Hibernia Savings & Loan Society (San Francisco, CA)

Episode Information

Episode UID
5461730590908
Episode Type
Run Only
Bank Type
savings
Bank ID
546173059 hash
Start Date
August 27, 1875
Location
San Francisco, California (37.780, -122.419)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
ad4fbe7f3e56fc3e

Response Measures

None

Events (1)

1. August 27, 1875 Run
Cause
Macro News
Cause Details
Small run triggered by the broader San Francisco panic following the Bank of California failure and related rumors; depositors briefly withdrew funds.
Measures
Paid demands promptly within the institution's by‑laws (limited/regulated payments).
Newspaper Excerpt
There has been a slight rush at the Hibernia Savings Bank, but the demands were promptly met within the by-laws.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (11)

Article from New Orleans Republican, August 28, 1875

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Custome receipts day $435,000. FENANCIAL. Gold Transfers. WASHINGTON. Auguet 27 -Heavy !rang fere of gold to California are being made by the Treasurer to-day in support of the banks of that section, upon official notifications being received at the department that the agents of the banks have deposited gold with the assistant treasurer at San Francisco, placing credite to 'the respective banks making such deposit in New York. Thus far over $1,000,000 has been trans ferred. n Blue Feeling in Oat Francisco The Struggles of the Banks to Heep Open. SAN FRANCISCO, August 26, 10P. M.-The general feeling about town to-day is rather blue. The cashier of the National Gold Bank and Trust Company stated to a gentleman during an interview this evening, that the bank would open in the morning, but might have to suspend during the day This bank paid all its gold in the after noon and a good deal of silver. It it can make arrangements to-night for coin it may be able to ride over to morrow. run 18 expected on the San Francisco and :Mer chante Exchange Bank to morrow. A meeting of bank presidents was called this evening to concert measures for rellei. The Board of Brokers have also called a meeting. Statemical of the President of the Suse pended Bank: August 26. Midnight.-The National Gold Bank and Trust Company have sent in the following notice for publication in the morning papers: "In consequence of the pabic and in 08 eibility of obtaining coin the National Gold Bank and Trust Company will close until further notice. The back has $1 300,000 over and above all, its liabilities. As soon as cois ean be obtained it will resume buei ness as usual. Ja the meantime any cred itor 80 desiring can have good assets of the bank so the amount of bis claim. By order of the board of trustees Later. August 27.-The Merchante' Exchange Bank has closed. The officersclaim the only tronble is the lack ot coin, of which they had $100,000 of $800,000 liable to draft, The managers of the London and San Francisco Bank assert their ability to meet the run. Business Suspended-Great Excitement. The exchanges are all clobed, and busi hess is suspended. Intense excitèment prevails. The Excitement Subsides-Condition of the Banks. The excitement consequent upon the fail are of the Bank of California seems to be subsiding. The crowd on California street is much less than at the opening of business this morning. The run on the London and San Francisco Baukhas ceased. with large supplies in the vaults. The slight run on the AngloCalifornia Bank this morning soon subsided. The First National Gold Bank reporte everything secure. The same may be said of the Bank of British Columbia and the Commercial and Pacific Banke. The private banks report no excitement. and everything is going on as usual. Generally speaking, all the city banks are considered sound, except the Bank of California President Ralston has said nothing in ad. dition to bis statement yesterday. Many rumors are current regarding the condition of the Bank of California. One statement. apparently from good authority is that the bank will pay the depositors in full and the stockholders fifty cents on the dollar. On the other Land. a prominent stockholder states the most the bank can do will be to satisfy the demands of the depositore, and scarcely be able to do that. There has been a elight rush at the Hibernia Savings Bank, but the demand was promptly met within the rules as expressed by the by-laws of the institution. On the whole, confidence seems to be returning It is believed the worst is over Little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs of either the National Gold Bank and Trust Company or Merchante' Exchange Bank. The former reports the probability of soon resuming, though unable to fix the time. They have an abun dance of available assets. which are only waiting the reception of coin. The presi dent this morning states that they paid out about $1,000,000 yesterday and have still a small supply left. The Merchants' Exchange Bank is be lieved to be sound, and its suspension 18 only temporary. It is stated on presumably good authority that some half a dozen heavy stock brokers are likely to go down. No names given. No commercial failures are reported, though a squeeze is expected Monday, col lection day. The savings banks during the day transacted their usual business, the deposits in some being larger than the disbursements. There is no excitement on that line. The Chamber of Commerce held a meet ing this afternoon, and decided that it would be more injurious than beneficial to take any action looking toward the post ponement of ordinary accounts or notes maturing the next collection day. The meeting was very largely tended. The city tax collector has $275.000 of pro tested tax moneys on deposit in the Bank of California, for which be has certificates of special deposit. The directors assured the collector this morning that the money would be paid in a day or two. Suicide of Ralston. Raleton. president of the Bank of CaH fornia, jumped off Selby's Smelting Works wharf this evening and drowned. The body was recovered The Effect is Chicago. CHICAGO, August 27.-The opinion of bankers in this city is that the failure of the Bank of California will produce little if any effect in Chicago The Failure in Baltimore. BALTIMORE, August 7.-The liabilities of Stirling, Ahrens & Co are $2,500,000, of which $1,000,000 is due in Baltimore to merchante, banks and private bankers, They employed 350 men in the refineries. At a meeting of the creditors of the Cal-


