Mutual Benefit Savings Bank (New York, NY)

Episode Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Start Date
November 27, 1875
Location
New York, New York (40.714, -74.006)
Bank Type
savings

Metadata

Notes

The bank enforced the 60-day rule and then went into liquidation with a receiver; a later brief reopening was for dividend payments under the receiver, not a resumption of normal operations.

Events (5)

1. November 27, 1875 Run
Cause
Local Banks
Cause Details
Depositor uneasiness produced by recent failures and suspensions of other local savings banks led to withdrawals and threat of a run.
Measures
Enforced the 60 days' notice rule and declined to receive deposits to head off a run.
Newspaper Excerpt
There was a tendency to a run; numerous depositors had given the 60 days' notice of withdrawal.
Source
newspapers
2. November 27, 1875 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Management reported a deficiency in assets (~$22,000) and, citing stringency of the times, adopted the 60-day rule and suspended regular business.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Mutual Benefit Savings Bank in Tryon-row virtually suspended. ... resolved to enforce the rule requiring 60 days' notice of withdrawals ... to decline to receive any more deposits.
Source
newspapers
3. December 3, 1875 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
W. F. Aldrich, Receiver. / receiver was appointed December 3, 1875.
Source
newspapers
4. February 1, 1876 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, which suspended several months ago, will be reopened to-day, at ten o'clock. All depositors who choose to present their claims will be paid a dividend of twenty-five per cent
Source
newspapers
5. May 16, 1876 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
A dividend of 25 percent will be paid to the depositors of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, on demand, at the office of the Receiver. MAY 16, 1876. W. F. ALDRICH, Receiver.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (23)

Article from The Portland Daily Press, November 29, 1875

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NEW YORK

Caved Banks. NEW YORK, Nov. 27.-Wm. A. Butler, the receiver, has assumed duties at the Manafacturers and Builders Bank, The Mutual Benefit Savings Bank demands 60 days notice today. There is an unimportant run on the Germania Savings Bank. Geo. W. Reed, Bank Examiner. is examining the affairs of the Security Bauk. A receiver is to be appointed for the People's Savings Bank. Plymouth Church and the Congregational Council. NEW YORK, Nov. 23.-Rev. Dr. Buddington of Brooklyn, said yesterday in regard to the proposed mutual council to be called by Mrs. Moulton and Plymouth cburch that no point could be considered by the council other than those submitted in a letter missive. If the church and Mrs. Moulton could agree upon th e raising of any scandal issue the matter would be inquired into by the council. There was no possi bility of a mutual council if the parties could net agree upon the questions to be submitted, Rev. Dr. Scadder said he did not see how the scandal matter could be bronght up in any ecclesiastical body. Rev. C. H. Eveest said he did not see how that body could touch Mr. Beecher as it was a question of discipline which rested entirely with Plymouth church.


Article from New-York Tribune, November 29, 1875

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LOCAL MISCELLANY

THE BANK SUSPENSIONS. DONOTTION OF THE MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK -A DEFICIENCY CONFESSED-BUSINESS SUSPENDED-REPORT ON THE SECURITY BANKOTHER INSTITUTIONS. The suspensions among some of the smaller savings banks of this city do not apparently affect the larger and older institutions. No general "run" has taken place, although in one or two banks a number of depositors have closed their accounts. The feeling appears to be one of anxiety rather than of actual alarm. It is said on all sides that the heavier bauks are very unlikely to show any weakness, and that a panic is improbable. On Saturday the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank in Tryonrow virtually suspended. A meeting of the bank officers was held, at which it was resolved to enforce the rule requiring 60 days' notice of withdrawals by depositors, and to decline to receive any more deposits for the present. Charles K. Graham, the president, stated yesterday that the cause of the suspension was the stringency of the times, which made it impossible for the bank to make money. The recent failures had produced an uneasy feeling among depositors, and in anticipation of a run it was thought best to adopt the 60 days' rule in order to save the securities. There was & deficiency of assets, as compared with the liabilities. How much the deficiency was, Mr. Graham declined to state. It is said to be-according to the recent examination by Mr. Reed-about $22,000, besides some $12,000 of assets estimated over cost. Mr. Graham said that the bank was sound, nevertheless, and would be able to pay its depositors in full. The suspension was merely a precautionary measure. A tendency to & run had been shown last Friday, and numerous depositors had given the 60 days' notice of withdrawal. The number of depositors was about 2,800, and many of them had large accounts. The trustees in 1873 gave bonds to make up a deficiency of about $9,000. Mr. Graham did not know whether they would do the same now. He thought that to-day the banks generally would adopt the 60 days' notice rule. According to the report of the Mutual Benefit Bank, on Jan. 1, 1875, its assets and liabilities balanced at the round amount of $436,000 each. The amount of depositsnow is about $430,000. The German Up-town Savings Bank adopted the 60 days' notice rule on Friday. This bank is said by its officers to be in a perfectly sound condition. The assets are claimed to exceed the liabilities by $25,000. The bank has 5,000 depositors, of whom persons representing about $5,000 have given notice of withdrawal. D. D. T. Marshall, President of the Security Savings Bank, stated last evening(that G. W. Reed, the Examiner, had completed his examination of that bank, and made the following report:


