argument tomorrow by counsel it is believed Justice Bailey probably would take the case under advisement for consideration a few days before announcing his decision. Meantime plans moved rapidly forward for the merger of the two unlicensed banks with the open Washington Mechanics Savings Bank, to form the new Mechanics Franklin Savings Bank. Representatives of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Franklin Bank will spend most of the day today going over assets of the Franklin to determine how much can be made available to depositors of the Franklin. It has been estimated that there would be available to depositors somewhere between 65 and 75 per cent. Park Savings Case Delayed. The Park Savings Bank case, still pending in District Supreme Court, yesterday was postponed, when the Depositors' Committee was allowed until November 27 to file an amended bill. This committee is attempting to establish the liability of directors and stockholders under the statutes of Alabama, because of the fact that this State issued the bank charter. Justice Jesse C. Adkins, in denying the depositors their request for a court receiver to replace the Treasury receiver now in charge of the bank, reserved the rights of the depositors in the following language: "It is further ordered that the court's decision on the foregoing matters is without prejudice to the right of the plaintiffs or the receiver of the Park Savings Bank to assert the various liabilities of the directors and stockholders of such bank as such liabilities may appear. such questions of liability being hereby expressly reserved for further determination by this court."

10. February 19, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, February 19, 1934

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COOPER IS DENIED MOTION TO BLOCK BANK LIQUIDATION D. Court of Appeals Refuses Stay Pending Decision on Mandamus. PLANS TO PUSH CASE SEEKING RE-OPENING Former U. S. Savings Head Also Seeks to Quash Indictment Charging Conspiracy. The attempt of Col. Wade H. Cooper, president of the United States Savings Bank, to block Government liquidation of the institution failed today when the District Court of Appeals denied Col. Cooper's motion to stay liquidation pending a decision in the savings bank case now pending before the District Court of Appeals. Col. Cooper, commenting on the Court of Appeals decision. said that every effort would be made to bring the savings bank case up for hearing in the Court of Appeals as soon as possible. He is appealing from a decision by Justice Jennings Bailey in District Supreme Court, who denied Col. Cooper's request for a mandamus to force the Treasury to reopen the savings bank according to a Cooper plan. The United States Savings Bank is a who is in appointed. the hands of proceeding receiver, to recently liquidate the bank. The Commercial National Bank, which is involved in the indictment charges against Col. Cooper, is also in the hands of a receiver. Makes Second Attack. Meanwhile, Cooper made a second attack in District Supreme Court on the indictment charging him with conspiring to misapply more than $400,000 of the bank's funds. He was jointly indicted with Bates Warren. former general counsel for the bank. Through Attorneys William H. Collins and John W. Staggers, Cooper filed a motion to quash the indictthe no was to ment evidence on presented grounds that the grand legal jury to warrant an inference of guilt, and that the jury refused to receive evidence that would have "conclusively shown" Col. Cooper's innocence. A demurrer asking that the indictment be dismissed was filed two weeks ago. It is expected argument on both pleadings will be heard this week. Cooper Makes Statement. After his attorneys had filed in District Supreme Court the motion to quash the indictment against him, Col. Cooper said: "I said when the indictment was brought that it was an attempt to drag a red herring across the trail. At that very time I was negotiating with the controller of the currency for reopening of the United States Savings Bank, When it appeared that we might agree he raised the question of personnel or management. I challenged a comparison of my record with that of any banker from Boston to or two San within Francisco, the next with day the result this that indictment was returned, which he is now seeking to use to prevent the opening of the savings bank."

11. February 21, 1934 Portland Press Herald Portland, ME
Article from Portland Press Herald, February 21, 1934

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Crew Is Outfitted To Walk Through Fire Duty Is To Rescue Fliers From Fiery Deaths In Plane Crashes Feb. Able to walk through fire in suits, the crew the "crash wagon" at the naval air base prepared rescue fliers from death roaring flames. The four in the truck crew are covered from head foot the fireresisting attire. Their first duty is reach the pilots should planes dirigibles crash Moffett Field. Named Bank Keene. native Maine and frequent summer has receiver for the United appointed States Savings Bank 14th and wideknown Washington attorney. former chief postoffice inspector. The letters were put into the Nearly all the letters started and ended They addressed love Delaware, Greenwood where she visited relatives.

