466. Merchants National Bank (Little Rock, AR)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
1648
Charter Number
1648
Start Date
January 28, 1869
Location
Little Rock, Arkansas (34.746, -92.290)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
9f5a34ec

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
73.6%
Date receivership started
1893-02-06
Date receivership terminated
1908-09-30
Share of assets assessed as good
28.6%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
26.0%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
45.4%

Description

The bank suspended on or about Jan 28, 1869 with heavy liabilities reported; multiple dispatches state suspension. It later resumed business (reports point to resumption in late May/June and explicit date of resumption given as June 20, 1869). There is no clear description of a depositor run in the sources — coverage describes suspension, heavy liabilities, and later reopening under new/organized management (including a receiver). Cause of suspension appears bank-specific (heavy liabilities, loose management).

Events (4)

1. April 2, 1866 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. January 28, 1869 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Reported heavy liabilities and loose/possibly improper management; large claims against government and New York parties led to suspension.
Newspaper Excerpt
The Merchants' National Bank of Little Rock has suspended. Its liabilities are reported to be very heavy, the greater part of which falls on the government and New-York.
Source
newspapers
3. June 20, 1869 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
The Merchants National Bank, which suspended on the 28th January last resumed business on the 20th ult. ... the present officers are: President, Alexander McDonald; ... Receiver, Mr. McKee ... the bank is on a safe substantial basis, with ample means to meet any probable emergency.
Source
newspapers
4. February 6, 1893 Receivership
Source
historical_nic

Newspaper Articles (18)

Article from Elizabeth Daily Monitor, January 29, 1869

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Gen. Sherman and his Secretary, Col Dayton, with their families are on their way to New-Orleans. The Governor of Pennsylvania has signed the death warrant for the exec tion of Gerald Eaton, on the 25th of February, for the murder of Timothy Heenan. The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association have resolved to hold an exhibition of mechanical and industrial products, in Boston, during the present year. The Goverment Commissioner has accepted another section of the Union Pacific Railroad, ending at the 1,000th mile-post. The Central Pacific Railroad, is completed 503 miles east of Sacramento, Cal. A large number of the members of the Anti-Slavery Society, and the friends, assembled last night at Horticultural Hall. to have a social reunion, proceeding the last meeting of the Society, which is to be held to-day. Wendell Phillips presided. The Merchants' National Bank of Little Rock has suspended. Its liabilities are reporte d to be very heavy, the greater part of which falls on the Government and New-York. BREAKWATER.--The constant and rapid encroachment of the sea on the eastern point of Atlantic City has carried away so much of that part of the island that it has been necessary, during the present winter, to remove the White House cottage. About twentyfive hundred feet of the shore in that vicinity have been washed away, and the breakers roll directly on the beach where the light house cottage stood two years ago. Efforts have been making for soine time to induce Congress to make an appropriation for erecting a breakwater or some kind of protection. A delegation of gentlemen, among whom are Hon. Simon Cameron and others, are to visit Atlantic City during the coming week, for the purpose of examining the condition of that point, and report to Congress, By this encroachment of the sea the Government property is nuch endangered, and at very high tides the water is three feet deep between the dwelling of the keeper and the light house. Some protection is greatly needed.


Article from New-York Tribune, January 29, 1869

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LATEST GENERAL NEWS-BY TELEGRAPH. Augusta M. St. Clair, the lecturer, died at Salt Lake on Wednesday. The statement made yesterday that Gen. Sheridan was daily expected from the Plains, is incorrect. Gen. Sherman and his Secretary, Col. Dayton, with their families, are on their way to NewOrleans. The Governor of Pennsylvania has signed the death warrant for the execution of Gerald Eaton, on the 25th of February, for the murder of Timothy Heenan. The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association have resolved to hold an exhibition of mechanical and industrial products, in Boston, during the present year. The Government Commissioner has accepted another section of the Union Pacific Railroad, ending at the 1,000th mile-post. The Central Pacific Road is completed 503 miles east of Sacramento, Cal. The Merchants' National Bank of Little Rock has suspended. Its liabilities are reported to be very heavy, the greater part of which falls on the Government and New-York. At the Farmer's Convention at Augusta, Me., yesterday an address on the progress of American agriculture was delivered by Gov. Brown of Massachusetts. The Direct Trade meeting called to assemble in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been postponed by order of the Commissioners until the assembling of the Commercial Convention in Memphis next May. A petition to the Senate of the United States, signed by the Hon. George B. Upton, and others, against the confirmation of the Alabama Claims Treaty, has been placed at the Merchants' Exchange, Boston, for signatures. A Womans' Rights Convention, under the auspices of the "Borosis "Society, will be held at Chicago, on the 11th of February next. Anna Dickinson will certainly be present. Mrs. Stanton and other advocates of Womans' Rights are expected. A large number of the members of the Anti-Slavery Society, and their friends, assembled last night at Horticultural Hall, Boston, to have a social reunion, proceeding the last meeting of the Society, which is to be held to-day. Wendell Phillips presided.


