2190. Washington Loan & Trust Company (Washington, DC)

Bank Information

Episode Type: Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type: trust company
Start Date: August 7, 1893
Location: Washington, District of Columbia (38.895, -77.036)

Metadata

Model: gpt-5-mini
Short Digest: c19760de

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Partial suspension

Description

A run of small depositors began on Aug 7–8, 1893 driven by rumors/general uneasiness during the nationwide panic. Officers stopped payments to those deemed merely frightened and required sixty days' notice for withdrawals; business continued and normal operations resumed. Classified as run → suspension (60-day rule) → reopening.

Events (3)

1. August 7, 1893 Run

Cause: Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details: Industry-circulated rumours and general national uneasiness prompted small depositors to present checks and withdraw funds.
Measures: President B. H. Warner addressed the crowd, refused to pay demands from those 'simply because they were frightened,' and the bank paid ordinary business checks while later requiring sixty days' notice for withdrawals over a threshold.
Newspaper Excerpt: More than the usual number of the depositors in the Washington Loan and Trust Company today drew their money out, and their presence in the office of the company, coupled with rumours that have been industriously circulated for several days past, had the effect of drawing about the building an idle curious crowd.
Source: newspapers

2. August 8, 1893 Reopening

Newspaper Excerpt: The doors of the company were opened this morning at the usual hour, but there was only the ordinary run of customers... The run is stopped and the panic is stayed.
Source: newspapers

3. August 8, 1893 Suspension

Cause: Rumor Or Misinformation
Cause Details: To check the panic caused by rumours and mass withdrawals, the company required sixty days' notice for withdrawals (a temporary restriction on payments).
Newspaper Excerpt: The same policy was pursued as yesterday, after Mr. Warner announced in his speech that he would not pay money to people who wanted it merely because they were frightened. The only difference was that the formal statement was made to such people that sixty days' notice would be required of those wishing to draw their money from the company.
Source: newspapers

Newspaper Articles (10)

1. August 7, 1893 Evening Star Washington, DC

Article from Evening Star, August 7, 1893

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A VIGOROUS SPEECH. Mr. B. H. Warner Addresses a Number of Depositors of His Company. More than the usual number of the depositors in the Washington Loan and Trust Company today drew their money out, and their presence in the office of the company, coupled with rumours that have been industriously circulated for several days past, had the effect of drawing about the building an idle curious crowd. This condition of affairs seemed to convince a number of the depositors, especially those having small accounts, that their savings were in danger, and they joined the line that was before the window of the paying teller. Shortly after 12 o'clock Mr. B. H. Warner, the president of the company, got up on a chair and made a vigorous and characteristic speech, in the course of which he said that the institution was entirely able to take care of itself, and that it proposed to do so. If there were any present who needed their money they should have it. But if they were there simply because they were frightened It was evident that they were not as safe custodians of their own money as the company was, and that therefore he would give orders not to pay such demands. The company was ready to do business in an orderly way, but they could not deal with a mob. He advised them to go home. This speech, which was good-natured às well as full of good sense, was well received by the crowd and a large number went away and the regular course of business was resumed. Mr. Warner's action was highly commended, not only by the directors, a number of whom were present, but by depositors and others, who appreciated the wholesome effect of such advice. It is understood that the banks and the financial institutions of the city will take concerted action SO that the best interests of the city will be preserved. It is recognized that these institutions and banks are strong and that there is no reason for such an occurrence as a run: therefore such steps will be taken as will prevent the senseless raiding of the banks by the few. What Mr. Warner Says. WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 7, 1893. The Evening Star Newspaper Company, Washington, D. C. Gentlemen-It is generally better to say nothing about financial disturbances in the newspapers, but I feel that the time is ripe for me to make a statement regarding the affairs of the Washington Loan and Trust Company, in justice to the officers of this company, as well as to allay the apprehensions of many of its depositors. The paid un canital stock of this

2. August 8, 1893 The Jersey City News Jersey City, NJ

Article from The Jersey City News, August 8, 1893

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RUN ON A WASHINGTON BANK. WASHINGTON, Aug. 8. 1893.-The general uneasiness prevailing all over the country yesterday made a slight manifestation in Washington in the shape of a run on the Washington Loan & Trust Co., one of the largest and strongest institutions of its kind here. Those presenting checks were mostly small depositors, who were paid off promptly, and to accommodate them the bank kept open yesterday beyond the usual hour of closing.