Article from Gold Hill Daily News, August 28, 1875

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'Sund up pus "I hand. The sum of $3,000,000 recently purchased was obtained in this way. IT AL up cogo Avenue our up MOU #1 pus "100219 aug my squar we sany wwg puu порнет OUL our THE SERIAUS our BM 400g Sidence Returning. SAN FRANCISCO, August 27.-City Tax Collector Austin has $275,000 of proeq: up upodep no moneys XV) 1 Bank of California, for which he has certificates of special deposits. The Directors assured the Collector this piud eq pinom Aeuou our the Sujusom 70h you #1 "чу *OM? 10 Sup . up confirmed which says that Ralston has 01 streetur any JOAO petizns "yang The excitement seems to be subsid"I secure Children no prozo and *Sup -jotiq 10 Supredo eq: TV and 1 qonm ness this morning. uvg pav пориот em uo uns OUL Francisco Bank ceased within large surplus remaining in its vaults. -o[Suy our no uns state u SUM There -que uoos inq 'Supuedo em to " "pepps The First National Gold Bank reports everything quiet. The same may be THINK JO equ jo pius and the Pacific and Commercial Banks. Private banks all report no exciteIvnen su uo SujoS pus "mour generally. All the city banks considered sound except the Bank of California. Ralston addition up soching SAUN sith to his statement of yesterday. Many condition our 01 NU current OJU siouns of the Bank of California. One statepoor most up production Aud IIIA THIS #1 full and sixty cents to stockholders. On the other hand, a prominent stockholder IIIM op uuo runq em 180m eq: the selute be to satisfy depositors, and scarcely that. There has been a little rush at the Hibernia Savings Bank, but all demands were promptly met within the by-laws. Generally speaking, confidence seems " MOTST our belleved #! " pus requires over. But little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs of either the National Gold Bank and Trust Company or the Merchants' Exchange Bank. The former requires uoos 10 - reproses an sy 01 000'000 IS snoqu no prod Note ell Ajddns ITsus U THE 'Avp 'punos eq 01 BI Frohauge chants, and its suspension only temporary. D 'M jo oppoing Treate our jo I "usued "H лоло Fooling onj. NVS -dus флогр Carring close " OUG -I"O jo Bank one jo Joop epis on 01 AIP! up pus 'mo pedumn! and . "Juvq our into uus exclusion jo state . eq: of esuodses "I Inc. 10 Apoq our 1101 used puy eq prus young one no offect uu jo charge up note northern our up 'SHIOM Sumplems our a pesoddug "роимолр 'Allo our jo and suicide. Further particulars soon. LATER.- Ralston rode to Selby's No pedum! puu MORIS sumpus ***** eq: TWO em u! queet BI Libero quese our Rulstin. 10 dealh em to overshadows every other topic. From quem eq supeddy # Information 190q em to thesea-bathing establishment at North Beach about 3:25 this afternoon, undressed, went into the water, swain out dusig puu sprux perpunq OM3 about sig Jeffe uoog . person 8,591°S Posting SUM Spoq lead works, and he was brought ashore 'penomiuns SUM d V nnº but all efforts to resuscitate him failed. "14 Colonel 1030 38 pegp °H jo sequire U puu "no -xe on brojeq are citizen pired. Colonel Fry and Captain Lees obtained pus esnoq-Suiqivq our 01 suam Mr. Ralston's clothes. In these were sity pus utoo up dislare Moj . punoj statement to the bank, but nothing whatever having the least tendency to show that he committed suicide. The JACKSON 8181 01 SUM Spoq V Collon jo respirtion one state boy named Festus Mazzelle states that reached ou before Halston "IN MUS ou dn the and AUS eq: papers and throw the scraps into the on: 201 open SUM search close V "I °H 'punoj eq could ouou inq piecess drink 01 uses useq laws 01 persodes osju into Sujo8 before [UIA . jo contrits our 'wy OUL our on entering before posiod tool eq quits water. The Board of Directors of the Bank of California held a meeting to-day. Ralston was requested to resign the offices of President and Director, which -so.id our BY 'P!P eq pect, in the best-informed circles it is no of IIIM squar em IIV further trouble, and that the National Gold Bank and Trust Company and IIIM duvg -na jo 11") st пмоз equal *Aupuon no mors. The street at this hour-8 P. M. Jepun sp # dead que pepMoΓo s!-Joeling pessore our of Samo quits poots useq ever PAYSBORD of milling on: tuo 01 open order, if necessary. -nu poor no stated " " stock haven пегор 11"9 emos sure thom brokers are likely to go down. No names are given. No commercial fail-xe "I ezeenbs V reproted. 10.6 ore sain pected next Monday collection day. Aup em Supanp SQUIAVS eqL been doing their business, deposits usq, Suieq ошов up 1441 up on BI areuL line me) jo Changes our jo Justice "If jo 100.53 cosem ""I mode queq -mg our jo our on jo woysued Cham Say FRANCISCO, NVS ber of Commerce held a meeting this afternoon and decided that it would -eueq auq; snoping erom " рлимот Include action Aun Inko of Bell postponement of ordinary accounts or notes maturing next collection day attended. (Monday) The meeting was largely our state 01 Prosent " ПРОДУР #1 ¥ -nuvu on uo Relation 10 facturing enterprises in which he was


Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, August 28, 1875

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FROM CALIFORNIA. y 4, HEAVY FAILURES. S u u Several Banks Suspend Payment. a a An Embezzling Official Commits S Suicide. San Francisco, August 27. The National Gold I Bank & Trust Co. makes the following announcement "In consequence of the panic and the impossibility to obtain coin, the National Gold Bank & Trust Company will close until further notice. The bank has $1,500,000 over and above its liabilities. As soon as coin can be obtained it will resume business as usual. In the meantime, any creditor so desiring can have good assets of the bank to the amount of his claims. (Signed) HENRY L. DAVIS, President. I A run is expected on the San Francisco and the Merchants' Exchange banks, to-morrow. A meeting of bank presidents is called to concert measures for relief. The board of brokers has 8 called a meeting. I The Merchants' Exchange bank closed its doors as this morning. The directors have prepared the following notice for the papers: "In consequence of the excitement and disappointment of getting coin, the directors deem it for the best interests of all concerned not to open our doors for the present." The Secretary states that the bank has $100,000 in coin on hand. The amount liable on deposits is $800,000, but against that there may be over $400,000 in notes. The bank is perfectly solvent. The only trouble is the lack of coin. There is a run on the London and San Francisco bank, but manager Latham asserts his ability to meet all the demands without trouble. Crowds of persons surrounded the Bank of California, and the suspended National Gold Bank & Trust Company; also the Savings bank. The action of the officers of the latter institution, last night, effectually prevented a run on them. The excitement is great. San Francisco, August 27. The First National Gold Bank reports everything secure, and the same may be said of the Bank of British Columbia and the Pacific and Commercial banks. Private banks report no excitement, and everything is going on as nsual. Generally speaking all the city banks are considered sound except the Bank of California. President Ralston this morning, said that there was nothing in addition to his statement of yesterday. Many rumors are current regarding the condition of the Bank of California. One statement, apparently from good authority, is that the bank will pay depositors in full, and stockholders 50 cents on the dollar. On the other hand, a prominent stockholder states that the most the bank can do will be to satisfy the demands of depositors, and it will scarcely be able to do that. There has been a slight rush at the Hibernian Savings Bank, but it was promptly met within the rules as expresed in the by-laws of that institution. On the whole confidence seems to be returning, and it is believed the worst is over. But little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs of either the National Gold Bank and Trust Co., or the Merchants'