Article from The New York Herald, January 29, 1869

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important OMB were passed. TO of which relates to the New York and New Haven Railroad, were carried, after which the Senate adjourned. In the Assembly bills were introduced relating to Tompkins Park; to permit associations of the laboring classes; to create a harbor district of the cities of New York and Brooklyn; relative to carrying firearms, and for other purposes. Resolutions were fered relating to the Merchants' Union Express Company and the murder of Charles M. Rodgers, of this city. The Assembly then adjourned. Miscellaneous. General Grant has been so besteged by visitors that he has issued an order to the effect that he will only receive them from ten o'clock in the morning until noon. The Merchants' National Bank, of Little Rock, Ark., has suspended. Its liabilities are reported to be heavy, the greater part falling upon the government and parties in this citiy. The Georgia Legislature has appointed joint committee to report upon the alleged illegal appropriation of money from the State treasury on the Governor's warrants. 4 comm!ttee has also been appointed to report upon the outnages committed throughout the State, and it is proposed to appoint another committee, to consist of Alexander H. Stephens, Herschel V. Johnson and other Jistinguished Georgians, to visit Washington and consult with Congress on the status of the State. A party of negroes in Lenon county, N.O., recently took up a dead body from the grave in order to strip the comn of its heavy silver mountings. The Sheriff pursued and captured them, and at night they were taken out, five in number, by an armed party of mounted men and sbot to death. The local authorities in Nova Scotia have refused to send a representative to Ottawa with Messrs. Howe and McLellan. The New England Labor Convention closed yesterday. A memorial asking Congress not to ratify the Alabama claims treaty is being circulated among the merchants of Boston. A large number of friendly Indians are hunting on the Republican river, and Governor Hall, of Colorado, has issued a proclamation warning the whites from interfering with them. General Sherman and Colonel Dayton, of his staff, with their families, are on their way to New Orleans from St. Louis. A Sorosian Woman's Rights Convention is to be held in Chicago on the 11th of February. Gerald Eaton, who murdered Timothy Heenan, a brother of John C. Heenan, the pugilist, in Philadelphia, last summer, is to be hanged on the 25th of February. Commodore Purviance, who took part in the naval fight in Hampton Roads in 1862, was assaulted and robbed by rufflans in Baltimore on Wednesday night, and so seriously injured that it is feared his wounds may prove fatal. The City. The testimony of Martha Ellsworth was taken by the Coroner yesterday as to the whereabouts of James Logan No. 2 at the time of the murder of Mr. Rogers. She states that he was at the house No. 171 Greene street until seven o'clock on the morning of the 31st and was there again in the evening of the same day, when he said he had lost a heavy black overcoat and bruised his hand, which was bound up, in jumping fences to escape the policemen. The coat and hat torn from the murderer were shown her, and she said they were not the ones Logan had worn. Martha's testimony was taken at her bedside in the hospital on Blackwell's Island, where she is lying sick with a fever. The printers' strike still continues, and the employing printers who still hold out have issued a card urging the strikers to return to their places. In the United States Circuit Court yesterday, before Judge Benedict, a case came up touching the duties of assessors, wherein a reassessment was made and an additional tax put thereon. The Judge held that there were circumstances in which inaccurate returns might be made, and which subsequently coming to the knowledge of the officer he would have the power and right to reassess the additional tax. In the United States Commissioner's Court, in Brooklyn, yesterday, William J. Korn, o. R. Wilson, L. L. Laidlaw and Charles Theriott were indicted for alleged customs frauds, involving half a million of dollars, by means of fraudulent drawback claims. Korn and Wilson were held in $40,000 bail and the others were released on $5000. A young Canadian lost $14,000 in money and a number of diamonds at a gambling hell on Broadway a few evenings ago. He has now got out a warrant for the proprietors of the establishment. The Inman line steamship City of London, Captain Leitch, will leave pier 45 North river at two P. M. to-morrow, for Queenstown and Liverpool. The mails for Europe will close at the Post Office at twelve M. on the 30th inst. The steamship France, Captain Grace, of the National line will sall from pier 47 North river, at seven o'clock to-morrow morning for Liyerpool, calling at Queenstown to land passengers, &c. The Anchor line steamship Britannia, Captain Donaldson, will leave pier 20 North river to-morrow for Glasgow, touching at Londonderry. The steamship Cleopatra, Captain Philips, will sald at ten o'clock this morning from pier 16 East river for Havana, Sisal and Vera Cruz. The Merchants' line steamship General Grant, Captain Quick, will be despatched at taree P. M. to. morrow. 30th inst., from pier 12 North river, for New Orleans direct. The Black Star line steamship Montgomery, Captain Lyon, will leave pier 13 North river, at three P. M. on Saturday for Savannah, Ga. The stock market yesterday was strong for the Western shares, but weak for New York Central and Harlem. Gold was dull, closing at 136 1/2. Prominent Arrivals in the City. Judge Noah Davis, of Albion: Mayor Banks, of Paltimore; Colonel C. O. Rogers, of Boston, and W. S. c. Otis, of Cleveland, are at the st. Nicholas Hotel. General W. W. Beiknap, of Iowa; Captain Neil, of the United States Army; A. Haggen, of Idaho, and Dr. Thomas S. Rice, of England, are at the Metropolitan Hotel. Lieutenant M. Smith, of the United States Army, is at the Brevoort House. Judge Colt, of Pittsfield; Colonel Osborne, of New York; W. Williams, of Buffalo, and Stanley Woodward, of Pennsylvania, are at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Paymaster R. C. Spalding, of the United States Navy General T. Tilghman, of Maryland; W. Beck, of Milwaukee; General John F. Rathborn, of Albany, and Captain W. A. Parker, of the United States Navy, are at the Hoffman House. General Ira Spaulding, of Albany; Captain Howell,