12. June 18, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, June 18, 1934

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U.S. SAVINGS BANK TO PAY $1,000,000 65% on Deposits to Be Hastened, Following Ruling of Treasury. Depositors of the insolvent United States Savings Bank will be paid a dividend of 65 per cent, amounting to a it was learned time, more than $1,000,000, within officially short early this afternoon. The Treasury Department, followon the heels of a decision of of ing the quickly Court Appeals of the District favorable to the Government, made plans to pay swiftly the dividend as soon as it will be physically possible to do so at the bank. A formal statement on the matter is to be issued expected from the the currency office of the controller of within the next 24 hours, explaining details. Decision Is Upheld. The Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the District Supreme Court, declaring that the controller of was the currency justified did in in regard exercising the authority he The was Wade H. verse to this to bank. Col. decision Cooper, presi- ads dent bank, who fought the case for of months the through both courts. will The payment of the dividend make available to depositors roughly $1,068,000, based on the figures of a total deposit liability of $1,644,000. This dividend is 15 per cent larger than the 50 per cent dividend which this bank was to have paid in the with blocked proposed National Bank, merger by the Col. Hamilton Cooper. it was The difference of 15 per cent, learned, is due to collections made at the bank since it was thrown into the hands of a receiver and to an improvement in its holdings since that time. United States Savings Bank has petrel been The the stormy since of the it local was banking situation ever closed by the controller of the currency at the time of the President's and refused a to at the close of reopen bank holiday that holiday. license enable the bank to pay 65 it was In per order cent, to learned, arrangehave been completed to get a the ments loan from Reconstruction Finance the Corporation to provide funds on eligible securities of the bank. Fight of Col. Cooper. Col. Cooper has fought the Government since it first closed the Commercial National Bank, of which he was president, late in February, 1933, and the United States Savings Bank, of which he also was president, at the close of the President's bank holiday. in March, 1933. When a move was made to include the United States Savings Bank in the new Hamilton National Bank merger Cooper took the case to court and fought it to the point where the Government and the Hamilton Bank attorneys withdrew efforts to include the bank in the merger and dropped it suddenly from all consideration. then went to court Col. force Cooper controller of the to the currency to reopen the bank on plans proposed by Cooper himself, but every plan Cooper put forward was the rejected by Court controller. Justice In Jen- District Supreme nings Bailey upheld the controller and rendered a decision adverse to Col. who apto the Court pealed Cooper, immediately of Appeals of the District.

13. June 28, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, June 28, 1934

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COL. COOPER SUES TO WIN BACK BANK Holds Receiver's Appointment Was Contrary to Spirit of Law. Renewing his fight with the Treasury Department, Col. Wade H. Cooper, president of the United States Savings Bank, filed suit in District Supreme Court today in another effort to regain control of that institution. He named as defendants Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau, J. F. T. O'Connor. controller of the currency. and Carter B. Keene, the bank's receiver. Col. Cooper asserts the appointment of a receiver for the bank pending litigation dealing with the controller's refusal to approve a plan for reopening the bank was illegal. The District Court of Appeals decided recently that the controller did not exceed his authority in refusing to accept Cooper's reorganization plan. Held Contrary to Law. The suit alleged the appointment of the receiver was contrary to the intent of the bank conservation act, which, it is asserted. was intended to enable a bank to rehabilitate itself without liquidation. The suit also says it was intended a bank should be returned to its officers when and if able to meet normal demands of creditors. Since the closing of the bank, it is charged, the institution's assets have increased so that it is now solvent and fully able to meet creditors' demands. The plaintiff asks for a temporary in. junction to restrain Keene from acting as receiver and withholding the banking house, with its assets. from the officers, directors and stockholders. The court is also asked upon final hearing to restrain the Treasury officials from interfering with the bank officers and that the bank be given an opportunity to restore its capital stock if this asset should be impaired by the operations of the receiver. No Injunction Sought. W. Bissell Thomas, counsel for Col. Cooper, pointed out that no rule or preliminary injunction was asked in the suit because the latter did not wish to prevent the depositors from obtaining a dividend of approximately $1,000,000, which the Treasury is planning to return to the depositors as a result of the recent Court of Appeals decision. Col. Cooper also charged the indictment 1 now pending against him was returned at the instigation of Treasury officials and had as its purpose the destruction of his reputation.

