Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Norfolk, VA)

Episode Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Start Date
January 6, 1931
Location
Norfolk, Virginia (36.847, -76.285)
Bank Type
trust

Metadata

Episode ID
Bank ID
City ID
511497051
Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest

Notes

Bank later entered receivership again in June 1933 and ultimately failed; initial 1931 run led to suspension and reopening July 14, 1931.

Events (6)
1. January 6, 1931 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Large amount of assets 'frozen' and heavy withdrawals by large depositors created an impending run.
Measures
State auditor ordered the bank to remain closed to protect depositors; receiver later appointed.
Newspaper Excerpt
a run threatened the institution ... long line of young and old people stood for hours waiting for the bank to open.
Source
newspapers
2. January 6, 1931 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
State auditor ordered closure to protect depositors amid heavy withdrawals and frozen assets.
Newspaper Excerpt
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company failed to open for business here Monday morning. The closing ... was ordered by the state auditor ... to protect depositors in the face of heavy withdrawals.
Source
newspapers
3. January 7, 1931 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Willis Fentress ... was appointed receiver for the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company ... closed ... State bank examiners ... by Judge R. Hanckel ... gave $100,000 bond receiver for the bank.
Source
newspapers
4. July 14, 1931 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
Many accounts were opened ... reopening today the Metropolitan Bank Trust ... Willis Fentress, who has been receiver for the bank, formally turned the keys to President ... present for the reopening.
Source
newspapers
5. June 24, 1933 Suspension
Cause
Government Action
Cause Details
State banking department/receiver actions after reopening plans failed; receiver appointed and bank placed in receivership.
Newspaper Excerpt
METROPOLITAN BANK PLACED IN RECEIVERSHIP ... appointment of Willis Fentress ... brought to an end sustained effort ... to effect reopening ... assets of bank ... deposit liability ...
Source
newspapers
6. June 24, 1933 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
METROPOLITAN IN RECEIVERS' HANDS ... the Metropolitan Bank was closed for the first time January 1931 ... reopened July 14, 1931 ... receiver for the bank when ... All the ... were the bank March this year ... receiver appointed.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (19)
1. January 7, 1931 The Virginian-Pilot Norfolk, VA

Article Text

Metropolitan Bank Receiver Is Named On the petition of the State CorWillis Fentress, Norfolk attorney, yesterday was appointed receiver for the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, Negro institution was closed State bank examiners the interest of depositors. Mr. by Judge R. Hanckel, of the Circuit Court, and gave $100,000 bond receiver for the bank. M. E. Bristow, State Commissioner of Insurance and Banking, was here and conferred with Judge Hanckel in the matter of appointing the receiver. DEATHS Mrs. Mattle Lavenia Little. aged 68, died at local hospital last night. She by son, Earnest L. Hewlett. of Norfolk. The body was taken to the Funeral Home, pending funeral arrangements.

2. January 10, 1931 The Afro-American Baltimore, MD

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NORFOLK BANK SUSPENDED MONDAY Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company Fails to Open Va. With a NORFOLK, large amount of its assets "frozen,' and a run impending, the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company failed to open for business here Monday morning. The closing the bank was ordered by the state auditor, who took this action, was said, protect depositors in the face of heavy with- Twenty Years Old. The Metropolitan institution was established twenty years ago regarded one of the largest most substantial colored banking institutions in On Dece.nber 31 the bank had on deposit $375,000 Its capital was $55,000 reported $32,000 surplus profits resources of $525,000. M. Rich was president and Alvin Lee, cashier. President Rich told representative of the that the board of directors were confident that every depositor would be paid in full "We are hopesaid, "that an immediate re-organization and of the bank would arranged. For several days has been known that many the larger depositors were drawing funds out of the bank. That run threatened the institution, was indicated Monday when, spite downpour of rain, long line young old people stood for hours waiting for the bank to open. Last year bank had on deposit $429,060 At that time it loans and discounts to and $36,300 cash and due from banks Other officers listed that time were Strong, Brooks, and Williams, Lee, secretary, and T. P. Turner Jr., assistant cashier