Article from The New York Herald, January 29, 1869

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ARKANSAS. Operations of the Militia-Prompt Punish. ment for Lawlessness and Crime-Measures for the Restoration of Peace and Order. MEMPHIS, Jan. 28, 1869. Governor Clayton, of Arkansas, says in regard to affairs in the State that the militia had committed some outrages, for which, as far as practicable, they had been summarily dealt with. The militia acted as well as any troops would under similar circumstances. Many outrages had been committed by marauders, following in the wake of and representing themselves to be militiamen. The militia officers had instructed the citizens to shoot down such pretenders. Another cause of the reported out rages is the fact that the organization of a commissary train being impracticable he had ordered the officers to subsist their commands off the country and give vouchers for supplies where the claimants could establish their loyalty. He was determined to cure the evil for all time to come, making sharp, short, decisive work of it. Several counties are still under martial law, but the number or these, as well as the militia force, is being reduced as fast as possible. Failure of the Merchants' National Bank of Little Rock. MEMPHIS, Jan. 28, 1869. The Merchants' National Bank, of Little Rock, has suspended. Its liabilities are reported to be very heavy, the greater part of which falls on the government and New York.


Article from Evening Star, January 30, 1869

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EVENING STAR. Washington News and Gossip. INTERNAL Revenue-The receipts to-day from this SOUTCE were $550,361.08. IT IS ASSERTED that one of the very firsto General Grant's official acts as President will be to order General Sheridan to the command of the Department at New Orleans. MR SHERMAN, in the Senate this morning, presented the petition of members of the Georgetown Councils and others, asking the passage of the bill to incorporate the Indus trial Home School for the District of Columbia MR. CONKLING introduced in the Senate this morning a bill to promete the building o Steamships in the United States and to provide for the transportation of the U. S. mails between New York and Europe by steamships built in the United States. GEN KILPATRICK has succeeded in inducing the Senate Committee en Appropriations to reagainst the action of the House, in con. solidating certain South American missions The committee, in the consular and diplomatic bill reported to-day, has restored the original appropriations for all these missions. THE IMPORTANT BILL reducing the military forces, reported by Mr. Wilson on Monday last. passed the Senate yesterday after the brief consideration of twenty minutes. Mr. Conkling's amendment to probibit the filling of two vacant brigadier generalships was adopted without even a division. JOHN M. LANESTON. of Ohio will be an ap plicant for the Ministership to Hayti, under Grant. This IS the same position tendered him by President Johnson, but declined for the reason that he would not dim his political prospects by accepting an office under the present Administration A CORRESPONDENT inquires Is not some one throwing dust into the eyes of members of Congress. by arousing their indignation upon the second seation of the pension bill now pending before the House, for the purpose of cloaking opposition to the sections restricting the fees of agents 1" THE BILL to incorporate the National Rail way Trust and Lose Company, introduced in the Senate on Thursday last by Mr. Vickers, and referred to the Committee on Railroads was reported back by Mr. Vickers this morni ing, and referred to tbe Committee on the Distriet of Columbia. THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NAVAL AFFAIES held a meeting this morning, and had before them the question of alleged frauds in the purchase of machinery for the Philadelphia Navy Yard. N. Gouch. Esq., concluded his argument for the contractors. The Committee will propbably make a report in the matter early next week THE THIRD RECEPTION this season of Speaker Collaxand lady took place last evening, and like the preceding ones. was largely stiended the partors being crowded from The urtil eleven o'clock. The visitors were cordially received by the Speaker and his lady, assisted by Mrs. and Miss Matthews, his mother and sister. GEN. JOHN COCHRANE. of New York, has been here in consultation with promirert Re. publicans. His friends want to make him A: toraey General, but by general consent thrt place is now mortgaged in behalf of James F Wilson, of lowa. At any rate. it IS copead d that Mr. Wilson 18 to have place in the Cabi. net; and certainly ne better material for a Cab. inet officer could be found in the country. IF RUMORS are to be believed, the failure of the Merchants' National Bank of Litt'e Rock Ark. announced yesterday, 18 a pretty bad one. with indications that its management was characterized by extreme looseness, if nothing worse. It is said that depositors will lose beavily, and that 2 considerable amount of Government funds are swallowed up in the smasa: but it is likely that it has some security that will prot et it from entire loss. IN THE SENATE this morning, Mr. Conness. from the Committee on Mines and Mining asked that the Committee be discharged from the further consideration of the bill to incorporate the National Gold and Silver Mining Company of Washington, D. C., which bill namesas corperators Chas. H. Howard, Jos. T. Brown. Adam S. Pratt. A. K. Browne, D. Hickling, Henry H Tallmadge, L. C. Tall. madge, Warren C. Stone; and Octavius Knight. The committee was discharged. BELLES TO ORDER A New York paper The City, says: "Miss Nettie Fenton, daughter of our new Senator, will be the belle of Washington society, under the Grant administration." It is a pleasant thing to have belles thus ready made and selected 12 advance. It saves lookers on the trouble of forming any conclusions on the subject: and saves the ladies, also, the labor and expense of trying to be belles themselves THE RECONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE held a meeting this morning, and examined one witness relative to affairs in Mississippi. The committee will next week take final action upon the questions before them as to the admission of Virginia and Mississippi, and also upon the resolution of General Payne, of Wis., instructing the committee to inquire into the eligibility of the Georgia delegation in the House, that State not having complied with the Reconstruction acts, It is thought the committee will report against the delegation. and declare them ineligible to their seats. If a statement it the last issue of The Spirit of the Times is to be relied on. there was a race in progress between the steamers Periere and Holsatia from Havre to New York, when the accident occurred on the first named vessel by which several passengers lost their lives, inclading Rev. Mr. Callaghan. formerly of Gergetown. It is not unlikely, therefore, that the bursting of the steam pipe, to which the fatality was first attributed, was the result of too great a desire to win the race. Atany rate. would