3. August 8, 1893 Evening Star Washington, DC

Article from Evening Star, August 8, 1893

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TIMID ONES SATISFIED. Business Continues Today in Its Normal Condition. The Few Depositers of the Washington Loan and Trust Co. Who Were Foelish Yesterday are Sorry Now. The courageous and sensible course pursued yesterday by Mr. Warner, the president of the Washington Loan and Trust Company, toward those depositors who had become frightened in regard to the safety of their money had a good effect yesterday and today it was evident that the scare had completely collapsed. The doors of the company were opened this morning at the usual hour, but there was only the ordinary run of customers. The demands made upon the paying teller were about the usual. People attracted by the reports which were around yesterday in regard to this institution as they passed along the street looked curiously into the doors and then went on. It was evident to every one that the panic was over and that the senseless raid, or rather the beginnings of one, had been effectually stopped. This fact gave rise to a general feeling of relief in business circles, for it was well understood how unreasonable such an attack upon the solvency of one of the leading financial institutions was It was felt that if a raid of this character was allowed to go unchecked no institution in the city would be safe. Leading financiers of the city were of the opinion that the affair of yesterday was not merely that of the institution towards which the public attention was then directed, but that it was the creation of a feeling of panic that was likely, unless checked, to increase in volume and velocity until everything that was stable in the financial world would be swept away. A Few Left Overs. A few frightened ones who were left over from yesterday came to the Loan and Trust Company's place of business this morning and attempted to draw out their entire deposit. The same policy was pursued as yesterday, after Mr. Warner announced in his speech that he would not pay money to people who wanted It merely because they were frightened. The only difference was that the formal statement was made to such people that sixty days' notice would be required of those wishing to draw their meney from the company. The usual business of the company went on, and checks were cashed for those who came there in the course of business, and were not there merely from a wild idea that for some reason which they could not explain the concern was going to fail. Those who came and were notified of the sixty day rule gathered up their checks and quietly went away. No doubt the majority felt secretly relieved that they did not get the money all. after Mr. B. H. Warner. after the more or less nervous strain of yesterday, was in his place this morning, smiling and pleasant, and ready for the day's work He is much pleased with the commendation he has received from bankers and others relative to his action of yesterday, and feels that he has the sensible business people of the city behind him. What Mr. Warner Says. To a Star reporter Mr. B. H. Warner said this morning: "The run is stopped and the panic is stayed. We have demanded sixty days' notice from all depositors. We are in a good condition and able to cope intelligently with the situation. All the banks. with the exception of two, and the trust companies in this city, formed an association for nutual protection last evening. Their interests are identical, so far as sustaining each other is concerned. This company is In first class condition. We have plenty of money and plenty of friends who are confident that we will carefully protect their interests. A1though we shall require sixty days' notice, we shall not embarrass any one if it can possibly be avoided." He is Not Afraid. Mr. Warner today received the following note from his little nephew, Henry Warner Maynard, who is spending the summer at his country home near Rocville, Md.: "I hear that some people are afraid that they will not get their money from the Washington Loan and Trust Company, but I am not. I shall deposit my birthday $10 as soon as possible. Bankers Meet. A meeting of the representatives of the banks and the financial institutions of the city was held last evening at the Metropolitan Bank. Mr. John W. Thompson presided. The financial situation was discussed. The gratifying conclusion was reached that all the financial institutions of the city were in such excellent shape that they could look after their own interests without any aid. It was stated that the reserve of the banks here amounted to no less than 35 or 40 per cent, while the required legal reserve is but 25 per cent. Plans were discussed for a closer and more intimate relation between the financial institutions of the city, with the view of effecting an organization for mutual protection and assistance if the occasion should arise. After discussion a committee consisting of Messrs. J. W. Thompson, president of the National Metropolitan Bank, chairman; E. Francis Riggs of Riggs & Co., T. C. Pearsall of the Citizens' National Bank, Chas. S. Bradley of the National Bank of the Republic and A. B. Ruff of the Central National Bank was appointed to report on the plans of organization for such association. Calm and Peaceful. There was no change in the situation during the entire day, and when the hour for closing came the banking house was as quiet and peaceful as if in the enjoyment of a Sunday calm. The same condition of affairs prevailed in the other banking institutions of the city, and altogether a much improved feeling exists in banking circles than was the case yesterday. It is the belief of experienced men that it will be now practically impossible to arouse financial distrust in this city to the extent to cause people to forget their interests and the interests others. a The same generosity that was shown in number of cases yesterday to the Washington Loan and Trust Company by individuals and firms making deposits there in order to give substantial proof of their belief in the security of this institution, as well as the financial institutions of this city, was continued today and in some instances persons who bank elsewhere made deposits of money As shown by the statement made by Mr. Warner the company has cash on hand amounting to inore than one-third of their deposits, a showing that is equal to some of the best institutions in the city. In addition the money that is loaned is on security that is worth many times more than the amount of the loan. All the Banks in Good Condition. Controller Eckles told a Star reporter this afternoon that the latest reports received by him showed that all the national banks in the District of Columbia were in excellent financial condition and able to meet all demands. While he had no official information regarding private banks he understood that they were in equally good condition. National Guard Officers Appointed. The President has affixed his signature to the following commissions of officers appointed in the District Na-