3. January 10, 1931 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

Article Text

Metropolitan Bank Here May Reorganize (continued from Page One) shopping. these disburseIn spite the bank had vaults 830. after doors were 000 in cash rare cases on one bank had more on ord where hand the required legal ordered to suspend busiwhen was ness. Bank Years Old Metropolitan ago and pany started has figured life Its William Rich. has been the 21 years, officers of the bank William Brooks, and Williams, prestreasurer. Receiver Appointed On Judge Allen R Hanckel Court apWillis pointed folk attorney. receiver for the bank Fentress qualified at Mr. began Efforts to man appointed as not successful. officials of the bank will available assist the receiver helpful capacity. any Rich the statement When Mr. announcing the suspension of bustness Tuesday morning the bank filled the usual large Monday crowd of clients transacting business There was no and although small of the all stood part of Tuesday, they Monday the calmly. feeling apparently that the igencies the present and not faulty of the bank responsible for the action it was forced take. reported that about banks country 1,000 permanently temporarily during 1930 and the dozen of these 1931 Not have been colored banks.

4. January 10, 1931 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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Metropolitan Bank Here May Reorganize continued from Page one) mas shopping. these heavy disburseIn ments the bank had in its vaults $30 000 cash rare on is cash on ord where hand the legal ordered to business. Bank Years Old Bank Combusiness years ago and started largely in develophas figured life of Norfolk Its business William has been the bank 21 starting teller officers of the bank are William M. Rich Strong. Abner E. secretary treasurer. Receiver Appointed On Allen R Hanckel the Court apfolk attorney, receiver for the bank Mr. Fentress qualified immediately began forts to have colored ed as not successful. However. officials the bank will be available assist the receiver in any helpful capacity. When Rich the announcing the busi the was Tuesday the usual Monday filled crowd of business There was and although of people stood the all Monday of Tuesday, they accepted the seem apparently that the the present and igencies the not faulty responsible for the action it was forced to take. It reliably reported that about 1,000 banks throughout the closed temporarily 1930 and the first days dozen of these have colored banks

5. January 10, 1931 The Afro-American Baltimore, MD

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NORFOLK BANK SUSPENDED MONDAY Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company Fails to Open NORFOLK. Va. With a large amount of its assets "frozen," and a run impending, the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company failed to open for business here Monday morning. The closing the bank was dered by the state auditor, who took this action, it was said, to protect depositors in the face of heavy withdrawals. Twenty Years Old. The Metropolitan was established twenty years ago and was regarded one of the largest and most colored banking institutions in the South. On December 31 the bank had on deposit $375,000 Its capital was $55,000. reported $32,000 surplus and undivided profits and resources of W. M. Rich president and Alvin cashier. To President Rich told representative the that he and the board of directors were confident that every depositor would be paid in full. "We are also hopesaid, "that an immediate re-organization and re-opening of the bank would be arranged. For several days it has been known that many of the larger depositors drawing funds out of the bank That run the institution, was indicated Monday when, despite downpour of rain long line of young and old people stood for for the bank to open Last year the bank had on deposit $429,060. At that time it had loans and discounts to and $36,300 in cash due from banks Other officers listed that time were Strong, J. Brooks, and W. Williams, Lee, secretary, and T. Turner Jr., assistant cashier.

