Fourth National Bank (St Louis, MO)

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Episode Information

Episode UID
28300931
Episode Type
Run Only
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
2830 national
Charter Number
283
Start Date
July 16, 1877
Location
St Louis, Missouri (38.627, -90.198)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
e6da75fd59d77848

Response Measures

Accommodated withdrawals, Partial suspension

Clearinghouse involved: Yes (loan, examination, or other measures)

Events (3)
1. February 26, 1864 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. July 16, 1877 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Run by small depositors triggered after the North St. Louis Savings Association and Bank of St. Louis closed, locking up clearings and prompting withdrawals at other local banks.
Measures
Enforcement of 30/60-day notice on time certificates and prompt payment of current checks to calm depositors.
Newspaper Excerpt
The banks run on to-day were the 4th National, Provident Savings, Franklin Avenue, German and Boatmens' Savings Banks.
Source
newspapers
3. January 15, 1907 Voluntary Liquidation
Source
historical_nic

Newspaper Articles (14)
1. July 17, 1877 The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, July 17, 1877

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ST. LOUIS. Run on the Banks Continues. North St. Louis Savings Association Closes its Doors. Sr. LOUIS, July 16.-At this hour, ten o'clock, everything at the various banks is quiet. There are a few ladies at the Boatmens Bank taking small deposits out, and the same may be said of one or two other savings institutions, but there no excitement, and no indications that anything that can be called a run will be made on any of the banks to-day, CLOSED ITS DOORS. The North St. Louis Savings Association closed its doors at 10:30 A. M. No statement has yet been made by its offi. cera or directors. BANK OF ST. LOUIS CLOSED. The Bank of St. Louis has closed its doors. Its President Jacob S. Merrill saya that the depositors will be paid in time. This bank should not be confound with the National Bank of St. Louis, which is regarded at a very staunch institution. There are rumors about Home other small Saving Associations, but at this writing they have not been verified. ANOTHER RICKETY BANK. A special to the Globe-Democrat from Louisiana, Mo; says: At: meeting of the stockholders of the Pike County Bank to. day the directors reported that the total libilities of the bank were $110,000, net value of assetsabout $50,000. Statements were made that the depositors would receive dollar for dollar if time was granted. The capital of the bank is $400,000, with 15 per cent paid in. A majority of the stockholders are solvent and there seems to be no doubt but the banks indebtedness will soon be paid. Depositors passed resolutions granting the bank six months to pay balances due them providing the directors will pay 10 per cent of the installments as fast as their assets are realized upon, and that the directors will call on the stockholders within 30 days for such amounts as will meet all liabilities not met by the present assets. A statement by A. M. Weir, cashier, shows the first speculations made by him were for the purpose of trying to make up some losses by the bank. He also confesses that the two dividends were paid out of deposits, there being no profits of which to make dividends. SMALL DEPOSITORS DRAWING THEIR MONEY. Contrary to expectation, the flurry of Saturday regarding the condition of the brnks did not subside yesterday, but continued to-day, and was materially strengthened towards noon by the closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association and the Bank of St. Louis. As on Saturday, however, the persons engaged in the run were almost wholly confined to small depositors of Savings Institutions and small shop-keepers, no merchants or business men of any pretentions taking partin it. The closing of the Northern Apsociation is attributed to the shortage of $10,000 at the clearing house this morning. The Bank of St. Louis did its clearing through the North St. Louis Savings Bonk, and when the latter closed it had $27,000 of paper belonging to the Bank of St. Louis. This forced the latter to suspend. The action of the North St. Louis Savings Bank has given rise to severe comments. The banks run on to-day were the 4th National, Provident Savings, Franklin Avenue, German and Boatmens' Savings Banks. All of the current accounts were promptly met however, and there was at no time any noticeable excitement. Everything was done in a quiet manner, and the crowds, if they can be called such, at the various banks were quitesmall. Before noon it was agreed that time certificates, which were freely paid on Saturday and early this morning, should be subject to except cases the in rule of where 30 and urgent 60 days need notice, of money could be shown. This had the effect of reducing the demands to a considerable extent and the vigor of the run was good'deal relaxed, and several other say: ings institutions were more or less besieged, but they all asserted their ability to pay all just demands. The commercial banks are pursuing the even tenor of their way, being very little if any affected.