4. August 8, 1893 Evening Star Washington, DC

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Promptness and prudence in times of great emergency are desirable qualities to possess. The senseless run which was commenced on the Washington Loan and Trust Company yesterday was about as unwise an incident as has characterized the present panic. This institution has the large paid up capital of $1,000,000, and loans its money only upon the best security. It had a large amount of cash on hand, and a larger amount of notes payable on demand, and notes maturing at an early date. In other words it was, and is, in first-class condition, absolutely strong and solvent. It had 40 per cent of its demand deposits in available cash-and this entirely in accordance with its usual careful and conservative manner of conducting business, and without the slightest apprehension of a run. The place of business of the company was suddenly filled with people laboring under excitement and delusion; they called for their money without knowing what they wanted it for. The situation was promptly met and their fears allayed by the vigorous action of the officers of the company. The crowd good naturedly dispersed when an explanation was made that they were acting in an unbusinesslike and foolish manner. With one or two exceptions none of them seemed to be dissatisfied, yet in some cities such an event as this has wrecked the business interests and worked utter demoralization. The Trust Company acted wisely in demanding without delay sixty days' notice from their depositors. The run was stopped and the financial market is again quiet. Good results have been accomplished from such action by the banks in New York, Boston and elsewhere. Suppose, however, the Trust Company had continued to make payment to the crowd-the excitement would have increased rapidly, and a general panic would have prevailed throughout the city. The company would have been compelled to call upon its borrowers to pay promptly upon demand, and in default would have thrown their securities upon the market. It would have been compelled to buy in nearly all of them, but at prices which would have been ruinous to the borrowers. The Trust Company deserves the thanks of every intelligent citizen in the community for the bold stand it has takenwhich it could well afford to do on account of its large capital and assets. No thinking depositor will, for a moment, contest such a position, or if he does, he will bring down the condemnation and opposition of the great mass of thinking citizens who have the real interests of the community at heart.