14. July 12, 1934 The Washington Times Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Times, July 12, 1934

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PLANS SPEEDED BY TREASURY OFFICIALS Comptroller Attorneys Urge Payments Be Made Despite Suit There were definite indications today that officials of the Treasury Department are moving forward with plans to pay out shortly more than $1,000,000 in dividends to depositors in the closed United States Savings Bank. The bank was ready two weeks ago to pay a 65 per cent dividend, but a suit brought against Treasury officials by its former president, Col. Wade H. Cooper, threw a monkey wrench into the plans. Suit May Be Ignored The bank collapsed with total deposits of $1,892,480 and has paid out no dividends. Colonel Cooper's suit was brought against Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau and Comptroller of the Currency J. F. T. O'Connor. In effect, the suit, which was filed in District Supreme Court June 28, says that the bank should be restored to Colonel Cooper and its former directors. It was learned on high authority today that attorneys for the Comptroller of the Currency want to pay out the money regardless of the suit. They point out that in the absence of a suit for an injunction there is a question whether Colonel Cooper has a right to interfere with the payment of the money. Studied By Treasury Attorneys for the Secretary of the Treasury are considering the problem from their angle and on their decision rests the fate of the depositors. Their decision should be made within a few days and if they concur in their opinion with lawyers Carter B. for the Mr. bank, O'Connor. the Keene, receiver will be of advised to go ahead with immediate payment of a 65 per cent dividend. An answer to Colonel Cooper's suit is expected to be filed in District Supreme Court today or tomorrow. Unless attorneys for the Treasury do concur, depositors will wait many months before obtaining relief. Colonel Cooper's suit and the answer to be filed will not be heard until some time in the fall. Colonel Cooper claimed today that if the bank were turned back to him and the former directors, depositors would receive 100 cents on the dollar. He said if the capital were found impaired the stockholders stood ready to make up the losses.

15. July 14, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, July 14, 1934

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U. S. SAVINGS DUE TO RETURN MILLION Depositors Will Get 65 Per Cent Dividend Beginning Next Week. Payment of the postponed 65 per cent dividend to depositors and creditors of the United States Savings Bank will begin early next week, it was announced today by Controller of the Currency J. F. T. O'Connor. This dividend, which was to have been paid not later than July 1. was delayed by the action of Col. Wade H. Cooper, former president of the bank, who filed another of his series of suits against the Government. Notices will be sent to depositors informing them when to call at the bank. In a formal statement Controller O'Connor explained that answer to this suit was being filed in court today and that payment of the dividend would proceed. In the answer. which was filed later. the Government asked the District Supreme Court to dismiss the Cooper suit on the ground it is an attempt to interfere with the exclusive and official administrative discretion of the controller of the currency. Claiming the bank is solvent. Col. Cooper had asked that it be returned to its officers and directors. The answer asking dismissal of the suit was filed through Attorney George Barse. $1,000,000 to Be Paid. The dividend will make available about $1,000,000 to creditors of the bank who have had nothing out of it since it closed during the President's bank holiday in March, 1933. In his formal statement, the controller explained that on June 18 he had announced that the dividend would be paid not later than July 1. "On June 28," the statement continued, "Col. Cooper filed a suit on his own behalf and on behalf of the United States Savings Bank as a corporation, seeking to set aside the appointment of the receiver for the bank and to compel the return of the bank and its assets to its officers, directors and stockholders. The controller is filing an answer to this suit, setting forth that in his judgment the bank is not in condition to be reopened and that it should proceed in receivership liquidation. Caused Postponement. "The filing of this suit made it necessary to postpone payment of the dividend in order that certain questions raised by the filing of the suit could be considered. "These questions have now been determined and we have decided that payment of this dividend should be made without further delay. "The depositors and creditors of the bank have been deprived of their funds since the bank was closed in March, 1933, and we feel very strongly that their distress should be soon as is that the merelieved expected as clerical possible. and It chanical details necessary to have the dividend money available can be completed within the course of the next few ays-certainly by the first part of this coming week. will be sent them positors "Post cards notifying of to the the date deto call at the bank for their dividend checks. Please do not call prior to the date therein indicated, inasmuch as it will be impossible to distribute all of the checks at once, and it will be necessary to spread the distribution over a period of days." Although no specific time has been fixed for the first check to be paid out. it was understood that this may be on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. although subject to change.