Article from The Evansville Journal, February 2, 1869

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WASHINGTON. Supreme Court Proceedings - Important Discussion. W ASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-In the United States Supreme Court to-day, in case No. 43, Pacific Insurance Co. VS. Frank. Soule, on a certificate. There was a division in the opinion before the Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States for the Districe of California. In this case the Court held that it was the duty of Assistant Assessors to reduce to their value in currency all returns made in coin, and that the person or corporation making such return, is liable to pay income tax on the amount thus returned on the currency. and that such income tax is not a direct tax, but a duty and excise, but as such, is obligatory and valid. It is thought at the Treasury Department that the Government will not lose anything by the failure of the Merchants' National Bank at Little Rock, Arkansas, The amount owing by the bank at the time of the failure will probably be covered by securities in the hands of the Treas urer. WASHINGTON, February .1. - The Reconstruction Committee, to day, appointed Messrs. Paine, Norris, and Beck a sub-committee to consider and report upon all applications for the removal of political disabilities. Intelligence was received here today from Pensacola, that the monitors Oneontato and Catawba, sold by this Government to Pern, will leave Pensacola this week for Lima. Hon T. B. Florence is not dead, as telegraphed hence. His paper, the Daily Union, suspended publication on Saturday,


Article from The New York Herald, February 2, 1869

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to beware of designing demagogues, wno professed friendship for the colored man only to betray him, and assured them that, whatever may be said to the contrary, there could not be, in any section of the country, warmer or more disinterested friends to the colored race than the intelligent classes of the South. They should not pin their political faith to any particular party in the belief that their friends can only be found in that party alone, but should study the institutions and laws of their country in connection with their own welfare, and choose for themselves. The speech- making ended, the Secretary invited them into an adjoining room, where a table was spread with a bounteous supply of refreshments, to which they devoted their attentions with most praiseworthy zeal. To the colored employés of the Interior De- partment this was an epoch, and, judging from the great glee with which they discuss the momentous events of last Saturday, they will serve as an absorb- ing theme for months to come. # The Tariff Question Squelched. The Tariff bill received its quietus in the House to- day, and it will hardly be brought up again this session, even by its persistent advocate, Mr. Moor- head. With the exception of Moorhead, its friends abandoned it some time ago, chiefly because it has for some time been apparent that no measure of a satisfactory character could be passed at this session. # The Merchants' National Bank, of Little Rock. It is thought at the Treasury Department that government will not lose anything by the failure of the Merchants' National Bank, at Little Rock, Ark. The amount owing by that bank at the time of the failure to the Treasurer of the United States and to government disbursing officers was less, than $220,000. The assets of the bank with the Treasurer can be sold for an amount hearly equal to that figure, and if there be anything left to the bank at all it is not possible for the government to lose. # The Bradley Case Still Undecided. The case of Joseph H. Bradley again came before the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia to- day, all the judges present excepting Judge Fisher. The Court said the paper submitted to it a few days ago by Mr. Bradley professed to have two objects- one to offer an apology to this court for his language to Judge Fisher in the Criminal Court and the other to protest against the courts applying to his case the rule recently adopted excluding from practice in all the courts organized by the act of March 3, 1863, any attorney who may have been dismissed or suspended by either of them, so long as the order for that pur- pose continues in force. The Court, after replying at length to that paper, concluded by saying- With a proper spirit on the part of Mr. Bradley there would be no difficulty in framing an apology which would be satisfactory to the Criminal Court as well as this, and be creditable to himself. The ab- sence of this spirit has hitherto been the only obstacle to bis restoration. We entertain a sincere respect for his age, his learning and his ability in the profession. We have felt it to be a painful duty to exclude him from the bar, of which he was the acknowledged leader and where we have often witnessed his tri- umphs. We issued our rule upon him to show cause why he should not be punished for contempt of court, and purposely confined our charges to two specifications-one, the use of offensive language to Judge Fisher in the Criminal Court, which we then thought was a branch of our jurisdiction, and the other the letter to Judge Fisher, to which repeated reference has already been made. But his return to that rule was not such as we hoped it would be, and our order of dismissal from the bar was the consequence. He then applied to the Supreme Court of the United States for a mandamus to compel us to restore him, and that court granted the mandamus at its present term. That also was & result which we had not looked to as possible, but we have obeyed the mandate by rescinding our order of dismissal. Self-protection, the authority and life of the very court, was at stake, and this led to the adoption of the rule, against the application of which to his case Mr. Bradley protests in the present paper. The result of all these proceedings, so far as he is concerned, is that the mandamus which he has obtained takes him away from the jurisdiction of this court in General Term and remits him to the Criminal Court, where the trouble commenced. It is not our intention to rescind the rule we have adopted or shrink from its application in a proper case. But we recommend to Mr. Bradley, in a simi- lar spirit of conciliation, that he make the required retraction and apology to the Criminal Court, and thus prevent its application to his case. The result is in his own hands. # Importation Dues of the Spanish West Indies. The Secretary of State has received a despatch from our Consul at San Juan, Porto Rico, enclosing a copy of a decree published by the Minister of the colonies of the provisional government of Spain, dated October last, by which the importstion into Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands of all materials destined for public works is decared free from import duties. # The Peruvian Monitors at Pensacda. Intelligence was received here to-day from Pensa- cola that the monitors Oneonta and Catavba, sold by the government to Peru, will leave Pensacola this week for Lima. # Important Decisions by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary of the Treasury has rentered the following decisions:- Pulied or undressed skins are dutiable atten per cent. All duties must be deposited in coir A de- posit of an equivalent in money is not albwable. Where there is but one deck to a steamer, nd the engines and bollers which rest upon the keelen-pass through that deck, the space so occupied being covered in, the law exempis from admeasurment only that portion which is above the deck. As a general rule the department does not perimit te ex- amination and appraisement of any importe mer- chandise away from the public stores whic can properly te examined and appraised at them. Duti- able articles making part of a person's ordinar lug- gage are not liable to such forfeiture as is defing in section one of the act of June 27, 1864, unless here has been a refusal to open or to afford means of ben- ing the package or envelope in which they areen- closed, or concealment equivalent to such refusa or an omission of articles from a declaration of conants of package required by section forty-six of the at of March 2, 1799, silk and cotton hostery, shirts ind drawers of silk, the chier value should be asseted with the duty of sixty per cent, under the desiga- tion of "ready made clothing" or "wearing appart." A fishing vessel, under enrolment and license, day proceed with a cargo from a United States porta port in the British provinces on taking int a permit for the purpose from the collecter. She must clear on departure and enter in return. National bank depositories and Iscal agents of the United States are not autho- ized to charge individuals for redeeming mutilated or defaced United States currency on rot- ernment account. An importer is liable for anyde- ficiency in the payment of duties on bonded gitds, although said goods may have been transferra to another party. The prohibition in the ninety-seond section of the act of March 27, 1799, against impeta- tions of foreign merchandise from other than ija- cent foreign territories in vessels of less than tirty tons does not apply to importations from Britis Co- lumbia to Alaska. Goods withdrawn from a vire- house the day following the anniversary of the date of their importation are liable to addi- tional duty under the act of March 4, 1866. The revised warehouse regulations of Octoler 30, 1868, supersede the instructions of July 2, 88, concerning the transportation of merchandise to Mexico. Such merchandise cannot be transpotd to Carrizo for exportation. These regulations to not require the establishment of bonded warehoss at por's along the Rio Grande, but provide that ne- chandise may pass through such ports in bondre immediate exportation to Mexico. Cigars, cigaretes and cheroots imported into the United States ate July 20, 1868, pay a duty of two dollars and cents per pound and twenty-five per cent d