5. August 8, 1893 Evening Star Washington, DC

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A SENSELESS SCARE. Commissioner Parker Makes Some Timely Comments on Yesterday's Events. When asked by The Star reporter this morning about the run on the Washington Loan and Trust Company Commissioner Parker said there was never anything more senseless or uncalled for. Two-thirds of those who took out their money had no use for it. "They were not personally benefited by the possession of the money. Their action only served to stimulate others, and just at this time amounted to almost a crime. The recent statements of the banks and trust companies showed them to be in excellent condition. The Washington Loan and Trust Company is one of the strongest financial institutions in the city. Only a few weeks since when this company thought of issuing debenture bonds I was asked by the controller of the currency to make an examination of the company's loans. I suppose I was selected partly for the reason that I was a director in the American Security and Trust Company. I carefully examined the loans made, and I want to say that not over 50 per cent was loaned at a conservative estimate of the property on which theloan was made. I never saw A better class of securities, and the people of this city know that I have had a good deal of experience in this line for over fourteen years. Mr. Warner did perfectly right when he said he would use his discretion as to whose checks he would honor. The only wonder is that banks all over the country have not done this. This is no ordinary time, and the banks by protecting themselves protect the entire community. I was told that a majority of those who checked out their money were clerks in the employment of the government. If this is true, the act was all the more dis graceful. Their incomes are fixed and certain. beyond the reach of panics. They should not be permitted to precipitate a financial catastrophe. "The great majority of this class of our citizens would not do this. They have been here so long that they feel identified with Washington and make up our best citizens, but such as do should be denied place under the government. "The Commissioners have hoped that we would get through this panic without our people losing their heads. They had hoped that the good name of our city would not be tarnished and that we could say that Washington was beyond the influences of panics. Let us stand together and when this senseless scare is over we will realize the wisdom of such a policy."

6. August 8, 1893 The Sun New York, NY

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MONDAY. Aug. 7. In Wall street. and apparently throughout the country. this has been the most uneventful day in many weeks. At this writing no bank suspensions have been announced. nor any commercial failures of importance. It is not safe to assume. howover. that the list of business casualties has been completed. A run was begun today upon the Washington Loan and Trust Company at the national capital. which in the afternoon assumed serious proportions. Besides, it is well known that a national bank of some prominence in Chicago. which has been in distress for a long time. has very nearly exhausted its resources. The best information obtainable is that both of these institutions are likely to close their doors within the next twenty-four hours. The local news was entirely of a routine character. The premium on currency rose to higher figures than have heretofore been recorded. Some transactions were reported at 3 11 cent.. but the majority were at 1@2 * cent. Bills and silver dollars eontinue to command a higher premium than gold coin. A part of the gold which will arrive from Europe this week was sold to banks and out-of-town buyers to-day at ½ to 1 a cent. premium. Those who predieted a premium upon gold should the Treasury's gold balance fall below the $100,000,000 legal-tender reserve must view with special interest the fact that there has not been a premium upon the metal during the three months that the Treasury balance was less than $100,000,000. and that a premium is paid for it now that the reserve is in excess of an imaginary requirement solely because it is currency. And as such it is not as eagerly sought for as other forms of money. The Clearing House Loan Committee issued $1,015,000 loan certificates to-day. bringing the total outstanding up to $35,165,000. Gold to the amount of $1.500,000 was received from Europe. and $150,000 from Cuba. The ongagement of $250,000 at London for shipment to this country was reported. and it is believed that additional amounts. large in the aggregate. will be shipped during the next few days. Banking houses that draw and deal in exchange are beginning to receive orders from various interior points to import gold at current rates for sterling and 1 $ cent. premium for the coin. Several orders of this sort were received te-day and accepted: for although sight bills and cable transfers are materially higher than last week the advance does not as yet reflect the current premium on gold. The rise in sterling is due entirely to the premium which gold commands. In paying a premium for it. bankers here. each acting for himself. are doing precisely what the Austrian Government did a few months