Article from The Dallas Daily Herald, August 29, 1875

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UNDAVASIA NOONHILAY THE CALIFORNIA PANIC. Excitement Subsiding-Confidence turning-Worst Over No Commercial Failures Reported, a Dozen Heavy Brokers and Man ufacturies Shakey. President Rolston, of the Bank Callfornia, Commits Suicide. 841-88 protory NVS citement in consequence of the failu of the Bank of California seems to subsiding. The crowd on the bank much less than at the opening of "shoq SSOU The run on the London and Francisco Bank closed with a large plus in the vault. A slight run on the Anglo Californ this morning soon subsided The First National Gold Bank ourus on pur be said of the Bank of Brit/sh Columb and the Pacific and Commerciaj ban! Private banks report no exciteme Tensuse 110 Sujor PHB erally speaking all the city banks considered sound, except the Batrk California. President Ralston has nothing in addition to his statement yesterday. Many rumors are current regardi the condition of the Californ mo.y suomers ano authority, is that the bank will depositors in full and stockholders ty cents on the dollar. Another that the stockholders state that most the bank can do is to satisfy positors. There has been a slight run on Hibernian Savings Bank, but the mand was promptly met. Confidence seems to be returni мело s! WORDS the believed st 11 pur Little uneasiness is felt, as the aftai of either the National Gold Bank Trust or Merchants' Exchange The former reports the probability an early resumption, though unable fix the time. The National Gold Bank has abundance of available assets. which


Article from Shenandoah Herald, September 2, 1875

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blue. The cashier of the N Gold Bank and Trust Company to a gentleman during an inte evening that the bank would the morning, but might ha uspend during the day. This aid out all its gold 111 the after a good deal of silver. If i arrangements to-night for may be able to ride over to-mo run is expected on the San Fra and Merchant exchange Bank to A meeting of bank pres called this evening to e measures for relief. The boa brokers has also called a meeting. SAN FRANCISCO, August 26, night.-The National Gold Bank Trust Company have'sent in the following notice for publication i norning papers: "In eonsequen the panic and the impossibilty laining coin, the National Gold and Trust Company will close further notice. The bank has $1, 000 over and above all its liabi As soon as coin can be obtained it resume business as usual. In meantime any creditor so desiring have good assets of the bank to amount of his claim. By order o board of trustees. HENRY L. DAVIS, Presider SAN FRANCISCO, August 27.Merchants' Exchange Bank close loors this morning. The dir have prepared the following notic the afternoon papers: In conseq the excitement and disappoint getting coin, the directors de or the best interests of all conc not to open our doors for the pre The secretary states that the bank $100,000 in coin on hand. mount liable on deposits is $80 against that there may be $400,000 in notes. The bank is ectly solvent, The only trouble i of coin. There is a run or London and San Francisco Bank Manager Lathaif asserts bis abili neet all demands without tre Crowds of persons surround the California and the suspended N Gold Bank and Trust Company he Savings Bank, but the acti he officers of the latter institu night effectually prevent a r hem. The excitement is great. NEW YORK, August 27 -A S lispatch from San Francisco says exchanges are all closed and bu a state of suspension. Intense citement prevailing. RUN ON OTHER BANKS SUBSIDING, ETC. SAN FRANCISCO, August 27. excitement consequent on the fail he Bank of California seems t ubsiding. The crowd in Calif is much less than at the op business this morning. The rt London and San Francisco ceased with a large surplus rema values. There was a slight I'l Anglo California Bank on its this morning, but it soon The First National Gold reports everything secure, and may be said of the Bank of Columbia. The Pacific and Commercial B orivate banks, report no excite everything going on as Generally speaking all of the city cousidered sound, except the California. President Ralston norning said nothing in addition tatement of yesterday. Many rt current regarding the conditio he California Bank. One state apparently from good authority, is he bank will pay depositers in stockholders fifty cents or lollar. On the other hand, a prom tockholder states that the mos bank can do will be to satisfy the nauds of depositors, and it will so be able to do that. There has slight rush at the Hiberian Sa Bank, but the demands were pror within the rules as express he byrlaws of the institution. o vhole, confidence seems to be re and it is believed the WO But little uneasiness is felt as affairs of either the National Bank and Trust Company or the chants' exchange Bank. The f reports a probability of soon resn hough unable to fix the time. 02 an abundance of available which are only waiting the recepti The president this mo tates that they paid out about a mi lollars yesterday, and that they till a small supply left. The hant's Exchange Bank is believe sound, and its suspension emporary. It is stated on presumably authority that some half a dozen I tock brokers are likely to go e No names are given. No comm ailures have yet been reported, the squeeze is expected next Mo which is collection day. The sa banks during the day transacte business, the deposits in larger than the disbursen