Article from Memphis Daily Appeal, February 3, 1869

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Sterling Exchange was steady at 109g for 60 day bills. Gold carrying at 7 per cent., with large 'short interest. Gold opened at 135gc, fell to 1, and closed at 135. Stocks, at the opening, were unsettled and irregular. At 2 p.m. the market generally had a downward tendency, and at the close was active, as follows: Wells & Fargo Ex., - American Ex., 471; Adams' Ex.; U. S. Ex., Merchants Union Ex., 181; Quicksilver, 23; Canton, Pacific Mail, 118}; Western Union Telegraph Co., 39; New York Central, 164}; Erie, -; Hudson, 1351; Reading, 961; Chicago & Alton, 152; preferred, 152; Toledo, W. & F. W., 65; preferred, 17; St. Paul, 661; preferred, 811; Ft. Wayne, 1204; Ohio & Mississippi, 381; Michigan Central, 129; Michigan Southern, 941; Illinois Central, 138]; Cleveland & Pittsburg, 93; Cleveland & Toledo, 104}; Rock Island, 131; Chicago & Northwestern, 84) preferred, 92g. Tennessee Bonds were quoted at 671@ 683 for old; 671@67 for new, with no sales of either reported. The offerings of Gold in this market were larger than usual, and sales were made to dealers at 1341@1353. We take the following from the Little Rock Gazette of the 28th ult., in reference to the late bank collapse in that city: Quite an excitement occurred in financiai circles yesterday over the closing of the National Bank in this city, and the suspension of payments, Col. Henry Page, State Treasurer, has addressed us the following note, which explains itself: TREASURY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, } Little Rock, January 28, 1869. Elitors Gazette: I have the honor to inform the citizens of Arkansas that prior to the suspension of the Merchants' National Bank all indobtedness to the State of Arkansas was amply secured from loss. HENRY PAGE, Treasurer. The following telegraphic dispatch to Mr. Clark, cashier, has also been handed us for publication: WASHINGTON, D.C., January 28, 1869. Chas. A. Clark, Cashier: All depositors shall be paid if I have to do it individually. You can use my steamboat stocks, lands, mail pay, and property in Kansas to purchase stock from my friends if dissatisfied. This is an lawful blow on me, from which I suffer terribly. Pay depositors when you can, in notes, bonds or anything the bank has. How much will it take in cash ALEX. McDONALD. (Signed) The liabilities of the bank, that is the amount due to individual and government depositors is $425,000; of that amount about $175,000 is due to individusls. The cashier of the bank is confident of being able to resume payments within fourteen days. It is certainly to be hoped that his expectation will be realized, for in many instances it is the depositor's all, and failing to get it, will in some cases cause permanent and in many temporary embarrassments. We omitted to state that the assets of the bank exceeds its liabilities $35,000, but it is quite probable that a portion of this amount could not be made available at present. We shall not speculate on this point now but will await further development.