2. July 17, 1877 The Wheeling Daily Register Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Register, July 17, 1877

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The Panic Continues. ST. LOUIS, July 16.-Contrary to ex. pectations, the flurry of Saturday regarding the condition of the banks, did not subside yesterday, but continued to-day, and was materially strengthened towards noon by the closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association and the Bank of St. Louis. As on Saturday, however, the persons engaged in the run are almost wholly confined to the small depositors of the savings institutions and small shop keepers, none of the merchants or business men of any pretentions taking any part in it The closing of the Northern Association. is attributed to a shortage of $10,000 at the clearing house this morning. The Bank of St. Louis did its clearing through the North St, Louis Savings and when the latter closed it had $27,000 worth of paper belonging to the Bank of St. Louis, and this forced the latter to suspend. The action of the North St. Louis Savings Bank has given rise to consider. able severe comments. The banks run on were the Fourth National, the Provident Savings, the Franklin avenue German Bank and the Boatmen's Savings. All the current accounts were promptly met, however, and there was at no time any noticeable excitement. Everything was done in a quiet and orderly manner, and the crowds (it they can be called crowds) at the various banks were quite small. Before noon it was agreed that the time certificates, which were freely paid on Saturday and early this morning, should be subject to the rule of thirty and sixty days' notice, except in cases whe 9 urgent need of money could be show This had the effect of redncing the demands to a considerable extent, and the vigor of the run was a good deal relaxed, and several other Savings institutions were more or less besieged, but they all asserted their ability to meet all just demands, The commercial banks are pursuing the even tenor of their way, being very little, if any, effected.

3. July 17, 1877 Public Ledger Memphis, TN
Article from Public Ledger, July 17, 1877

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ST. LOUIS. Business at Banks this Morning Opened with Brighter Prospects -The Rans Stopped. ST. Louis, July 17.-This morning business at the banks opened with much brighter prospects, and up to this hour (eleven o'clock) nothing of special note has transpired. A very few people, not more than half a dozen at any one time, have been at the Fourth National and Provident Savings banks presenting their checks, which have been promptly paid. The run seents to have stopped, and it is hoped there will be no further excitement or trouble. Still, it cannot be said what the day will bring forth. The officers of the St. Louis Savings Bank assert that the assets of the bank exceed its liabilities fully one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and that they can be pretty easily realized upon. The deposits amount to $600,000. The bank will go into liquidation. It is said that Espy, Heidelbach & Co., of Cincinnati, had a considerable sum in the bank when it closed. As stated yesterday. Mr. Merrill, president of the Bank of St. Louis, says that the bank will pay its depositors every dollar. The current deposits are about $500,000, and time deposits $33,000, with assets more than sufficient to pay all. The bank had a large amount of New York exchange which it could not dispose of, but it could have pulled through had not the North St. Louis Savings closed, locking up $27,000 of its clearings.

4. July 17, 1877 New-York Tribune New York, NY
Article from New-York Tribune, July 17, 1877

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THE ST. LOUIS BANKS. CONTINUANCE OF THE RUN BY SMALL DEPOSITORSBUSINESS MEN NOT ALARMED. ST. LOUIS, July 16.-Contrary to expectation the flurry of Saturday regarding the condition of banks did not subside yesterd Ly, but continued to-day. and was materially strengthened towards noon by the closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association and the Bank of St. Louis. As on Saturday, however, the persons engaged in the run were almost wholly confined to small depositors in savings institutions, and small shop-keepers. No merchants or business-men of any pretentions took part in the run. The closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association is attributed to a shortage of $10,000 at the clearing-house this forenoon. The Bank of St. Louis did its clearing through the North St. Louis Savings, and when the latter closed it had $27,000 of the paper belonging to the former. This forced the Bank of St. Louis to suspend. The action of the North St. Louis Savings Association has given rise to considerable severe comments. The banks run on to-day most were the Fourth National, the Provident Savings, the Franklin Avenue, the German Savings and the Boatmen's Savings. All current accounts were promptly met, however, and there was at no time any noticeable excitement. Everything was done in a quiet, orderly manner, and the crowds, if they can be called crowds, at the various banks were quite small. Before noon it WS8 agreed that time certificates, which were freely paid on Saturday and early this morning, should be subject to the rule of thirty and sixty days notice, except in cases where urgent need of money could be shown. This had the effect of reducing the demands to a considerable extent, and the vigor of the run was a good deal relaxed Several other savings institutions were more or less besieged, but they all asserted their ability to meet all just demands. The commercial banks are pur* suing the even tenor of their way, being very little, if any, affected, except that those best known to be strong and safe are receiving individual deposits and doing increased business. The aggregate of currency held by these banks now, is largely in excess of the amount in their vaults two weeks ago. Four per cent Government bonds and all securities, even those which command a premium, are being sought after for investment. Of course there is a good deal of comment on the present condition of aflairs and what the outcome is likely to be. There is a strong disposition manifested on the part of small depositors in most of the banks, especially in savings institutions, to obtain their money, but it may be stated that the substantial merchants and business men of the City, generally do not apprehend any serious disasters to follow the present excitement.