16. July 15, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, July 15, 1934

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RICHMOND BANKS PLAN TO REDUCE INTEREST SHARPLY New Time Deposit Rates Will Range From Two to Half of 1 Per Cent. TAKEN AS INDICATION OF TREND ELSEWHERE Capital Financial Circles Stirred by Schedule That Will Be Lower Than Here BY HAROLD B. ROGERS. Bankers of Richmond, Va are preparing to put into effect a reduc tion in interest rates on time deposits which will be much more drastic than the reduction now in effect here in Washington according to reports reaching local financial circles here yesterday The new Richmond rates will go into effect August 1 and under rules be and regulations in Virginia must formally The Richmond advertised schedule provide for maximum rate of per cent for interest on the first $5,000 and all deposits over that an interest rate of only 1/2 of 1 per cent Washington bankers received word of the new move in Richmond with it keen interest, because they say shows the trend in other cities is to cut the time deposit interest rates even lower than the ones here in Washington. Capital Rates Outlined Briefly the new Washington maximum rates of interest were outlined by the Washington, D C. Clearing House Association as follows 20, On accounts in existence June maximum rate of 2 1/2 per cent On new accounts after June 30. maximum rates as follows Showing a balance of $5,000 or less, 2 1/2 Showing per cent. a balance of more than $5,000 and less than $10,000. 21/2 per cent on $5,000 and 2 per cent on the remainder Showing a balance of more than $10,000, 2 1/2 per cent on the first $5,000; 2 per cent on the second $5,000. and 1 1/2 per cent on the remainder It is pointed out that these rates here in Washington are the "maximum" that may be charged by local banks and it developed yesterday that some of the banks are paying clear- less than the maximum rates of the ing house association resolution The trend toward lower interest rates on time deposits appears to be general throughout the country feel according to local bankers. They it is justified. ond that the lower rates adopted elsewhere shows that the Washington depositors will benefit from higher rates as rule than depositors in other cities. Dividend Again Planned. Again the United States Savings Bank is planning to pay a dividend after two previous unsuccessful attempts Blocked twice before by Col Wade H Cooper, former president of the institution, the dividend now will be paid some time this week according to an announcement yesterday by Controller of the Currency O'Connor The dividend will release about $1. 000.000 from the bank which has been closed since the President holiday. and should mean much to the business community in the vicinity U of the bank. at Fourteenth and streets. Release of a million dollars however probably will have beneficial effect throughout the city to of certain extent The dividend 65 a per cent was made possible through a recent loan by the Reconstruction is Finance Corporation. Col. Cooper atstill in court, however in an tempt to regain control of the bank What will happen to the old bank corner at Fourteenth and U streets is a matter of considerable interest in financial circles here This is and the center of substantial wholesale retail business section. and quite The a distance from any other bank original plan to reopen the United the States Savings as a branch of Hamilton National Bank was drop- by in the midst of a court fight ped Col. Cooper but it is believed by certain interests that the bank corner bank still a valuable spot for a and is that an effort of some kind there will be made to re-establish bank Informal negotiations have been under way from time to time looking toward the establishment of either a community bank or a branch bank been But no definite plan has worked there. out. When the United States Bank closed it was listed as having on deposit $1,892,480 Wide Variance Seen. of the closed bank situation here Out will come some future dividends to depositors, as receivers liquidate assets to the point where they borrow have sufficient funds or are able to from the Reconstruction dividend Finance Corporation enough to features of One of the outstanding the closed bank problem may be said the to be the wide difference in Some status of the closed banks others. have much better assets than and more of them proportionately so that dividends may be expected much earlier from some than from others stock Mean time assessments against holders in five banks totaling $3.340. 000 are under way Official notices were mailed out yesterday by Cary A Hardee, receiver of the Federal Ameri- to can National Bank & Trust Co (Continued on Page 2. Column 2.)