Article from Rutland Weekly Herald, February 4, 1869

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e -The official copy of the Alabama treaty has been received at Washington, by mail. -The House committee on roads and canals on Monday decided to report unanin of a imously favor bill river for the New Brooklyn York. Bridge across the East to -The reconstruction committee has appointed Messrs. Payne of Wisconsin,,Norris, of Alabama, and Beck of Kentucky, sub-committee to consider and report all applications for the removal of political disabilities. --The House declines to pay the departmental clerks any increase of salaries. The proposition for ten per cent. was tabled, but another attempt will be made. It is understood that whatever the House will agree to the Senate will pass. -The tariff bill was killed in the House by its refusal to take it up in evening Tuesday session. The tax bill came up night and succeeding evenings, but with very little hope of its passage by this Congress. -Mr. Evarts returned Monday morning, and spent most of the afternoon in the Senate and in the House. He tells his friends that he will not accept the attorney-generalship under the next administration, if it is offered. --The Senate and House committees on Indian affairs held a joint meeting Monday, and decided to report favorably upon the long standing Choctaw claim of $1,800,000 for lands ceded by the Choctaw nation, many years ago, and that amount is to be inserted in the pending appropriation bill. An unfounded report of the death of Col. Tom B. Florence, the well known politician, was current at Washington, Sunday, and published in the New York Tribune, Monday, with a long obituary notice. His paper, the Washington Daily Union, suspended publication on Saturday. -It is said that the prospect of the passage of the equal suffrage amendment in the Senate is lessened by the fact that Garrett Davis is ready with a five days speech against it, and Summer with fills a three days' speech for it. If either one half its time the amendment will fail by lapse of time. --It is thought at the treasury department at Washington, that the government failwill not lose anything by the recent ure of the Merchant's National bank at Little Rock, Ark, and of which Senator McDonald was president. The amount failowing by that bank at the time of its ure will probably be covered by securities United in the hands of the treasurer of the States. -Mr. Brandegee, of Connecticut, was before the House committee on appropriations, Monday morning, asking an appro- the for a preliminary survey of London harbor, for a committee promised The priation New $5,000 naval for site. this Mr. and when it is in the House, will move Starkweather, purpose, of New Loudon, will to increase the sum to $10,000, and it probably be carried. -The House won't have anything terri- to with the annexation of any more do The San Domingo proposition, the which tory. was SO effectually destroyed with in Mr. House, on Monday, originated island Seward. He has advices from the it is waiting for some strong sick it, but the House is so and Seward's negotiations not listen Islands that it would that to Danish Alaska adopt scheme. for power the of to te or annexation of of using a treasury The department President for the Johnson. Some any protectora left question with reply inauguration wing will the be, to ball is friends say that his future of his Gen. Grant will agree in he that him as a gentleman There is the the general will Grant recognize whether consent. if considerable attend doubt ball, will has it is claimed that Mrs. though her promise to be present. given United States Supreme Court, case ...The decided on an appealed district of on Monday, Circuit Court of the assistant from the that it is the duty value of in California. to reduce to their coin, all returns made in and corporations an rency assessors that making income cur- and persons returns are liable to pay in cursuch on the amount thus returned income tax is tax also that such and rency, and tax, but a duty or valid. excise, The not a direct obligatory and Justice Swayne. opinion as such was is delivered by Mr.


Article from The Bedford Gazette, February 5, 1869

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NEWS IN BRIEF. *Letteshave peace." Yes, but peace such an administration as Governor Clayton's, in Ar. kansas, Within a few days, in Crittendon county, six white wether were violated by his negro militia mentwo, Mrs. Calloway and her sister-in the presence of Mr. Calloway, who when white militia came along before the escape of the black fiends, and handed him a gun, was not man enough to fire at the brutes. Judge Olin, of the District Supreme Court of Washington city, has prepared a decision in the matter of the claimants of the $20,000 reward offered by the city of Washington for the capture of the assassination conspirators, in which he holds that the claimants, having been at the time in the civi! and military service of the United States, are not entitled to any portion of the reward. Eveline Courtney, an exceedingly pretty ballet girl of 16, having been dragged to the lowest depths of infamy, by a villain to whom she became fondly attached, attempted suicide in New Orleans, last week, by taking laudanum. She was rescued from death-tocommence, perhaps, a happier career. Allen Baker, the outlaw and wholesale "loyal" carpetbag murderer of Arkansas, has been killed by Mr. Thomas Orr, whom he thought he had hanged, but who was rescued before life was extinct. A large number of friendly Ute Indians are hunting on the Republican river, and acting Gov. Hall, of Colorado, has issued a proclamation warning the military and civilians from molesting them. "Jim Gannon" and "Mike Hoyt," whoever they are, had a brutal fight for $400, at Brooklyn, N. Y., nineteen rounds in one hour and four minutes, resulting in favor of Gannon. They evaded the law by wearing gloves. The government commissioners have accepted another section of the Union Pacific road ending at the one thousandth mile post. The Central Pacific has completed 503 miles east of Sacramento. The Governor of Pennsylvania has signed the death warrant for the execution of Gerald Eaton on the 25th of February for the murder of Timothy Heenan. Memphis, January 28.-The Merchants' National Bank of Little Rock has suspended, with, it is reported, very heavy liabilities. The greater part falls on the government and New York. A monument to cost $9,000 is to be erected over the remains of Sam Houston, at Huntsville, Texas. Florida planters are preparing for planting cotton largely this year. They think the unusually cold weather there has destroyed the caterpillars. In the cargo of the steamship Moravian, which sailed from Portland for Liverpool. on sunday, was about $80,000 worth of butter from Canada. The four negro militia men who recently outraged five white ladies at Marion, Ark., were tried by court martial and shot. large number of burglaries have been recently reported in Washington, N.C., showing the existence, in that city, of an organized band of thieves.