5. July 18, 1877 The Dallas Daily Herald Dallas, TX
Article from The Dallas Daily Herald, July 18, 1877

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The Shopkeepers of the Mound City Are Pante-Stricken, and Strengthen the Excitement By a Run on the Banks. Substantial Merchants and Business Men of the City Generally Do Not Apprehend Any Serious Disaster to Follow the Present Flurried State of Affairs. [Noon Associated Press Report.) ST. LOUIS, July 17.-Contrary to expectation, the flurry of Saturday, regarding the condition of the banks, did not subside yesterday, but continued, and was materially strength. ened toward noon by the closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association and the Bank of St. Louis. As on Saturday, however, the persons engaged in the run are almost wholly confined to small shopkeepers. No merchants or business nien of any pretensions are taking part in it. The closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association is attributed to 16 shortage of $10,000 at the clearing house. Yesterday morning the Bank of St. Louis did its clearing through the North St. Louis Savings Association, and when the latter closed it had $25,000 of paper belonging to the Bank of St. Louis. This caused the latter to suspend. The actions of the North St. Louis Savings has given rise to considerable severe comment. The banks run on the most were the Fourth National, Provident Savings, Franklin avenue and German Savings and Boatman's Savings. All current accounts were promptly met, however, and there was at no time any noticable excitement. Other savings banks were more or less besieged, but they all assertea their ability to meet all just demands. There is a strong disposition manifested on the part of small depositors in most of the banks, especially in savings, to obtain their money, but substantial merchants and business men of the city generally do 0 not apprehend any serious disasters to 1 follow the present state of affairs.

6. July 18, 1877 The New Orleans Daily Democrat New Orleans, LA
Article from The New Orleans Daily Democrat, July 18, 1877

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DOMESTIC NEWS. THE RUN ON THE ST. LOUIS BANKS. Reported Condition of the Two Lately Suspended Banks. [Special to the Democrat.] ST. LOUIS, July 17.-The North St. Louis Savings Bank will go into liquidation. Its officers assert that its assets exceed the liabilities fully $150,000. It is said that Espy, Heidelbach & Co., of Cincinnati, had a considerable sum in the bank when it closed. Mr. Merrill, President of the Bank of St. Louis, says that the depositors will be paid in full. ST. LOUIS, July 16.-Contrary to expectatlon, the flurry of Saturday regarding the condition of the banks, did not subside yesterday but continued to-day and was materially strengthened towards noon by the closing of the North St. Louis Savings Association and the Bank of St. Louis. As on Saturday, however, the persons engaged in the run are almost wholly confined to small shopkeepers; no merchants or business men of any pretension taking part in it. The closing of the North St. Louis Savings is attributed to shortage of $10,000 at the Clearing-House. This morning the Bank of St. Liouis did its clearing through the North St. Louis Savings, and when the latter closed it had $27,000 of paper belonging to the Bank of St. Louis. This forced the latter to suspend. The action of the North St. Louis Savings Bank has given rise to considerable severe comment. The banks run on most to-day were the Fourth National, Provident Savings, Franklin Avenue, German Savings, and Boatmen's Savings. All current accounts were promptly met, however, and there was at no time any noticeable excitement. The other savings institutions were more or less besieged, but they all asserted their ability to meet all just demands. There is a strong disposition manifested on the part of small depositors in most of the banks, especially in savings institutions, to obtain their money, but substantial merchants and business men of the city generally do not apprehend any serious disasters to follow the present state of affairs.