6. January 15, 1931 The Northwest Enterprise Seattle, WA
Article from The Northwest Enterprise, January 15, 1931

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Article Text

'Frozen' Assets Forces Virginia Bank To Close NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 13.-With a large amount of its assets Stozen" and a run impending, the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company failed to open for business here Monday morning. The closing of the bank was ordered by the state auditor, who took this action, it was said, to protect depositors in the face of heavy withdrawals. Twenty Years Old The The Metropolitan institution was established twenty years ago and was regarded one of the largest and most substantial colored banking institutions in the South. On December 31 the bank had on deposit $375,000. Its capital was $55,000. It reported $32,000 surplus and undivided profits and resources of $525,000. W. M. Rich was president and Alvin Lee cashier. To be Paid President Rich told a representative of the Associated Negro Press that he and the board of directors were confident that every depositor would be paid in full. "We are hopeing," he said, "that an immediate reorganization and re-opening of the bank would be arranged." For several days it has been known that many of the larger depositors were drawing funds out of the bank. That a run threatened the institution was indicated Monday when, despite a downpour of rain, a long line of young and old people stood for hours waiting for the bank to open. Last year the bank had on deposit $429,060. At that time it had loans and discounts amounting to $181,940 and $36,300 in cash and due from banks. Other officers listed at that time were A. J. Strong, J. C. Brooks, and F. W. Williams, vice presidents; A. E. Lee, secretary, and T. P. Turner Jr., assistant cashier.

7. January 15, 1931 The Northwest Enterprise Seattle, WA

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'Frozen' Assets Forces Virginia Bank To Close NORFOLK. Va., Jan. large amount assets and the Metrorun politan Bank and Trust Company failed to open for business here Monday morning. The closing of the bank was dered by the state auditor, who took this action, was said, to protect depositors in the face of heavy withdrawals. Twenty Years Old The The Metropolitan institution established twenty years ago and was regarded one of the largest most substantial colored banking the South. On December 31 the bank had on deposit capital was It reported surplus and undivided profits and resources of $525,000. M. Rich was president and Alvin Lee cashier. To be Paid President Rich representative the Associated Negro Press that he and the board of directors were that every depositor would be paid in full. are hopeing, he said, "that an reorganization and of the would be arranged. For several days has been known that many the larger depositors drawing funds out of the bank. That run threatened the institution was indicated Monday when, despite downpour of rain, long line young and old people stood for hours waiting for the bank to open. Last year the bank had on deposit At that time had and discounts amounting and $36,300 in cash and due from banks. Other officers listed that time were Strong, Brooks, and Williams, vice presidents; Lee, and ner Jr., assistant cashier.

8. July 14, 1931 Ledger-Star Norfolk, VA

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Colored Institution Resumes Receiver Turns Back Property Many accounts were opened customers their deposits reopening today the Metropolitan Bank Trust colored Church which has closed January. deposits noon indicated that more would placed the bank the time the doors close for the President W. M. Rich reported shortly before noon that just taken account for that there others in numfor smaller amounts. spirit shown by people white friends President Rich the expectations support being realized. We the and given all and believe munity has support without the positors of signed bank and 1042 today issued for the per the support the MetDr. Murray said: think mistaken the the depositors have signed Metropolitan Bank and Trust which tht only shown their not, assist great enterprise, the pride our race great need, ment to the thrift our people, light our path and inspiration unborn generations, well and our children. "Since reopening of the bank dispelling doubt, feel that ranks with the faithful will join cent let go forward 100 cent strong. rebirth per and the Bank and Trust indeed state that individual told me she had ready done have that others will folreason for square our ences signing the keep money there with the and by and out the pride of our our which per that all business and pro white well who their living. and educate their from sweat of the should contribute the great necessary by depositing reasonable terprise money this part their depart the next day only to stay there check route You know me that deposit. matter for bank which business through Not only simply passes should deposit money should Willis Fentress, who has been receiver for the bank, formally keys to President over present to this the reopening. ended, The receivership by Judge fective Hanckel city circuit court Friday.