Article from New-York Tribune, November 29, 1875

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WITH SUPPLEMENT

THE NEWS THIS MORNING. FOREIGN.-The - Governor of Paris resolved to The prevent meetings likely to be disorderly. The case for the Prince of Wales was at Goa. defense at the trial in London of Henry Wainwright The British press and people approved began. the purchase of shares in the Suez Canal. DOMESTIC.-Honors were paid to the remains of Henry Wilson in Philadelphia, New-York, and BosJames E. English was appointed Senator ton. The for the unexpired term from Connecticut. whisky frauds libel on Secretary Bristow is flatly denied. - E. S. Tobey of Boston accepted the office of Indian Commissioner. Eleven removals Frauds were made from the Indian Bureau. were reported in the construction of the new State Contractor Capitol by the New-York experts. Bosler was shot at, and Agent Saville demanded the surrender of the guilty Indians. CITY AND SUBURBAN.-The Attorney-General authorized John E. Parsons to carry on suits against The body of members of the Brooklyn Ring. Vice-President Wilson was taken through the city with an imposing procession and other honors. The Mutual Benefit Savings Bank suspended business for the present, but there was no general run on The funeral of Wm. B. Astor took the banks. John Scannell was acquitted on the place. Col. Des Anges was senground of insanity. tenced to two years' imprisonment and to pay a fine Gold, 1143g, 11412, 11412. Gold of $10,000. value of the legal-tender dollar at the close, 87310 cents. THE WEATHER. - The Government report predicts cold and clear weather. In this city yesterday the day was cold and fair; thermometer, 33°, 37, 43°.


Article from New-York Tribune, December 2, 1875

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THE SAVINGS BANKS

sOLVENCY OF THE MECHANICS AND TRADERS' SAVINGS INSTITUTION - CLEAR SURPLUS OF $50,000-OTHER BANKS. A number of the depositors of the Mechantes and Traders' Savings Institution, at No. 283 Bowery, applied for their money yesterday. The banking rooms were crowded and the payments were made slowly, and after a careful examination and comparison of the pass-books with the ledger accounts of the bank. Some of the trustees were present endeavoring to reason with the frightened depositors, and to convince them of the solvency of the institution. To & reporter of THE TRIBUNE were shown the books and accounts of the bank, with a statement of the market value of the assets. A. T. Conklin, the President, and Henry C. Fisher, the Secretary, declared that the bank was perfectly safe, and could pay dollar for dollar of liabilities without any difficulty. Mr. Conklin stated that the bank wasexamined on April 1, 1874, by theState bank examiners, who reported a surplus of $82,333 18* The bank property was appraised by appraisers em. ployed by the Bank Department, and was put down to its lowest market value. The market value of the stocks, bonds, and other securities was obtained by the examiners after consultation with leading brokers in Wall-st. The annual report, Jan. 1,1875, said Mr. Conklin, was an honest and true statement of the bank's condition. It showed a large surplus over liabilities, and was in every particular corroot. A8 to the item of suspense account, bankruptcy claim, worth $20,000," that claim was well known by the trustees to be good beyond all question, and would yield, principal and interest, at least $25,000 in a few months. The lawsuit pending in relation to it was merely to determine which of two very rich men was liable to the bank for the full amount. The total market value of the stocks and bonds owned by the bank at the present time was largely in excess of the figures reported by the bank examiners. A profit of $20,000 had been made last year on the sale of Government securities a few days before the examination, which did not appear in the figures of the examiners. This sum alone met all the charges of salaries, taxes, and incidental expenses. Salaries had been reduced $5,000 last year, and a considerable reduction made in advertising, stationery, &c. In every way, Mr. Conklin continued. the bank had economized and sought to merit the confidence of its customers and the public. After deducting this suspense account of $20,000, and making due allowance for any unexpected shrinkage, the bank had a clear surplus of at least $50,000. The trustees had decided to enforce the 60 days' rule in extreme cases, but would pay small amounts and pressing claims without delay. This action had been taken in order to protect depositors in the payment of interest due them at the end of this month. Mr. Conklin said, in conclusion that there had been a want of harmony in the Board of Direction some time ago, and the attack on the bank might have originated from that cause. The Mutual Benefit and the Security Savings Banks continued open yesterday, without transacting any business. The Security, it is understood, will resume in two or three days. A receiver for the People's Savings Bank had not arrived at the bank yesterday afternoon, but it is not doubted that an appointment was made yesterday.