7. August 9, 1893 New-York Tribune New York, NY

Article from New-York Tribune, August 9, 1893

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WASHINGTON BANKS COMPINE. AN ASSOCIATION FOR MUTUAL SUPPORT-RE SERVES ABOVE TREASURY REQUIREMENTS Washington, Aug. 8.-The general unensiness pre valling all over the country yesterday made a slight manifestation in Washington in the shape of a PUB on the Washington Loan and Trust Company, one of the largest and strongest institutions of its kind here. Those presenting checks were mostly small depositors who were paid off promptly, and to accommodate them the bank kept open yesterday beyond the usual hour of closing. Last evening a meeting of bank presidents and officers was held, at which there was a general showing up of resources, and state ments made as to the condition of each. The showing was so satisfactory to all concerned that no question as to the solvency of all Washington banks remained. and all present united in an association for the aid and support of each other In case of a run being made on any bank. The banks all showed a reserve of about 40 per cent in the aggregate, or 15 per cent more than the Treasury requirements. The Washington Loan and Trust Company has dedided to require sixty days' notice of withdrawals on all amounts over $25. This action has had a good effect. and no trouble is anticipated by this or any other Washington Institution.

8. August 12, 1893 Evening Star Washington, DC

Article from Evening Star, August 12, 1893

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THE WEEK. Congress, in extraordinary session, is the center of attraction and has been ever since Monday noon, when, in obedience to the President's decree, it assembled for the purpose of considering legislation by which, if possible, the financial strain and business uncertainty are to be removed. The President's message, which was communicated to the national legislature on Tuesday, urged the speedy repeal of the silver purchase act of 1890. Silver enthusiasts and anti-silver men, democrats, republicans and populists, have all held caucuses, but not one of them has yet made itself felt either in the House or in the Senate. Yellow fever has appeared in Texas and in Florida; ample precautions have been taken to prevent its spread. Cholera has succeeded in making an entrance on the east coast, some of the passengers brought by the steamer Massalia having died of the disease in the hospital set apart in New York harbor for cholera patients. Down in Tennessee there is trouble between the military and the striking coal miners; a soldier was assassinated by a party of strikers and his death was soon afterward avenged by the lynching of two of the assassins. Colorado is still in an extremely distressing condition, although Gov. Waite has been .in Chicago for some time; the Utes have added to the trouble by going on their regular hunt in the southwestern portion of the state-something to which settlers make strenuous objection. The world's Columbian exposition seems to be prospering, and so satisfactory have the railroads found the cheap excursions to the fair that the low rate will prevail on certain trains for an extended period of one month. During the week there met at Jackson Park the congress on suffrage, law reform and silver service reform. Crops generally seem to have improved somewhat, the only notable failure recorded being that of the tobacco crop in some of the southern counties of Pennsylvania. The hunt for bogus pensioners still continues, and up to this time six thousand, four hundred and seventy-two pensions have been suspended. Abroad. Honest advocates of home rule for Treland have been much disturbed by the action of a small body of Parnellites in the house of commons, for these men, under the leadership of John Redmond, propose to defeat Gladstone's home rule bill and may accomplish that which they have planned. In the house of lords, where no one has as yet mentioned home rule, there has been considerable debate on financial matters, in the course of which it was developed that the suspension of free coinage by the Indian government had resulted in great embarrassment for merchants and others who held considerable quantities of the white metal. France continues to have its troubles at home and abroad. Some of its sharpshooting companies have been sent to hold the town of Chantibun in Siam until the trouble between the two governments is satisfactorily settled; there is probability that they may stay there longer. French labor unions, without any real cause and prompted It would seem by a desire to annoy the ruling powers. and perhaps precipitate revolution are agitating a general strike of all workmen throughout the entire republic on October 1. Austria, having no one else to quarrel with, is engaged in a long range war with the Chicago Staats Zeitung; that newspaper may not enter the Austrian dominion in any legitimate fashion, but its publication still continues and It says many more disagreeable things about Austria than it did before the royal censor shut it out of Austrian domain. Germany and Russia are still elevating their tariff rates, each of the countries apparently being engaged in a game of "beggar my neighbor,' and as Russia has the smallest amount of capital available It seems as though Germany would ultimately win; in the meantime the United States will sell to Germany at least as much grain as Russia did before the tariff war commenced. The International socialist congress met at Zurich and decided unanimously that eight hours was long enough for any man, woman, or child to labor in one day. Cholera still prevails in southern France, in Italy, and in parts of Russia; the Italian affliction- located principally at and in the vicinity of Naples -being especially severe. At Home. The presence of Congress and the first week of the extra session and some features of the local financial situation has served to furnish more than the usual topics of public interest than is customary in a week in midsummer. What might have been a run on the Washington Loan and Trust Company was checked by the prompt action of the officials of the company. The fact was brought out that not only this institution, but the banks of the city generally were strong and in good condition. Progress was made toward the formation of a clearing house association by the financial institutions of the city. The District attorney was instructed to begin proceedings against the Metropolitan railroad company for the forfeiture of its charter because of failure to comply with the law relative to the change in the motive power. The brigade and regimental rifle teams of the District National Guard left for Sea Girt, N. J., to take part in the annual shooting