Article from The National Republican, April 19, 1869

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THE COURTS. DISTRICT SUPREME COURT-General Term. Chief Justice Cartter and Justices Wylie, Olin, and Fisher sat in banc on Saturday, and acted on the following cases: Harding et al. VS. Bradley et al. Application for a mandamus to compel the inspectors of election of the Washington and Georgetown Railroad Company to substitute certain persons as elected directors of that company in the place of certain other persons whom they have certified as elected. The defendants had demurred to the petition as showing no grounds for the exercise of the power of the court. The court was divided as to its powers in the premises: Chief Justice Cartter and Justice Fisher holding that the court had such power, and Justices Wylie and Olin that it was beyond their jurisdiction. The court being thus equally divided, the mandamus was refused. Chas. Ewing vs. C. E. Fuller and others. The case came up on a motion to dissolve an injunction made by Justice Olin. The plaintiff, in this case, claims to have been a co-partner with Fuller and Stettaner, to whom was assigned a contract by one Simerly, which the firm executed and that on final settlement a voucher for $80,813 was given in Simerly's name and transferred to W.S. Huntington, esq., who was about to collect the same and transfer it beyond the jurisdiction of this court. Upon the filing of this bill Judge Olin granted the usual preliminary order. Afterwards Perry Fuller filed his answer denying that Ewing had any claim on the firm, and the Merchant's National Bank of Little Hock came In as a defendant, and claims the 880,818, on the ground that it purchased the voucher in question without notice of any equity OD the part of Ewing, and paid $7,200 cash on the vouchers, the balance being covered by interest and expenses. Upon the coming in of the answers Judge Olin made an order of injunction and for a receiver. The defendants came then in general term and moved to dissolve this injunction. The complainants moved to dismiss the motion as beyond the jurisdiction of the court, and the motion e to dissolve was dismissed. Dodge & McCletian vs. Clark. This case comes up on an appeal from the order of r Justice Olin for a writ of assistance, authorizing the taking possession of certain propof erty of Morgan & Rhinehart, made by Judge n Hughes, and a motion to dismiss such appeal made by Mr. Webb. 1. Mr. Webb insisted that as the order was a es mere equitable flat for execution, it was not F appealable. y Judge Hughes avowed that as the prope erty could not be seized under the writ without a decision as to the merits of the case, such decision was appealable. s, in The Chief Justice announced the opinion of of the court, that the order of Judge Olin it did not involve the merits and could not be of appealed from. So the appeal was dismissed. 11, Severson vs. Mayor of Washington. This, as we noticed some weeks since, Is an applid cation of Mr. Severson, who alleges that he a, th is the engineer of the Washington canal, to or compel the Mayor of Washington to sign a m warrant for the payment of his salary. The substance of his memorial was published at s, the time it was filed. The Mayor's answer is, denies that the office exists, and asserts that ey whatever rights the complainant may have he can enforce by a suit at law. at Messrs. Selden and Hine appeared for et, Severson," and Messrs. Cook and; Hine for to the defence. The case was then postponed 50; until Saturday next. its Adjourned. 20


Article from Evening Star, April 19, 1869

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THE EWING-FULLER CASE-The - case of Ewing agt. Fuller et al. was before the District Supreme Court on Saturday on a motion to dissolve an injunction made by Justice Olin. The plaintiff claims to have been co-partner with Fuller and Stettaner, to whom was assigned a contract by one Simerly, which the firm exe. ented: and that on final settlement a voucher for $80,813 was given in Simerly's name and transferred to W. S. Huntington, Esq, who was about to collect the same and transfer it beyond the jurisdiction of this court. Upon the filing of this bill Judge Olin granted the usual preliminary order. Afterwards Perry Fuller filed his answer, denying that Ewing had any claim on the firm, and the Merchants' National Bank of Little Rock came in as a defendant, and claims the $80,813, on the ground that it purchased the voucherin question with. out notice of any equity on the part of Ewing, and paid $7,200 cash on the vouchers, the balance being covered by the interest and expenses. Upon the coming in of th answers, Judge Ohn made an order of injunction and for a receiver The defendants came then in general term. and moved to dissolve the injunction. The complainants moved to dismiss the motion as beyond the jurisdiction of the court, and the motion to dissolve was dismissed.