7. July 18, 1877 The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer Wheeling, WV
Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, July 18, 1877

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The Financial Crisis-Bank of St. Louis Will Pay in Full. Sr LOUIS, July 17.-This morning business at the banks opened with brighter prospects, and up to the hour of 11 o'clock nothing of special note has transpired. Very few people, not more than half a dozen at any one time, have been at the Fourth National and Provident Savings Banks presenting checks, which have been promptly paid. The run seems to have stopped, and it is hoped that there will be no further excitement f or trouble. Still, it cannot be said what the day will bring forth. The officers of the North St. Louis Say. . ing Institution assert that the assets of e the bank exceed the liabilities by $150,. 000, and that they can be pretty easily to 0 $600,000. realized upon. The bank The will deposits go into amount liquiday tion. It is said that Eisher, Hilulback & 8 Co., of Cincinnati, had a considerable a sum in coin in the bank when it closed. 8 Asstated yesterday Mr. Merrill, President of the bank, will pay the depositors every dollar. The current deposits are about $50,000 and time deposits $33,000, with assets more than sufficient to pay all. The bank had a large amount in New York exchange which it could not dispose of, but it could have pulled through had not the North St. Louis Savings Institution closed, locking up $27,000 of its clearings. BREMEN BANK. Sr. LOUIS, July 16.-A pretty well authenticated report has just come down from the extreme northern part of this city that the Bremen Bank had closed. No particulars can be given at the present writing. The run on the down town banks may be regarded as stopped. The enforcement of the thirly days notice yesterday, regarding the time certificates, seems to have effected this result, and as the small current accounts in the savings banks have mostly been drawn out the excitement has about subsided, and business is again progressing in its regular channel.

8. July 18, 1877 The Sun New York, NY
Article from The Sun, July 18, 1877

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THE ST. LOUIS BANKS. The Excitement SubsldIng-Condition of the North St. Louis Savings Bank. ST. LOUIS, July 17.-This morning's business at the banks opened with bright prospects. and up to 1 P. M. nothing of special note had transpired. Very few people-not more than half a dozen at any one time-have been at the Fourth National and Provident Savings Banks presenting checks. which have been promptly paid. The run seems to have stopped, and it is hoped there will be no further excitement or trouble. Still, it cannot be known what a day will bring forth. The officers of the North St. Louis Savings Bank assert that the assets of the bank exceed the liabilities fully $150,000. and that they can be pretty easily realized upon. The deposits amount to $600,000. The bank will go into liquidation. It is said that Espy. Heidelbach & Co. of Cin innati had a considerable sum in the bank when it closed. As stated yesterday. Mr. Merrill baith President with pay of NE the Bank uppos itors every dollar. The current deposits amount to about $50,000, and the time deposits to $33,000. with assets more than sufficient to pay all. The bank had a large amount in New York exchange. which it could not dispose of, but it could have pulled through had not the North St. Louis Savings Bank closed up $27,000 of its clearings. Well-authenticated reports have just come from the extreme northern part of the city that the broken bank has closed its doors. The run on down-town banks may be regarded as stopped. The enforcement of the thirty days' notice rule yesterday regarding time certificates seems to have effected this result, and, as the small current accounts in savings banks were mostly drawn out. the excitement has about subsided, and business is progressing again in its regular channels.

9. July 18, 1877 Daily Kennebec Journal Augusta, ME
Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, July 18, 1877

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MISSOURI. Bank Matters. ST. LOUIS, July 17. This morning business opened at the banks with bright prospects, and at eleven o'clock nothing of special note had transpired. Very few people, not more than a half dozen at the time, were at the Fourth National and Provident Savings Banks, presenting checks, which were promptly paid. The run seems to have stopped. The officers of the North St. Louis Savings Brnk assert the assets of the bank exceed the liabilities $150,000, and they can be pretty easily realized upon deposits of $600,000. The bank will go in liquidation.