9. August 14, 1893 Evening Star Washington, DC

Article from Evening Star, August 14, 1893

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Everything Tranquil. A summer quietude prevails among all the banking institutions of the city. Mr. B. H. Warner, president of the Washington Loan and Trust Company, stated to a Star reporter today that matters were very quiet at the offices of the company. "Only sixty-nine people have given notice of their intention to withdraw their accounts, and most of these are for very small amounts. In some instances people are coming back and asking permission to cancel their notification. Quite a number of depositors who withdrew their money are bringing it back again. The best of feeling prevails and everybody is convinced that the temporary panic was not only uncalled for, but that it was detrimental to the best interests of the community. The company is transacting bustness in all departments as usual. We still have on hand a greater percentage of reserve on demand deposits than is required by law of national banks."

10. August 17, 1893 The National Tribune Washington, DC

Article from The National Tribune, August 17, 1893

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THE WEEK IN WASHINGTON. SUNDAY. AUG. 7.-The Rev. W. M. Cleveland, of Buffalo, who is brother of President Cleveland, conducted the services at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. A very large congregation attended. The President's brother bears little resemblance to him, but he has a fine, healthy coloring, open face, and an erect, well-built figure.- President Cleveland spent the day at his country home in company with Secretary Lamont, who went with him Saturday night. In the course of the afternoon Secretary Gresham drove out and had a short talk with the President. MONDAY, AUG. 17.-A money panie struck the depositors of the Washington Loan and Trust Company this morning. What would have been a serious affair was stopped by the coolheadedness of the President, B. H. Warner, who addressed the assembled erowd, convinced them of the foolishness of their fears, and ended by stopping payment, except where there was tangible reason for not doing 80.- A conference was held at the Arlington Hotel by the silver men with a view to reaching quick solution of the financial problem so far as the House of Representatives is concerned, without waiting for the making up of committees. A committee was appointed to make a poll of the House on the subject. TUESDAY, AUG. 8.-The bankers of Washington formed a mutual protecti society, and have called it the Bankers' Association. The plan adopted is that whenever a member of the association is bard pressed by its depositors, unlimited supplies of ready money, upon recommendation of a standing committee, will be placed at its disposal by fellowmembers. The Cabinet met promptly at 11 o'clock, and remained in session nearly two hours. The financial situation was the principal topic of discussion, although the Bering Sea arbitration, the Samoan war and the opening of the Cherokee Strip were also considered. Weather Bureau suggests in a communication to the District Commissioners that the Capitol Centennial Committee accept the proposition of Prof. S.A. King, of Philadelphia, to give a balloon ascension in connection with the ceremonies proposed for Sept. 18. The interest of the Weather Bureau officials in the matter is due to the fact that Prof. King in his ascensions has always tendered the Bureau the benefit to be derived from the opportunity afforded for making meteorological observations. The Subcommittee on Music, which has charge of the great festival chorus, reported to-day that the work of organization is progressing rapidly and smoothly. The chorus has been divided off into divisions, and each will rehearse separately for the present. Chairman Gardner informed the meeting that the Finance Committee is meeting with success in its efforts to raise $10,000 required, and also that large crowds of visitors will be here from Baltimore/and Richmond. Wednesday, AUG. 9.