Article from The Sun, December 2, 1875

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THE END OF THE FRIGHT

Yesterday in those of the Savings Banks that have Stood R Run. The run on the North River Savings Bank, at 478 Eighth avenue, and on the Franklin, at 658 Eighth avenue, ceased entirely yesterday, the depositors being apparently satisfied with the assurance in THE SUN that the banks named could pay dollar for dollar. At the Mechanics' and Traders' Savings Bank. 283 Bowery, a number of depositors assembled in the morning, seemingly anxious to get their money. There was also a line of persons who wished to deposit money. The clerks seemed more accustomed to their work than on Tuesday, and paid rapidly and promptly. Toward evening the demand for money diminished. and a number went away expressing confidence in the institution. The President, Mr. A. Γ. Conklin, said : ** The statement of last year does not apply to the bank now. The suspense account of $39,127 07 represented money in litigation, which h is been recovered, and is now an asset. The judgment secured by real estate. $5,178 48. is against a man who is very wealthy, and is entirely good. Our stocks and bonds were placed at the lowest m rket value, and we can get more for them now. We hold no town bonds. Our bonds are all State, city, and county. As for our real estate, we have been offered $147,619.27 for the site, but in our report we put it at only the cost. $126,646.77. We have a genuine surplus of $80,000, for, unlike some other banks. our de: 08118 have increased this year instead of decreasing." Mr. Conklin added that the bank had met with some losses during the Presidency of a former trustee, which had been fully repaired. The bank. he said, would not require any sixty days' notice. but would pay everybody that called. He had received offers from other banks to take up all his securities. He added, Although I don't like a run. I would rather have it now than pay interest in January." The trustees of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank have been discussing whether they will put in enough money to start the bank again. They will probably resolve to do SO.


Article from New-York Tribune, December 4, 1875

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SAVINGS BANKS

The trustees of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, in Tryon-row, after their meeting last Saturday, when they resolved to require the 60 days' notice for the withdrawal of deposits, and to receive no more deposits, communicated their action to Superintendent Ellis of the Banking Department, at the same time requesting that he would allow them one week in which to decide whether the bank should resume or go into liquidation. This was given. In the interval It is stated that vexations suits have been commenced, and after much deliberation it was concluded to be the best policy to go into liquidation. The deficiency reported by Mr. Reid, the bank examiner, amounts to $22,700 (which is about 5 per cent on the amount of deposits), about $9,000 of which is for interest due depositors since July 1, 1875. Isaac V. French, a lawyer in Willfam-st., has been appointed receiver of the People'sand Central Park Savings Banks. The total amount of their liabilities will not exceed $250,000. Mr. French will enter upon the discharge of his duties this morning. He is a young man, but is said to have had considerable experience in banking matters.


Article from Chicago Daily Tribune, December 4, 1875

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FINANCIAL

NEW YORK, Dec. 3.-The suspension of the varnish house of Adolphus U. Mandel, No. 257 Pearl street, is announced. The officers of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank have decided to go into liquidation. The depositors will receive 05 cents ou the dollar.