17. July 17, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, July 17, 1934

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Depositors Must Wait Until They Receive Cards, Receiver Warns. DISBURSEMENT BEGUN SOONER THAN EXPECTED $1,000,000 Available to Cover 65 Per Cent of Money in Institution. The United States Savings Bank, at Fourteenth and U streets, which has been closed since March, 1933, today began paying a 65 per cent dividend, for which the bank has available about $1,000,000. Carter B. Keene, receiver, explained he had not intended to start payments until tomorrow, but work had progressed so well that it was found payments could be started earlier. Postcards were mailed to depositors last night, and the first ones began coming into the bank early this morning to receive their checks. Must Wait for Cards. Receiver Keene explained he had laid out his plans to pay, according to groups of depositors, from day to Postcards are to day. notifying being them mailed when depositors, to in the to off call. arranged Papers pay bank the have depositors been to the postcards. the to according Explaining system depositors, Keene said, "please do not come until receive your of cards will be you post card." Another mailed today. group another tomorrow, and so on, until all depositors are notified. Larger Group Expected. Owing to this system of pay-off there was virtualy no crowd at the bank during the morning. A much is tolarger group expected to call morrow morning. however. States Bank The been United the Savings court has center of a fight for months, during which Col. Wade H. its so far wrest fought Cooper, unsuccessfully former president, to has control of the institution from the Treasury Department. Three Banks Report. Regular quarterly reports of the condition of three other insolvent banks in the District have been filed with the controller of the currency. The report on the largest, the Comwas mercial Baldwin, National, and filed for by the Robert C. receiver: Federal American National Bank & Trust Co. and the Chevy Chase Savings Bank, by their receiver, Cary A. Hardee. The Commercial National Bank, which has to totaling $2,788,926.35, paid 50 per cent is shown dividends, have assets face value. to of total $6,444,524.03 pay remaining total liability uncollected listed of at $4,494,704.75. Cash in hands of receiver and controller is listed at $129,969.67. Federal-American Listed. The Federal-American has total remaining uncollected assets of about $9,149,000, face value, to pay liabilities of about $6,919,000. The receiver and controller had on hand cash listed at per cent $254,980.56. dividends totaling It has paid $4,037,103.42 50 to depositors. The Chevy Chase Savings Bank, which has paid a 60 per cent dividend of $403,805.83, has on hand total assets of about $296,000 to pay liabilities of about $281,000. Cash on hand is listed at $51,643.30. Assessments have been levied against stockholders of the Commercial and the Federal-American, but not against the Chevy Chase. The remaining assets in the hands of all receivers are listed at face value. The real value of these assets is uncertain.

18. October 12, 1934 Evening Star Washington, DC
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U. S. SAVINGS BANK PLAN BEFORE TREASURY HEADS John A. Dore, Stockholder, Scheduled to Confer on Proposed Opening. John A. Dore, a stockholder in the United States Savings Bank, was scheduled to confer with Treasury officials yesterday in regard to a proposed plan to open a bank in the building of the insolvent United States Savings Bank, at Fourteenth and U streets. Dore is a member of a group of stockholders, which has sent out a letter to stockholders to determine their reaction to a plan he has in mind. The United States Savings Bank is in the hands of a receiver appointed by the controller of the currency and is being liquidated. Wade H. Cooper, former president of the bank, still is pressing litigation to attempt to reopen the institution.

19. February 7, 1935 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, February 7, 1935

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Bank Receiver, as Detective, Traces Owner of Old Account Thanks to the work of Carter B. of Justice Brewer, whose name apKeene, receiver for the defunct United pears on two diplomas awarded Keene States Savings Bank, the grand by George Washington University. daughter of a late United States SuKeene learned that one of the origpreme Court justice today received a inal incorporators of the bank, and check for 65 per cent of a substantial for a time its president, was the late savings account established for her 29 James L. Kerrick, a son-in-law of Justice Brewer. years ago by the distinguished jurist. Mrs. Henrietta Wells Kennard was A further check-up was made of 1 the account in the records of the Disyear old when her grandfather, Justice David J. Brewer, opened the trict Probate Court, where Justice account for his granddaughter. He Brewer's will was administered, and from there Keene traced the ownerneglected to tell the child's parents and she grew to womanhood unaware ship to Mrs. Kennard, now a resident she possessed a substantial sum of of Cambridge, Mass. money, the exact amount of which Keene said today many first diviKeene declines to divulge. dend checks have been ready for When Keene took over receivership months for delivery to former patrons and began paying dividends on the of the bank who have proved their frozen deposits, none of his staff could claims, but have not called to receive locate the owner of the account listed payment. He said the bank is open to Henrietta Wells. The account card from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every assistwas bought to the attention of the ance will be rendered to those who receiver, who recognized the signature call to inquire about their accounts.