-The President to-day exercised his Executive elemency by commuting to imprisodment for life the imposed in the case of the two Indians, named Kosinee and Henry Manypenny, convicted of murder and sentenced to be banged Aug. 25; pardoning in the case of Dexter M. Dibble, convicted of false pretenses: Edward J. Dunne, convicted in Illinois of violating postal laws; Nick Yopp, convicted in Kentucky of violating Internal Revenue laws; W.L. Burnett, convicted in Georgia of counterfeiting James E. Honeycutt, convicted in Iowa of perjury; Milo Fondreu. convicted in Alabama of violating Internal Revenue laws. Henry C. Power, of New York, and Charles H. Cutler, of Boston, representati of the National Association of Letter Carriers, had an extended interview with Postmaster-General Bissell relative to the enforcement of the Civil Service law in the free delivery offices. The Postmaster-General expressed in unmistakable terms his desire and intention to fully enforce the spirit and letter of the law. Both gentlemen are more than satisfied that the interview will be productive of practical results: THURSDAY, AUG. 10.-A meeting of theinjured survivors of the Ford's Theater disaster was held at 16 Sixth street southeast. A committee was appointed to wait on the officer in charge of the Record and Pension Division. Other committees were appointed as follows: 10 increase membership. draft constitution and by laws, and to secure: ball. Forty-two members were present or represented. The association adjourned to meet at the call of the Chairman.-The President went to Buzzard's Bay to-day. The President is not in the best of health, and he has made arrangements to stay at Buzzard's Bay until Sept. 1. Col. Lamont went with him as far as New York, and thenee will extend his trip to Sorrento, Me., returning to Washington the middle of next week. The President has expressed himself to the effect that be has done all be could in getting Congress to. gether; it is theirs to do the rest. Representative Oates, of Alabama, met with a painful secident in being thrown from acable car. The car started suddenly, and Col. Oates, having but one arm, was unable to save himself, and fell heavily to the pavement, striking on his back. The back of the Congressman' head is badly bruised as well Friday, AUG. B. Neill, appointed a few days ago Law Clerk of the Attorney. General's Office. died at his residence. Mr. O'Neill was a native of Detroit, Mich., and WH8 a graduate of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor. He studied law in the office of Dickinson, Thurber & Stevenson He was stricken with typhoid fever on Aug. 1, the day on which he entered on bis new duties Don Estanislao S. Zeballos, the new Minister from the Argentine Republic to the United States, arrived in Washington, to take charge of the Legation, which has been maintained by a Charge d' Affaires since the death of Minister Calvo, which occurred soon after his arrival in this country. Don Zeballos is stopping at the Arlington. He is a good-looking man, and does not appear to be more than 40 years of age. He speaks English quite fluently. This 18 his first mission, and it is an important one. He is specially charged with the management of the case of Argentine against Brazil, in which President Cleveland is to act as arbitrator. SATURDAY, AUG. 12-The Commissioner of Pensions to-day decided to accede to the request of newspaper correspondents to publish in the daily bulletin the postoflice addresses of those to whom pension certificates are issued. Secretary Hoke Smith has under consideration the advisability of the publication of the names of applicants for pensions. -Representative Oates, of Alabama, who WRS injured by a cable car, is much improved, and expects to take his seat in the House on Monday Few official notables were left in town to-night. The President, and Secretaries of State, Treasury and Postmaster-General have joined their families, and the Secretary of War is at Sorrento, 80 that the Chief of the Nation and his advisers are pretty well scattered.