Article from The New York Herald, December 18, 1875

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MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK

A meeting of about eighty depositors of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank was held yesterday afternoon at No. 291 Bowery. Dr. George Philips acted as Chair. man and J. E. Van Doran as Secretary. Mr. Van Doran read a report of the Executive Committee and showed the necessity of raising a fund to prosecute both civilly and criminally, if necessary, the bank trustees. For this purpose it was proposed that depositors should subscribe one per cent of the amounts of their several claims to secure counsel Sixty depositors, representing $60,000. had signed this agreement. The committee recommend Mr. Sharp as receiver in place of Mr. Aldrich. The committee had not received the permission of Mr. Aldrich to examine the securities in his hands, but presented the hat given by the Bank Examiner at his last examination. The result of that examination was the discovery of a deficiency of $22,000. About $15,000 have been withdrawn from the bank by depositors since this statement was prepared. The Exective Committee was empowered to demand from the Court an increase in the receiver's bonds to $250,000, and an order for the inspection of the bank accounts by an expert


Article from New-York Tribune, December 25, 1875

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NEW-YORK SAVINGS BANK, 8th-ave., cor. PER CENT INTEREST paid from the 1st of each month. Assets, $3,468,278 93. Surplus, $329,088 72. C. W. BRINCKERHOFF, Sec'y. RICHARD H. BULL, Pres. PECIAL NOTICE.-The Depositors in the S MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK who have not presented their books to the subscriber for verification are requested to do so without delay, at the office lately occupied by the said Bank, No. 1 Centre-st., Staats Zeitung Building, it being important with reference to an early dividend. Notice to present books at any other place is unauthorized W. F. ALDRICH, Receiver. by me.


Article from The New York Herald, December 25, 1875

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HOW THE MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK DID BUSINESS. To THR EDITOR OF THE HERALD:It is to be hoped that Governor Tildon will, as you recommended in your issue of December 10, investigate the broken savings banks. The blow falls very hard on many depositors who have, year after year, put a portion of their earnings into those banks, with the belief that should sickness come they would have the wherewith to keep out of the hospital, and that in old age they would not be a burden on their children or frier ds. People in a small way of business too often deposit their profits and then draw when they desire to replenish their scanty stock, and many such are now entirely broken up. And such breaking up means more than financial loss. It too often means a moral breaking down. Why should men and women be industrious and economical, so that they may not become at any time a burden on the community, if the banks they trust are allowed thus to defraud them? Why should they not spend their money as they go along for such things as please their senses or tastes and let each coming day care for Itself? I have no desire to be harsh, although losing my all of ready money by the recent crash. 1 do not think that the officers were designedly Grobbers of the poor," but it is beyond question that they have been careless and reckless in their management of the moneys of the poor. The cloud of financial trouble which now envelops the land began to gather two years ago, and such prudent men as bank directors ought to have foreseen the storm and takon in sail. Better have lowered the rate of interest allowed on deposits than have jeopardized the principal. And now it is but fair to demand that the entire personal property and incomes of every official connected with any shaky, crippled or fallen bank should be at once secured and held for the payment of the poor men and women who put their faith in the prudence and honesty of these bank directors and officers. Nor should the State Superintendent of Banks, Mr. Ellis, be excused from blame until he has seen that at least this justice is done. But it is to be feared that there has been even more than reckless speculation and a want of judgment in the management of those banks. Inquiry would not be amiss as to whether the everyday details of savings bank business are attended to with care and precision. My meaning will be best illustrated by an account of individual experience. I opened my account with the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank on April 1, 1870, with a deposit of $75. Since then I have made, according to my pass book, fifty deposits and fifty-four withdrawals of money. After the first six months, perhaps a little earlier, I left my pass book constantly in the care of the bank, having perfect confidence in its officers and it being more convenient; but, whenever I made a deposit or a withdrawal, I was very particular before I left the bank to see that the amount either for or against me was properly entered on it. I made all my deposits and withdrawals of money personally, with the exception of two or perhaps three checks. I made my last deposit on October 11, 1875, at which time I had my balance in the bank rockoned by the teller from the pass book. I made no withdrawal of money and gave no check to any one after that date. A few days alter the suspension of the bank, on December 2. I think, I went to the bank and asked for my pass book. The teller commenced figuring in it. I asked what was my balance; he named a sum nearly $100 less than he had told me in October. [ asked for an explanation of the difference between the two statements. Ho said that two entries had been found against me on their journal which had not been put at the proper time on my pass book, and he then and there entered thein on it, one for $50, dated January 4, 1873, and the other for $20 80, dated May 8, 1874. The smaller sum I recognized as having been paid on a check which I had given for rent. I asked if the admission of those two entries against me would make my pass book and their journal agree. I was answered that there was $50 in my favor entered on my pass book, of which their journal gave no record. Now here, in my own caso, according to that statement, were three instances of neglect in the performance of duty-namely, two omissions to make the proper entry in my pass book, which was in their custody and daily in a pigeonhole close at hand, and one failure to enter a sum to my credit on their journal. I make this statement, not with any feeling of enmity against any officers of the bank. from whom [ have always received great courtesy, but that other depositors who have left pass books at the bank may exaining their books, and I sincerely hope that none may find any reason to think that his account has not been SIX HUNDRED. accurately kept.