Article from Memphis Daily Appeal, May 21, 1869

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Advices received at the Treasury Department stated that the Merchants National Bank of Littie Rock, Ark., which suspended some months ago, has resumed business. Senator McDonald is President of the institution. A return has been issued in London showing the amount of all gold, silver, and copper moneys of the realm coined at the Mint for each year from the 1st of January, 1859, to the 31st of December, 1868. The number of sovereigns coined during the decade was 41,293,641, and the total value of the sovereigns and half sover-


Article from Memphis Daily Appeal, June 29, 1869

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Fort wavne 150% 33 Ohio and Mississippi A rumor by telegraph to-day says the Ocean National Bank of New York has been robhed of $2,000,000 Government Bonds, The suspended Merchants National Bank of Little Rock reopened and resumed business on Saturday under what are represented to be very favorable auspices. A question has been raised as to when bank notes made payable on the 4th of July are to be collected. The Banker's


Article from Nashville Union and American, July 1, 1869

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NEWS OF THE DAY. The Merchant's national bank of Little Rock, which recently suspended, resum* ed business on Saturday. Chief Justice Chase is of the opinion that the iron-clad oath cannot be exacted from the members of a legislature. The President has appointed Major John S Hays of Illinois, Secetary of legation to Spain. Major Hays was Assis. tant Secretary to the late President Lin= coln. It is now announced that the leading members of the English government are in favor of acceding to the demand, if made, of the Dominon, for the independence. A large number of lottery dealers have been arrested in New York, for having failed to take out a special license as required by the revenue laws. They were required to furnish $1,000 bail, and to answer. Dr. Cheney, of Chicago, who has been cited by the bishop to appear for trial on a charge of certain omissions in the reading of the church service, has been warmly indorsed by his congregation, who see no heresy in his course, and de. precate the coming trial. a In Massachusetts, on June 25, a law went into effect which provides that any baggage master, express agent, stage driver, hackman, or other person whose duty it is to handle, remove, or take care of the baggage of passengers, who shall willfully or recklessly injure or destroy any trunk, valise, box, package or parcel, while loading, transporting, unloading, delivering or storing the same, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars. A similar law might be useful in this State. A young man named Joseph Wagner, living in Charleston, West Virginia, professed to have the power of charming snakes. Last Thursday, having captured a rattlesnake, he was giving some friends an exhibition of this power. After fond ling the snake for a time in his arms, he threw it on the ground, and switched it until it writhed with rage. He then took r the reptile up in his arms again, and say ing, "Are mad?-kiss me and make e snake up," he bit put you his its tongue, head and in his he mouth. died in about The an hour afterward. In fifteen minutes r after being bitten, his skin assumed the spotted color of the snake.


Article from Memphis Daily Appeal, July 2, 1869

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CONTRA. To loss of ten percent, framinjury to crops from cool spring, bales 330,000 Probable cropofisca 2,970,000 3,300,000 It is understood that all the calculations are from the present status of the situalion, and unless some casualty occurs to reduce the yield, they will be more than realized -The Merchants National Bank of Little Rock, which suspended on the 28th January last resumed business on the 20th últ. The Liberal says: "In regard to the present condition of the bank. we are assured by the Receiver, Mr. McKee, and by the President and others occupying positions that would renderthem familiar with its affairs, that it is on a safe substantial basis, with ample means to meet any probable emergency. An exhibit will soon be published which will place the public in In full possession of all the facts. The present officers are: President, Alexander McDonald; Vice President, R. d. Jennings: Cashier, Chas, A. Clark; Board of Directors, A. McDonald, R. G. Jennings, Henry Page, C. H. Smith, C. G. Scott, J. G. Botsford and J. W. Smith.


Article from The Van Buren Press, July 13, 1869

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The Merchants National Bank. The Merchant's Bank at Little Rock has resumed operations. The Liberal of that city says, "the present officers are: President, Alexander McDonald ; Vice-Presiden, R.G. Jennings: Cashier, Chas. A. Clark, Board of Directors: A. McDonald, R. G. Jennings. Henry Page, C. H. Smith. C. G. Scott. J.G. Botsford. and J. W. Smith. " Great credit 18 due Hon. Alexander McDonald for his untiring energy in securing means and bring about this happy consumation. Many a fireside is thus made cheerful, and many a heart is gladdened, Grave misgivings have been expressed and many curses and implications have been heaped upon the managers during the period of suspension, but the final result must convince all that the best of intentions were possessed throughout, by those charged with the conduct of affairs, and they are now entitled to that full restoration of confidence that belongs of right to those who earnestly seek to fulfill their obligations to their fellow men. We welcome the Merchant's National Bank back again with a hope that it will be animated with new financial vigor after its brief respite.


Article from The Van Buren Press, July 13, 1869

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CARD. LITTLE Rock. June 15th, 1809. To the Stockholders. Directors and Depositors, of the Merchants' National Bank. I desire to return my sincere and heartfelt thanks. for the confidence they have continued to manifest in the institution, during the past few months. As my friends all know, the Bank was originally started for the benefit of the STATE OF ARKANSAS. and has been managed without prejudice for. or minst any section or party. In trying to here its customers-while disappointed in the inceipt of considerable sums on which it relied. during my absence.--it was deemed expedient to incur a temporary suspension. In opening the Bank for general business I am happy to say, we have NOW money at command, to pav all demands on presentation; and extend to customers the usual 1acilities. I hope therefore, the Bank will continue to enjoy the confidence. not only of my personal friends, but of the entire business community Refering to the annexed card from Col. R. Mekee. special agent of the Treasury at Washington. I am respectfully, Your obedient servant. A. McDONALD.