20. May 18, 1935 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, May 18, 1935

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to Be New Release of C. R. F. After Approval Loan. OF REPORTS SOLVENCY INCORRECT DECLARED of Value Assets $1,131,992.64 in Held Cited LiquidaAnalysis tion Figure. Savings Bank, was Cooper United Col. States Wade another H. 15 per cent will soon. an of the of president which deposited pay in Controller official dividend to of not say, when was the which would however, to the This by office payment did Re- be made May Application Finance was Corporation further loan constructexplained.1 was for the additional have 13, it to bank as the dividend. with ceived a 65 Depositors.com per r cent of the new be this dividend, expedited of the possible view courts statement Payment as said, in "will after in approval of the the proceed- fact to suit much R. F. now C. loan, is the in collapsed the ings. terminate Cooper recently case involvinwich of in Commercial president, court Col. duringational Bank, and now is Garneld also Hospital. Denied. to reports United Selvency Report published States elsebe analysis the Savings where according Bank the to of an condition considered of the of of solvent, last statement made by the office the bank, vesterday. an estimated of $1, controller "The reportmainincontroller's shows assets note exof the the foot of 'replanation. value 131,992.64, said "However, represents this estimate the the states ultithe of of items that present estimate value' the the guaranceiver's iguidation values are not or by as mate that said by the receiver they should as and either and that either or teed the not be controller accepted prospective final assets dividends include of for basis and have that been liabilities, those of would this case of the loan cent. be repayment in otherwhich standing Finance Corporation secured purpose include paying the out- ob- the It tion the of 65 per mind that assets so which the as tained stantial further first dividend should quantity classified valued borne include of in unacceptable the have possible classifi- a previ- subreopening having ously from been the of standpoint the heretofore bank, this been settled to the by cation litigation further called total out'Attention is shows amounting fact that deposit the report The liabilities unpaid Finance amount Corp. $682,027.23. truction was 600, to that of as of be 20,932.34, standing to the Reconstru March must 31, 1935, added of interest $674, liabilities Corp accrued loan which as total of of unpaid time deposition $1, Finance making a plus unpaid loan liability of 377,559.57. Interest the court Total decisioned of $168,500. a the their deand creditors upo rate to lawful the bank positors "Under are entitled prevailing suspension interest of claims claims at date the of creditors from the the date the interest upon up fully paid. to to $168, March make depositors are bank the to unpaid to 31, liabilities would 1935, Accrued depositors an aggregate said and 500. liability interest Reoutstanding This including to due on the creditors, the amount including Finance 31. 1935, reas of based value of claims, interest construction plus Hence, March liquidation Corp., upon the of $1, on assets plus the March cash 31, ceiver's remaining as of outhand the it of will $281 1,846.96 be noted as that of that the of date all standing exceeded 1935, the cash on hand value This by esti- apcost assets, including the mated proximately deficit liquidation does not of liquidated. the assets, capital nor redoes it of gardless future allow of by whom for necessary at this point, structure to emphasize the foreor It is figures by reiterationeference with be taken that as to final asset divigoing value should for not prospective future dends basis or distribution.

21. October 18, 1935 Evening Star Washington, DC
Article from Evening Star, October 18, 1935

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U.S. SAVINGS BANK SUIT WEIGHED Payment of $256,500 to Depositors Hangs on Justice Wheat's Decision. Payment of $256,500 in dividends to depositors of the closed United States Savings Bank hangs on the decision of Chief Justice Alfred A. Wheat of District Supreme Court, in a case brought before him late yesterday. This was disclosed by George P. Barse, general counsel of the Treasury Department's Division of Insolvent National Banks, at the conclusion of a hearing on a motion to dismiss the suit brought by the bank to compel the Controller of the Currency and the Secretary of the Treasury to lift the receivership of the bank and restore it to its officers. Distribution of a 15 per cent dividend to depositors, who already have received a 65 per cent payment, has been made possible through a Reconstruction Finance Corp. loan, and is being delayed by the suit, which represents the latest effort of Col. Wade H. Cooper, former president, to regain control of the bank he once headed. Barse declared. Chief Justice Wheat took the motion under advisement after Barse and his associate, George B. Springston, had argued that all substantial issues involved in the suit already had been passed on by the local courts. Philip H. Marcum, bank attorney, contends the courts never have had before them the question of the bank's solvency at the time it was placed in the hands of a receiver. He claimed this action by the controller was unjustified and intended to destroy the institution. A report of the receiver. Carter B. Keene, last Summer. showed the bank not only is solvent, but also has sufficient funds to restore its capital structure, Marcum stated.

22. July 24, 1936 The Washington Times Washington, DC
Article from The Washington Times, July 24, 1936

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# COOPER'S BANK # PAYS 10 PCT. Payment of a 10 per cent dividend to depositors and creditors of the defunct United States Savings Bank was authorized today by the Comptroller of the Currency. This dividend will approximate $170,000 and brings total payments made to $1,537,930, 90 per cent of claims against the institution. The payment was made possible through a loan from the RFC obtained by Carter B. Keene, receiver for the bank. Dividends of 65 per cent and 15 per cent were previously paid. Payment of this latest dividend had been held up pending the outcome of a suit brought by Col. Wade H. Cooper, former president of the bank, to dissolve the receivership. Last Monday the Court of Appeals for the District dismissed the action, which had been brought against the Secretary of the Treasury, the Comptroller of Currency and the receiver for the bank.