Article from The New York Herald, December 25, 1875

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PECIAL NOTICE

-THE DEPOSITORS IN THE S Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, who have not presented their books to the subscriber for verification are requested to do 80 without delay at the office lately occupied by the said bank No. 1 Centre street, Stasts Zeitung Building, it being important with reference to an early dividend. Notice to present books at any other place is unauthorized by me. W. F. ALDRICH. Receiver.


Article from New-York Tribune, December 31, 1875

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meeting was characterized by great disorder and confusion, and one person received a severe blow in the face from one of the speakers. On the petition of William A. Butler, receiver of the Manufacturers' and Builders' Bank, and on motion of Flanagan & Bright, Judge Lawrence yesterday authorized Mr. Butler to pay over at once $10,000 to Herman Uhl, the receiver of the German Up-town Savings Bank, that being about one-half of the sum the latter bank had on deposit with the former when both failed. It is rumored that the depositors of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank are endeavoring to procure the removal of W. F. Aldrich, receiver. The proceedings, it is said, will be based on his alleged incorrect certificates as to the soundness of certain savings banks while he was Bank Examiner.


Article from The New York Herald, February 1, 1876

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MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK The Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, which suspended several months ago, will be reopened to-day, at ten o'clock. All depositors who choose to present their claims will be paid a dividend of twenty. five per cent


Article from The New York Herald, March 2, 1876

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MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK

Mr. William F. Aldrich, receiver of the Mutual Ben. efit Savings Bank, yesterday filed in the County Clerk's office his inventory of the real and personal property belonging to that institution. The following are the principal items:House and lot in Hampden street, Brooklyn; five lots in Middleton street, near Marcy avenue, Brooklyn; house and thirteen acres of land in Jamaica, L. I. lot on the Bloomingdale road, near Ninety-ninch street; piece of land in Mott Haven; lot in West Farms; two brown stone houses, with lots, Nos. 445 and 447 East Fifty-eighth street. $126,429 63 Bonds and mortgages 187,100 00 Stocks and bonds (estimated values) List of loans 33,168 10 Total $346,697 7 78 $113,128 01 Receipts Disbursements 107,467 52 Balance on hand $5,660 48


Article from The Sun, March 4, 1876

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One Broken Bank's Property

Receiver Wm. F. Aldrich of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, filed with the County Clerk on Wednesday an inventory showing that the-back's property owned by the bank at the time of his appointment, consisted of a house and lot in Hamden street, Brooklyn five lots 111 Middleton street, Brooklyn, a house and thirteen acres of land in Jamaica. a house and lot on the Blooming dale road, land in Mott Haven and West Farms. and the houses and lots at 445 and 147 East Filtveeighth street, in this city; $126,439 of bonds and mortgages and $187.100 of stocks and bonds, of which $20,000 are Texas pension bonds. The loans amounted Lu $33,168.10. The Rec IVer reports that since his appointment his receipts have been $113,128.01, and his disbursements $107,467.52


Article from The Sun, May 16, 1876

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Banks

Sabings FRANKLIN SAVINGS BANK, corner 42d st. av. Open daily 10 A M. to 3 P. M. and Monday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 o'clock. Interest begins the first of every month. JAB E. SMITH, Sec. JAS. F. CHAMBERLAIN, Pres. IXPENNY HAVINGS BANK. Broadway and S Astor place. Established 1853. Bank open daily from 10 A. M. to 8 P. M. Five cents to $5,000 received. Dibidends. D IVIDEND NOTICE. - A dividend of 25 percent. will be paid to the depositors of the Mutual Beneft Savings Bank, on demand, at the office of the Receiver. 1 Centre al., Stasts Zeitung Building. MAY 16, 1876. W. F. ALDRICH, Receiver.