10. July 18, 1877 Chicago Daily Tribune Chicago, IL
Article from Chicago Daily Tribune, July 18, 1877

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FINANCIAL. Another Small Savings-Bank In St. Louis Temporarily Suspends-The Excitement Dying Out. Sr. Louis, July 17.-This morning business at the banks opened with brighter prospects, and up to this hour (11 o'clock) nothing of special note has transpired. A very few people, not more than half a dozen at any one time, have been at the Fourth National and the Provident Savings presenting checks, which have been promptly paid. The run scemst have stopped, and it is hoped there will be no further excitement or trouble. Still It cannot be said what the day will bring forth. The officers of the North St. Louis Savings Institution assert that the assets of the bank exceed the liabilities fully $150,000, and that they can be pretty easily realized upon; the deposits amount to $000,000. The bank will go into liquidation. It said Espy, Heidlebach & Co., of Cincipnati, had a considerable sum In the bauk when It closed, as stated yesterday. Mr. Merrill, President of the Bank of St. Louis, says the bank will pay do positors every dollar. The current deposits are about $500,000, and the time deposits $33,000, with assets more than cufficient to pay all. The bank had a large amount of New York exchange, which It could not dispose of, but It could have pulled through had not the North St. Louis Savings closed, locking up $27,000 of its clearings. A pretty well authenticated report has just come down from the extreme northern part of the city that the Bremen Bank has closed. No particulars can be given at this writing. The run on the down-town banks may be regarded as stopped. The enforcement of the thirty-days' police rule yeaterday regarding time-certificates sccus to have effected this rosult, and as the small current accounts In the savings-bunks have mostly been drawn out the excitement has about' subsided, and business is progressing again in its regular channels. LATER.-The report about the closing of the Bremen Savings Bank proved to be true. The bank did its clearing through the Franklin Avenue Savings Bank, but assurances of further accommodation from that source not betrip forthcoming, the Directors held a meeting and adopted a resolution declaring that, In view of the requirements of the new State Banking law, and the present financial distress, and its duty to its depositors and stockholders, the bank would susjected for 4 period of ten days, with a view to linal liquidation. The original capital of the bank was $100,000, but this was reduced some time since to $69,000 by reason of bad securities. The deposits amount to about 6200,000, Including $115,000 In time deposits. The assets are placed at $250,000. The officers of the bank assert that depositors will be fully paid. The run to-day was very light, and loug bofore the close of business hours It had prace tically coursel. It sectus as though the tlurry is entrely over. and that there will be no further trouble. It is expected that business tomorrow will resume its regular course, The statement that Espy. Heidelunch & Co., of Cincinnati, had a considerable amount of money in the North Missouri Savings Bank when it closed yesterday proved to have been untrue. That house is debtor In a email amount to the bank, instead of being a creditor. BOSTON, July 17.-The Commissioner of Savlogs Banks has enjoined the Haverhill (Mass.) Savings Bank from dolug further business.

11. October 28, 1903 The News & Observer Raleigh, NC
Article from The News & Observer, October 28, 1903

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bank the privilege of withholding payment until sixty days after notification was waived and amounts were paid rapidly, regardless o ftheir size. There was no disorder manifested at any of the institutions, and in many cases depositors who had hurried to withdraw amounts departed without their money, after having conversed a few moments with the officials and been made confident that the bank would continue business. At the Missouri Trust Company a num ber of depositors had collected to demand payment, but the crowd soon thinned out and before three o'clock the incipient run had ceased. Presidents of the different national banks assembled during the afternoon and issued a statement in which they announced that the banks of St. Louis are all perfectly solvent and amply able to liquidate all demands. All the banks closed at three o'clock, the usual closing hour, and announcement was made that they will open tomorrow morning at the usual hour, ten o'clock, and will meet all demands made.

12. October 28, 1903 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, October 28, 1903

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gives the bank the privilege of withholding payment until sixty days after notification was waived and amounts were, paid rapidly regardless of their size. There was no disorder manifested at any of the institutions, and in many cases depositors who had hurried t) withdraw amounts departed without their money after having conversed a few minutes with the officials and been made confident that the bank would continue to do business At the Missouri Trust company a number of depositors had collected to demand payment, but the crowd soon thir.ned out and before 3 o'clock the inciplent run had ceased. Presidents of the different national banks assembled during the afternoon and issued a statement that the banks of St. Louis are perfectly solvent and amply able to liquidate all demands. All the banks closed at 3 o'clock, the usual closing hour, and gave out word that they will open tomorrow morning at the usual hour, 10 o'clock, and will meet all demands made. The directors of the different trust companies at meetings tonight decided to enforce the thirty and sixty-day notitication clause tomorrow and this, it is believed, will stop all tendency to a continuation of runs. The following statement was given out tonight after a meeting of the representatives of the asociated banks: "The representatives of the associated banks of St. Louis, at a meeting held tonight to consider the local situation and the demands made upon the trust companies of the city, invited the presidents of those organizations to confer with them for the purpose of taking such action as the situation seemed to require It was ascertained in this conference that no trust company was in need of assistance of any character, but each felt assured of its ability to protect its obligations and maintain itself without calling on the banks for aid. "The action of the trust companies, requiring the legal notice of withdrawal of savings deposits, was approved."