9. July 18, 1931 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

Article Text

Metropolitan Bank Reopens spirited citizens thoughtful and public Norfolk vicinity stockholders of directors and late the officers, and Trust Company upon Metropolitan Bank conditions the remeeting the successfully Chief Examiner approved by organization plan the institution M. E. Bristow, recovering from receivership. business; has been bank now open for going concern, restored community considerable for gratification and this is cause witness the unusual thing to pride. very are closed. bank its doors of once reopening the Negro That friends, have done of white cordial support many in Norfolk something thing here that will take note whole no doubt, the than ordinary interest. with more and reopening successful reorganization Company denotes Bank and Trust Metropolitan all other factors which stand out above things unmistakable First there has been involved. directors from of of officers absolvence any the findof irregularities; the suspicion of the bank auditors of the condition ing the was thought to being better than suspension conclusively the reopening proves be. Secondly, that the colored not bankrupt masolvent in spiritual terial values and is highly stock subscriptions, expressed in values, side, and confidence, the material on spiritual side. Any the faith and courage these things in reserve that still has community good shape. said for the patient, perseword should be the reorganization persistent chairman vering, Richard H. Bowling, the Rev. committee, reopening movement quietly steered the he had assistance consummation. course cessful but was the indomitable will the grim dethe leader, that put of the chairman, termination inspiration and power in the group. No man in floored often, only Norfolk has ever been attack. He won because and renew the again feet the last time he and staid on his regained floored. It been and needs the bank. has Norfolk the lives of the factor an and the Negroes in the city proper 45,000 The in Norfolk trading area. more the order save the made sacrifice positors have annals of banking that in the institution rare relations. This saccourse of human and the is up to the people must not be vain. rifice living as glorious memory themselves to keep in racial and intertremendous achievement and racial progress. Mr. Fentress, the retiring last word for most careful conserving ceiver. He has the bank. His counassets and rehabilitating the he discharged his been invaluable and has benefit to the credit to himself and duties with community.

10. July 23, 1931 The Northwest Enterprise Seattle, WA
Article from The Northwest Enterprise, July 23, 1931

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Article Text

NORFOLK BANK REORGANIZES TO OPEN DOORS NORFOLK, Va.- Receivership of the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company was vacated Friday afternoon by decree of Judge Allan R. Hanckel in City Circuit Court. Formal anouncement that the bank had fully met requirements of the State Banking Departments in executing its re-organization plan was made by M. E. Bristow, chief bank examiner of Virginia, at a mass meeting Friday in St. John's A.M.E. Church. Much Applause Following speeches by U. S. Representative Menalcus of Virginia, A. Lee Rawlings, president of A. Lee Rawlings and Co., certified public accountants; P. B. Young, editor of the Journal and Guide; Willis V. Fentress, receiver for the bank, and the Rev. H. H. Covington, white, rector of St. Paul's P. E. Church, the huge gathering cheered William M. Rich for two minutes when he was introduced. Mr. Rich, president of the institution, has been in the banking business for 22 years, working his way up from teller to president. He thanked the people of Norfolk for their expression of confidence and pledged the utmost of his energies and ability in making the bank a success. Subscribe for Stock Several citizens at the close of the meeting gave subscriptions for stock in the Metropolitan Bank. The Rev. Richard H. Bowling, pastor of First Baptist Church, and chairman of the re-organiaztion committee, presented the officers and directors and read numerous letters and telegrams of 1 congratulations. The Metropolitan Bank was scheduled to re-open Tuesday, July 14, after having been closed since Jane uary 6, when it voluntarily suspended busines to protect its depositors, following large depreciations in its property and fixtures, as assessed by h the State Banking Department. 1. It is an outgrowth of the Brown e Savings Bank which started 22 years e ago. It also merged with the Tided water Bank and Trust Company 1e about eight years ago.