Article from The Sun, May 17, 1876

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Financial

FFICE OF THE NEW YORK MUTUAL O Gas Light Co., northeast corner Union square, 4th av. and 16th st.. New York, May 16, 1876.-At a meeting of the stockholders of the New York Mutual Gas Light Company, held this day. the following named gentiemen were unanimously elected directors for the ensuing year : C. K. Garrison, George J. Forrest, C. Venderbilt, William E. Hoy, Joseph Harker, Charles Place, A. N. Stout, William R. Garrison, Joseph Sellgman, Arthur Leary, John P. Kennedv. C. Vanderbilt, Jr., Jonathan Thorne, Robert L. Crawford, J. R. Ford, Lawrence Wells. And for inspectors of the next annual election: Robert M. Gallaway, Mortimer Ward, H. L. Haight. CHARLES PLACE, Secretary and Treasurer. Dibidends. NOTICE. - A dividend of 23 percent. paid to the depositors of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank. on demand, at the office of the Receiver, 1 Centre st., Staats Zeitung Building. MAY 16, 1876. W. F. ALDRICH, Receiver.


Article from The Sun, August 13, 1876

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oraon for the Family-strangers under the Tall Tower. They were on a Fulton ferry boat, father. mother. and daughter - he in shirt sleeves, white trousers. and prunella gaiters, about seventy years of age; the mother in black bombazine, no bustle, and very warm; the daughter pale, sallow, and chewing gum. What's that, pa?' "That, oh, that's what they call a yach." "What's them towers for? "Them's for the suspension bridge. It's to be made of iron. They kin hoist It up when tallmasted vessels go under. The bridge will be 1,500 feet long, about half as long as they are at Niagara." The party rode up in a Fifth avenue stage, the slowest known mode of locomotion, thereby having ample time to observe the sights. That," said the sun-burned pa and guide, as he pointed at St. Paul's Chur that is a celebrated Baptist church. where Nickfield preached. All them tombstones was raised for British soldiers. They buried 'em just where they fell, and the British Government put up the stones afterward. The architect died and the plan was lost. 80 it's doubtful if any of the stones are properly placed. And this, said be. continuing, "is Astor's fur house. You can see the dags flying on the store. What's this. pa?" She referred to the Post Office. don't know whether that's the Museum or the Hippodrome. I rather guess its the Hippodrome. Yes, I know it is. You see the Italian musician at the door. That's him with the muste crank. This is where Moody and Sankey had their meetings. and that little shed in the rear is where they baptized the converted souls. Isupposethis Central Park isn't it. papa?' They were then passing the City Hall. Yes, dear. Yes, that's the Central Park. It's right in the middle of the city. The steeple is supposed to be directly over the heart of the town. They always pull up the flags when the Mayor goes out of town or if any of the Aldermen ate. don't know why three sides of the City Hall are marbie and one side free stone. Do you know. sir Stranger I believe it was because the rear of the building was 90 trup-town. they thought noonewould ever care to goround The handsome building just above it is one of our treasures. Its the new County Court House. We call it the house that Bill built. Bill who? Bill built-that is. William erected it.' Oh. Thank you. Daughter, that dirty old house is the house that Bill built. It doesn't look as though it had come to stay. Oh, there! look. mother: there's where Stewart made his fortune. Yes, that's his store. There's where he sold his store clothes." Is his store closed No. no. BAY that's where he sold his store clothes. But it was closed when he died.' "Is he then dead?' Very dead. Then they left the stage and walked down Chambers street and up Centre. That's one of the glories of the country my dear,' said the old man he slung his coatov er his other arm. and pointed at the vacant office of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank. Isit. pa Yes. That is it was before it closed up. I don't know how it happened. but the money went out fasterthan it went in. Sothey appointed receiver. Butit open in the basement." Yes. They sell beer there. The basements are generally open when the banks are shut up. On, pa, what a tall tower. what a very tall tower. What is it?" That's it. What's it? You said it. What is it. That's just what it 1s. That's the celebrated highest tower in New York. Go up into it any day. and see a Reid shaken by the wind. That's the great temperance organ. That's the great-hello! Why see here mother let's go into dear Horace's saloon and take a bite. They enter. Zwei lager, two brandy smashes, one stein. one plate tomato soup, three lagers. and one pony brandy, were the salutations as the rural party stepped foot over the threshold. Waiter-Take seats blease. What shall I get, three lagers? All right. Papa-Three what? No. sir. Bring three pieces of pie and a cup of tea. Stranger- day, sir. You're a stranger I see. Come down stairs and see the pictures. Let the ladies remain. They go down. Presently the old man rushes back. His evel wild. his DATE dishevelled. his umbrella firmly classed. Come out of this place. Mother, daughter. come. Where are we? Where am And out they flv. followed by the watter's cheery cry. Zwei lager and a sgooner of Rhine wine. quig!"