13. October 28, 1903 The Savannah Morning News Savannah, GA
Article from The Savannah Morning News, October 28, 1903

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RUN ON THE BANKS WAS STARTED IN ST. LOUIS BY A CHICAGO RUMOR. ALL DEMANDS WERE MET. OFFICIALS PARTIALLY CONVINCED DEPOSITORS OF THEIR SAFETY. It Was Reported from Chicago That Two Directors of a St. Louis Institution Had Been Unable to Negotiate a $2,000,000 Loan-On the Savings Departments of Three Banks the Run Then Commenced. Anxiety Finally Allayed. St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 27.-From shortly before 1 o'clock to-day until the closing hour, 3 o'clock, runs were made on the savings departments of three banks of St. Louis, and at the same time more than the ordinary amount of withdrawals by depositors were noticeable in the other banking institutions. The run, so far as it can be traced. was started by a disquieting rumor from the outside that seemed to strike St. Louis shortly after noon, to the effect that the savings institutions here were unsound. With a rush the corridors of the Lincoln Trust Company, the Mercantile Trust Company and the Mississippi Valley Trust Company were filled with men and women, all eager to withdraw their money. The scene in any one bank was duplicated in the other two. A line of people, with bankbooks in their hands and faces eagerly scanning the little barred windows of the bank tellers, stretched out into the street and intermingled, were policemen and bank officials counselling calmness and giving assurances of solvency. It is stated that the rumor that started the run came from Chicago, and was to the effect that two directors of the Mississippi Valley Trust Company had recently endeavored to negotiate a loan of $2,000,000 in that city, and had been refused. To-day this rumor was pronounced an absolute canard by the directors concerned. As soon as the runs started all other business was laid aside, and every facility was afforded for the prompt payment of deposits. The clause which gives the bank the privilege of withholding payment until sixty days after notification was waived, and amounts were paid rapidly, regardless of their size. There was no disorder manitested at any of the institutions, and in many cases depositors, who had hurried to withdraw amounts, departed without their money, after having conversed a few moments with the officials and had been made confident that the bank would continue to do business. At the Missouri Trust Company a number of depositors had collected to demand payment, but the crowd soon thinned out, and before 3 o'clock the incipient run had ceased. Presidents of the different national banks assembled during the afternoon and issued a statement, in which they announced that the banks of St. Louis are perfectly solvent and amply able to liquidate all demands. All the banks closed at 3 o'clock, the usual hour, and announcement was made that they will open to-morrow morning at the usual hour, at 10 o'clock, and will meet all demands made. The directors of the different trust companies at meetings to-night decided to enforce the thirty and sixty day notification clause to-morrow and this, it is believed, will doubtless stop all tendency to a continuation of the runs. A statement was given out saying that the trust companies were In need of no assistance whatever.

14. October 30, 1903 The Semi-Weekly Messenger Wilmington, NC
Article from The Semi-Weekly Messenger, October 30, 1903

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St. Louis, October 27.-From shortly before 1 o'clock today until the closing hour, 3 o'clock, runs were made on the savings departments of three banks of St. Louis, and at the same time more than the ordinary amount of withdrawals by depositors were noticable in the other banking institutions The run, so far as it can be traced, was started by a disquieting rumor from the outside that seemed to strike St. Louis shortly after noon, to the effect that the savings institutions here were unsound. With a rush, the corridors of the Lincom Trust Company, the Mercantile Trust Company and the Mississippi Valley Trust Company were filled with men and women, all eager to withdraw their money. The scene in any one bank was duplicated in the other two. A line of people with bank books in their hands and faces eagerly scanning the little barred windows of the bank tellers stretched out in the street, and intermingled were policemen and bank officials, counselling calmness and giving assurances of sorvency. It is stated that the rumor that started the run came from Chicago and was to the effect that two directors of the Mississippi Valley Trust Company had recently endeavored to negotiate a loan of $2,000,000 in that city and had been refused. Today this rumor was pronounced an absolute canard by the directors concerned. As soon as the runs started, all other business was laid aside and every facility was afforded for the prompt payment of depositors, The clause which gives the bank the privilege of withholding payment until sixty days after notification was waived and amounts were paid rapidly, regardless of their size. There was no disorder manifested at any of the institutions, and in many cases, depositors who had hurried to withdraw amounts departed without their money, after having conversed a few moments with the officials and been made confident that the bank would continue to do business. At the Missouri Trust Company, A number of depositors had collected to demand payment, but the crowd soon thinned out and before 3 o'clock. the incipient run had ceased. Presidents of the different national banks assembled during the afternoon and issued a statement in which they announced that the banks of St. Louis are all perfectly solvent and amply able to liquidate all demands. All the banks closed at 3 o'clock, the usual closing hour, and announcement was made that they will open tomorrow morning at the usual hour, 10 o'clock and will meet all demands made,