11. July 23, 1931 The Northwest Enterprise Seattle, WA
Article from The Northwest Enterprise, July 23, 1931

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Digesting the News The news of the past week must ability of having to have certainly made serious thinking markets with a 1 throughout the land. parasites we call Some good, some bad, and all inthe privileged class teresting. The National Benefit Life waters And the news' fro become more muddied. Somebody ical front is not may have to tell a judge something. week. The politica A mysterv killing unfolded at TusHoover gained by kegee which may rip the lid off the plan will make his e biggest scandal of the year. All of our politicians and this provides enough for domestic consumption. If even Congre could capture the b On the other hand there comes delegates from the news of the reopening of the Metappealing to the ropolitan Bank and Trust Company voters there, he mig of Norfolk. There are still enough in the next nationa people working and drawing salaries to run banks and open up new busiWith its House o nes enterprises if we will just keep voting 58 to 14 aga steady our heads, hearts and souls. "Monkey Statutes" the teaching of evo This is certainly no time either to and colleges unde become panicky or fail to fully realwith an orgy of con ize that this old world of ours needs government which serious attention. Six million people State's outstanding out of work; thirty-five million wards prison doors working harder. brought about the its governor, the co Germany on the verge of finacial nessee ought to m collapse with France standing by, macy adherents a 1 at least. Shylock like. demanding the pound of flesh. Whatever ripple is started by what happens in Germany will For, why should reach John Smith in every city, ham"white supremacists let, big street, and small alley. No some of their pur country, no race, no man, no woman steal, and plunder fi liveth unto itself, himself or herself ments just like it in this economically closely knitted of the darker hue world. did? I don't believe th Big news, too, concerning Africa. a deliberative body Not big news as news goes, but white colored men down i men and women meet in Geneva in would vote almo an international conference on Afriagainst the scienti can children. What interest brings evolution. It is be titled white women from England of the outstanding and other parts of the world to ponexcept those, perha the State law. der how they can help the black mothers whom they will never see or know? Instinct perhaps. Or perA partial explana haps it is the unalterable forces of bound mentality of nature which keeps womankind of all ers in Tennessee s races fighting for a better world. the fact that many They can no more help it than can from ultra-Souther the caterpillar help spinning its own sissippi and Arkans shroud about itself that the beautiful these States there butterfly may emerge in the spring. teach white youth t ignorant, they hav Over at Geneva they discus infant even educated color mortality among African mothers; enjoy. they discuss adolescence and the proIn Mississippi the tection of brown skinned children at white man to vote work. Perhaps. nature is telling ignorant, while a e European white women that five know the intricacies hundred or a thousand years from tion. This kind of now those native children will play fruit for Nordic su a big part in the lives of the children of the children they are bringing inIn snite of his al to the world. pressure. former Se tary of the Interior And you will be interested in news go to prison for tak from Russia this week. Stalin has $100,000 and hand found that it is necessary to let some lion or 80 of the p human individuals go faster than Doheny. others. Not exactly a survival of I am sorry for the fittest. but the fitting of all to would be sorry for survive. But some will be fitted as to sell his soul faster than others. That will not but why should on for him than Natha keep America and other capitalistic instance, whom t nations from shuddering at the prob-

12. January 9, 1932 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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Reopening Of Met. Bank Outstanding Feat Of Past Year An event that eventually became of the reopening on Tuesday July 14, of the Metropolitan Bank and after had been closed since Monday uary on order of the State Banking This was the achievement among Negro during the tire year. the reopening that evidences of mismanagement embezzlement had been apparent any As result of his efforts along this William M. Rich, elected president of the National Negro Bankers Association at the anin Philadelphia in September The the Metropoltotal well over The behind the moveto the bank was the Rev. Richard H. pastor of the First Baptist succeeded in getting 99 per cent of the depositors to an agreement let their funds remain in for stated stability the the close including Christmas Savings depositors. Rev. Mr Bowling's successful compleappreciated when this fact In this connection note that article Rev. Mr. We Reopened Our Bank, appeared in the November issue of The Southern Workman. Cause of Closing The cause suspension of in capital stock funds investments of the same, and charge-off in the appraised value of the building cluding the of $150,000 which the Banking marked down to $90,000 action virtually wiped bank's $55,000 capital and the law could be made in the reorganization formed with the Rev Mr. Bowling chairman. There cash in the when was closed the rare cases on had cash on legal was ordered busiThe the Guarantee and Trust Company white) also The Metrohad $25,000 of its reserve Guarantee real bonds. was on the day and there was not women fraternal leaders inKelley, grand the Mrs president the Mark Mutual Society: and Mrs. M. executive Continued on Page 16)