Article from The New York Herald, December 21, 1876

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MUTUAL BENEFIT SAVINGS BANK

There will be no dividend paid by the Receiver of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank this month, although it was generally expected by the depositors that such would be the case. The Receiver, Mr. Aldrich, is the old cashier of the bank, and one of the clerks sit by the side of the bank ledgers all day in a back room of No. 73 Broadway. The salaries of the bank employés are tous continued in winding up its affairs. The bank has now been closed one year.


Article from New-York Tribune, December 26, 1877

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CRY FROM A LOSER BY A BROKEN BANK. To the Editor of The Tribune: SIR: I am a bookkeeper, and out of my seanty salary managed, with close economy, to save a couple of hundred dollars, which I from time to time deposited in the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, it being recommended to me as being a safe though not a very large concern, and being convenient to my place of business. This bank is now in the hands of a receiver, who has paid two dividends thus far, amounting to 50 per cent. the last one being paid in May, 1876. The bank suspended payment in November, 1875. Now, do you not think that, if the receiver was to try really hard, be might pay the depositors another dividend, even though it should be a small one, at or soon after the beginning of the new year! I understand he has funds enough on hand at present to pay a dividend of 10 or 15 per cent, but wishes to realize on securities and real estate which are among the assets of the bank. so as to be able to pay a larger and final dividend to the depositors. I, in common with many others just now, am in actual need of every dollar I can obtain. Can you not nsk Mr. Aldrich, the receiver, to hurry up with a dividend? New-York, Dec. 15, 1877. A SAVINGS BANK VICTIM.


Article from The Cincinnati Daily Star, March 3, 1879

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GOTHAM GLEANINGS News, Notes and Dashes in and About the Metropolis. National Associated Press to the Star. BAYARD TAYLOR'S DIRGE. NEW YORK, March 3.-Nearly five hundred Germans, members of twenty-three German singing societies. who are to sing at the funeral of Bayard Taylor, met last vening and rehearsed the parts of the Mirge. It is anticipated that the chorus will number a thousand singers at the funeral, and that every German society in the city will be represented. The singers meet again next Sunday for a final rehearsal. MR. FULTON ARRAIGNS THE BAPTISTS. Rev. Fulton yesterday arraigned the Baptist clergy for a lack of bravery in the pulpit. MBS. DYSON'S RETURN. Mrs. Dyson, on whose evidence Peace was hanged at Leeds, England, last Tuesday, came home yesterday. BANK BOOKS MISSING. The Mutual Benefit Savings Bank of this city closed its doors November 27th, 1875. At the time of its suspension it had four thousand depositors, to whom it owed about $450,000. Bad management and a shrinkage in values caused its failure. Now it is discovered that the books strangely disappeared after the death of the receiver (Aldrich). It is the opinion of the depositors that some of the officers and some of the trustees of the suspended bank are implicated in the fraud. Gen. Charles Graham was President of the bank when it passed into the hands of the receiver. KNOW HOW IT IS THEMSELVES. A considerable number of minstrel men have been joining temperance societies lately, and some of the noted ones are now announced as lecturers in the ranks. The other day Cool Burgess joined the Croton water army, and told of his experience, and yesterday James Sutherland, widely known as Senator Bob Hart, the burlesque temperance orator of minstrel shows, joined the ranks of the converted. He knew how it was himself, and said he had been won to the Temperance Union while attending a meeting three weeks ago. More to be heard from. THE INSURANCE MUDDLE. The Sun says since the management of our insurance affairs was wrested from the Comptroller's Department in 1860, to gratify the greed of unscrupulous partisans, the consequences have been disgraceful and disastrous. Policy holders have been swindled out of millions of money. The law creating the Insurance Department ought to be repealed, and its business restored to the Comptroller's office.