13. August 6, 1932 New Pittsburgh Courier Pittsburgh, PA

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preciation of the sympathetic treatgiven by newspapers of news reports concerning the bank. He said the publicity will do the bank He also stated and telegrams had been received from all over the country congratulating the bank on keep ing The Ric the First Baptist Church was present at the meeting by request of the the Pruden and how Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company of Norfolk had been reop after having closed for more than ven months The Rev. William pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church,

14. June 24, 1933 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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METROPOLITAN IN RECEIVERS' HANDS (Continued from page be inin stock, and this Mr. Bristow the three substitute reopening Substitute Plans That subscribe worth of That depositors purchase the building in for that original with the people Norfolk to $25,000 preferred stock to be paid for Metropolitan Bank was closed for the first time began erations, January 1931, on ders the state banking department. The cause was given as too much capital building itself. The institution mained closed about six reopened on 14, 1931, under agreement. ceiver for the bank when in January, All the this were the bank March this year, when the along all the on the President's order. Only operations on since In an effort held by bank with the state missioner and the Corporation, both in Richmond and in

15. June 24, 1933 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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METROPOLITAN BANK PLACED IN RECEIVERSHIP Reopening Plans Fail; Assets $276,000 On Closing Day Continued to whether not the Metropolitan Bank would reopen an unrestricted basis. was halted Wednesday af ternoon when officials announced that receiver had been appointed for the bank. The appointment of Willis Fentress, white, receiver for the stitution by Judge Allan R. Hancthe City Circuit Court, Wednesday morning, brought to an end sustained effort on the part of bank officials to effect reopening under several plans submitted by Bristow, state commissioner of insurance and banking On the closing day the assets of bank President William M. Rich be $276,000, the deposit liability, $155,000. Mr. Rich expressed belief that under the receivership depositors ceive substantial portion of their funds when the affairs of the bank are finally settled. Early Plan Submitted In ordering the bank to close its doors, Mr. Bristow gave his reason the fact that he did not believe that sufficient progress on any the reopening being made by bank officials. One of these plans provided that depositors agree to purchase the bank building the bank, 50 cent deposits for this purpose. This plan, of the earlier one ones submitted following the bank's partial suspension of on March in conformity with Governor Pollard's and President Roosevelt's ders, accepted by the state banking department, provided the Reconstruction Finance Corporation would invest at least $25,000 in the bank's preferred stock. The bank was given 60-day extension in May to the perfect plan. On June officials of the bank were by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation that that or(Continued on Page 15)

16. June 24, 1933 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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METROPOLITAN IN RECEIVERS' HANDS (Continued from page ganization unable $25,000 stock, Bristow proposed the following three substitute reopening Substitute Plans That to worth of preferred That depositors purchase the building in full for and that the original plan consummated with the people Norfolk subscribing $25,000 preferred stock to be paid for Metropolitan Bank closed for the first began erations, on January state banking department. The cause as bank building itself. The mained about six reopened on July depositors' Mr. ceiver for the when pended January, 1931 All the of this agreeby bank until March this year, when bank along country's President's order. Only operations been since time. In effort reopen, several were held by bank officials the state banking missioner and with officials the Finance Corporation, in Richmond and in Washing ton.

17. April 14, 1934 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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Metropolitan Receivership The the has been given for Norfolk that city of grievances flowrecently on account much unfavorable publicity Bank and Trust Company. from the failure of Metropolitan everybody lost any natural that perfectly suppose with this institution their business transactions reason of money has become general in situation should feel aggrieved about which time many thousands the years, during America during past losses been very widetheir doors. the banks have closed has been intensified by the and attendant suffering distributed social troubles which losses economic other direction to distress the arisen from every people. Norfolk's troubles, as deplorable as they are, have been matched by thousands of cases elsewhere, and the difference that the people in most other heads cool and their hearts kept their places bitter internecine strife, becoming involved in from about the orderly restoration while they went the banks. liquidation there has criminal negliOf where course, gence and unlawful acts committed by those charged these of closed the management of with by the lawful banks there has been prosecution there should have been. thorities, doors January 1931. Bank first closed its on The Metropolitan books and accounts the bank this failure the Prior State Banking and auditors for the examined by the were inquisitions failed to reveal, to the receiver. These the auditors for connection the closing. criminal acts in produce, remarkable of faith, reopened, after The bank of the officers, for they depositors, in the integrity by the 5,000 more the reopened bank. back there run put the same men into the hands of 1933 bank was again June there were detailed this final failure Prior and following ceiver. auditors the State Banking books accounts by examinations its which inquisitions failed to produce any Department and the that opportunity has been passed, criminal charges. So appears has denied the depositors, to criminal responsibility, if there Bank and Trust Company. the failure Metropolitan any, committee of depositors who charge extravagance upNow comes of his trust. These deof the receiver in the the part make their charges, and to legal moral right to positors have every will be judicial, nor public, nor their inquisition, and there no pursue And there should be, of effort prevent them from doing private orderly, legal inquiry into effort obstruct the course of any course, no the affairs of the bank by those who have interests there. that proceeding with this inquiry, nevertheless deplorable, in there singled extensive public ridicule one man the board and condemned to humiliaRev. RICHARD H. of directors, children, for provocation that torture his and no tion and mental him with moral turpitude. could connect 1931 this nearly all of his time, When the bank closed in man for which he publicly and privatefor months, reopening many the depositors. Today, for the acclaimed an unselfish servant he pilloried and crucified in public of the receiver, leged had modest of credit the bank disclosed that he because of his wife, the ultimate moral guarantee secured by the that man can give of the honesty and sincerity of his motives in curing credit. The JOURNAL AND GUIDE does not believe that this man, minister for all adult life to one of Norfolk's largest churches, stands The JOURNAL AND GUIDE bedemned before the bar of public opinion. lieves, rather, that his accusers and traducers stand condemned, for an that for baseness and wickedness has reprisal and vengeance precedent Norfolk. varying ability and temperament the fifty men actually made their own Fishbein, Morris and popular book which presents sane, clear and the failure in business Miss M. of Ruthville, "Science Changing, showing the effects science mankind and his civilization. She wants some books that help her. Haldane, Science the optimistic glimpse of the future. Russell, the Future of Science.' Takes the opposite view, maintaining neither good rational, and that his the Randall, Changing The book the change that has brought about modern life of science and the machine. Chase, And Maphilosophic the machines upon life and civilization. Millikan, "Science the Five by leading American physimaking benefactor modern reasons envelope direct