Article from The Sun, March 4, 1879

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POSITORS THREATENING

EIVER BRADLEY ANSWERS THEIR CHARGES OF WRONGDOING. drice In Relation to the Books of the Broken Mutual Benefit Savings Bank-A Casaap may no 009'198 Jº wee nce, in the general crash in the fall of . the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank. whose 0 of business was in the Staats Zeitung ding. closed its doors. there has been much atisfaction among the depositors, of whom e were 4.000. and to whom it owed nearly .000. The friends of the bank say that the ire of the Third Avenue, and other savings ks. bred a want of confidence that had more , with its failure than any other eause, exshrinkage of values. There have always I some depositors who have laid the blame e institution's officers. I the 28th of November last William F. A1h was appointed receiver. some depositors esting vigorously against the appointment. Aldrich entered upon the receivership. and 1 dividends amounting in all to fifty-eight si on the dollar. After two years Mr. A1h died. and concerning his successor, and sequent important discoveries. Mr. FredeHollander the proprietor of the beer cellar 10 Staats Zeitung building. yesterday spoke bllows: After Mr. Aldrich's death, and after waiting e what would by done. I applied to Judge ohite for the appointment of A receiver. n I learned for the first time that Mr. D. en Bradley had been appointed. I thought SUM mispuoq SH 1.000 1: su nard W. Jerome. who WAS also Mr. Aid's bondsman. Not long afterward I detered to look into the nf fir of n certain morte that I suspected. and taking with me Mr. ries E. Wendt. who has charge of theaffairs TO Teutonia Savings Bank, and who is an ert. I asked Mr. Bradley whether an order he Court was necessary in order that we ht examine the books, He said, Certainly and put the books at our disal. Then we found that three imporbooks were missing. the general er. the minute book of the Board of stees. and A stub check book. the latter ortant ns covering the time at which the trage Was taken. The receiver pointed to a ken glass in the door of a store room oppo. where the books were kept, and said that e one must have stolen them from there. I w from H clerk who WAS in the employ of bank that the general ledger and the other ks were there. He will make affidavit that handled them three or four months after Aidrich was appointed receiver. No. I not tell you his name. We are going to get -1180A01 uwo OM дефецм 008 puw CHAMPING - this thing. We believe that there is a fraud somewhere. We thought so before we ned that the books had been stolen. Somey had an interest in getting these books out WAUM at ecoiver D. Ogden Bradley, who represents Second District of Westchester in the Asbly. said: I have been in politics for twenty years. and JeAnu I inq pawy AURUI poor u puq o annoyed more than by this imputation cerning the missing books. Now let me . you the whole story. Mr. Aldrich died on 15th of December. after an illness of six am peovid ou III othersed by 494M sq irs of the bank in the hands of Mr. George Reid. who had been Bank Examiner under Bank Superintendent. Mr. Reid was in rize when Mr. Aldrich died. and has virly been in charge since. He carries keys and has control of all the books. ry book that was in the bank at thetime of


Article from New-York Tribune, December 21, 1880

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THE LAST OF A SAVINGS BANK

In the office of David O. Bradley, at No. 71 Broadway, bangs a small unframed portrait of Admiral Farragut. Near this portrait are stored a few old bank ledgers. This picture and these books are all that remain of the assets of the Mutual Benefit Savings Bank, formerly in The Staats Zeitung building, for which a ceiver was appointed December 3. 1875. This bank then had liabilities amounting to $440,000, which was about $23,000 in excess of its estimated assets. W. J. Aldrich was the first receiver appointed. He died, however, before the aftairs of the bank were settled, and Mr. Bradley was chosen as his successor November 21, 1878. Mr. Bradley's work has now been practically completed, and a final dividend is being paid to the depositors. Mr. Bradley said yesterday to a TRIBUNE reporter: I think that the affairs of the bank have been settled as satisfactorily as could have been expected. The assets of the bank were greatly overestimated. In Mr. Aldrich's receivership three dividends were paid, two of 25 and one of 8 per cent. I am now paying a final dividend of 6% per cent." " Has there been much litigation in settling up I" " No. Neither Mr. Aldrich nor I has indulged in this any more than was absolutely necessary. I think $25,000 would cover the expense of settling up. Mr. Aldrien's fees were, I think, between $16,000 and $17,000; my fees will certainly not be more than $2,000. There is between $3,000 and $4,000 yet in my hands belonging to depositors which has not been called for. One of the depositors, in particular, an old Catholic priest, I have taken great pains in trying to find. He has about $200 to his credit, but I have never been able to get any trace of him."