18. April 14, 1934 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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About Bank TORTURE More Demands Leibowitz Jail TreatJust For Them ment (Continued from page increasing stand the that they cannot opinion punishment any crack or they "Either they or tortured will murdered, death.' recalled This latest the militant stand when the ago soners them with guards threatened them the and gave food. the boys refused At that time protest in the jail, defying crying that they guards than submit further rather die heinous treatment. the tragically Remembering tacties resorted last during the state Alabama the defendants, trials of two to death, were twice stayed whose execution observers point pending fear state's desperation which based losing the case, frameup charges vious upon white female of the regardless the merits cause the the mined to courts no Scottsboro boys, trials, fair trials no courts, foul. ASKS FIVE PER CENT COMMITTEE (Continued from page the preamble of the named which those the committee represents White, Diggs, Cook, Joseph Nellie Jacox, Archer, all Dillard, and citizens the city prominent former depositors in the bank. This committee's enters binds any depositor into such depositor by the paid ceiver. of the agreeParagraph reads follows: committee shall The not entitled to compensation for their service hereunder, but expenses disbursements the expense payment nature whatsoever any the expedient, the sole shall paid by agreement, as hereinafter provided. hereby expressly the said commitagreed further tee best efforts secure for the relief of the de- positors of said bank withany on the said its individually "Every depositor hereunder agrees pay his portion the committee, proportion exceed (5%) centum any paid to him by the receiver the Under this contract depositors would the receiver five percent pay committee five percent. The Journal and Guide was able, to time going to press, procure from the depositors represented committee. two public meetings held general committee, which Ernest Cook chairman, have largely tended, has not yet disclosed who the signers of are All efforts obtain such names from depositors list between 200 and 300 names, and $25,000 deposits, according attorney for the 5,000 depositors the total deposits $165,000. ASSAILS RICH William Rich, who was president Metropolitan the bank went into receivership, severely criticised the out-oftown newspaper article, as having closed his account bank the exception of Christmas account and having notes in the the bank. The Rev. Richard H. Bowling, rector, Strong, president, also came in for much criticism. When asked by the Journal Guide his Mr. Rich produced records to show original purchase of stock shares total of $12,750. later dividend of 34 shares brought total number of shares up 136, value $125 per share. June 18th, 1926, records of the bank show, Mr. Rich voluntarily 108 shares with value along with shares surrendered by other officand stockholders, to offset lossers the bank had sustained from securities and bad loans preciated The records that January 5th, 1931 when on the bank first into Mr. Rich owed the $2,555, note $95, his $40 insurendorsed by of $125 secured ance deed note by first deed trust for second $800, and his stock holdtrust Since the receivership ings. reduced having paid When June the bank its second and final ceivership, Mr. Rich had balance his which seized the receiver and applied on his notes. The amount he now owes, the former president the Journal and Guide, the balance he owes his purchase of stock the bank, and does money advanced to him for any other purposes.

19. June 30, 1934 New Journal and Guide Norfolk, VA

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SUIT AGAINST BANK RECEIVER DISMISSED Court Holds Charges In Petition Are Without Merit Judge Alan L. Hanckel of the Norfolk Circuit Court ruled Monday that the charges filed against Willis V. Fentress, receiver for the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, by Charles Bland in his suit to intervene in the receivership, "are wholly false and without merit," and ordered Mr. Bland's petition dismissed and the costs incident to the suit assessed against him. The court's decree stated that not. only were the charges filed against Mr. Fentress the receiver, unfounded, but that the contrary the administration of the has been honest and prudent,' and that he guilty of any of the alleged in the said amendpetition, bill of particulars When the hearing on Mr. Bland's petition came up on June 16, his counsel moved court to dismiss the ground that some of the relief by Mr. Bland had come about through the distribution of dividend to depositors. Insisted On Adjudication The receiver, however, took the position that the petition had alleged various of mismanagement against him and also against the court and therefore he objected to the suit dismissed without an adjudication of the charges. The court thereupon instructed counsel for the receiver prepare decree. This done and the decree formally entered by the court on June 25. Text of Decree The text of the court's decree "It appearing to the court that the charges made by said petitioner against the receiver extravagance, wastefulness, and unwise expenditures monies the employment of clerks. counsel, and other services in connection with the of the assets of the bank, the preparation required with application for loan from Finance Corporation, and unwarranted occupancy of the bank building are wholly false and without merit; the contrary, that the administration the has been honest, energetic, and prudent. "The order, adjudge, and decree, that the not guilty of any of the charges leged said petition, amended petition, bill particulars, and that said petition be dismissed, the clerk shall tax the costs incident to the filing said petition against the Charles Bland, for which hereby givin favor of the receiver in this cause. Previous Suit Dismiss Mr. Fentress by Charles Eason. Mr. Bland was represented by W. W. Foreman