Article from The Indiana State Sentinel, September 2, 1875

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A CALM AFTER THE STORM. THE EXCITEMENTSUESIDING-ALLTHE BANKS CONSIDERED SAFE EXCEPT THE BANK OF CALIFORNIA-SOME COMMERCIAL FAILURES EXPECTED NEXT WEEK. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27.-The chamber of commerce held a meeting this afternoon and decided that it would probably be more injurious than beneficial to take any action looking toward the postponement of ordinary accounts or notes maturing at the next collection day, Monday. The meeting was very largely attended. The excitement seems to be subsiding. The crowd on California street is much less than at the opening of business this morning. The run on the London and San Francisco company has ceased, with a large surplus remaining in the vaults. There was a slight run on the Anglo-California at the opening, but it soon subsided. The First National Gold Bank reports everything the same way. Besides the Bank of British Columbia, the Pa cific and Commercial banks, and the private banks, all report no excitement, and everything going on as usual. All the city banks are considered sound except the Bank of California. Ralston, this morning, says nothing in addition to the statements of yesterday. Many rumors are current as to the condition of the California. A statement, ap parently from good authority, is that the bank will pay the depositors in full and the stock holders fifty per cent. On the other hand, prominent stock holders state that the utmost the bank can do will be to satisfy its depositors and scarcely that, There has been A LITTLE RUSH on the Hibernian Savings Bank, but the de mands were promptly met, within the bylaws. Generally speaking, confidence seems returning. It is believed that the worst is over. But little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs of the National Gold Bank and Trust Company, or the Merchants' Exchange Bank. The former reports a probability of soon resuming, though unable to flx the time. It has an abundance of available assets, and is only waiting the reception of coin. The president this morning states that the bank paid out about a million yesterday, and had only a small supply left. The Merchant's Exchange is believed to be sound and the suspension only temporary. It is stated on presumably good authority that some half & dozen heavy stock brokers are likely to go down. No names are given. No commercial failures are yet reported. A squeeze is expected next Monday, collection day. The savings banks during the day have been doing an usual business, the deposits in some being larger than the disbursements. There is no excitement in that line. City Tax Collector Austin has two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars in the bank of California for which he has & certificate of special deposit. The directors assured the collector this morning that the money would be paid in a day or two. A rumor, not yet confirmed, has it that Ralston has turned over his private means to the bank. REPORTS AND RUMORS. Account is current here that the losses of Ralston and his cliquein California on minmg stocks and other adventures reach six millions of dollars, A private dispatch from a prominent gentleman in San Francisco says that matters look better, so far as the best interests of the city and state are concerned. The financial panic is fearful. The losses by the failure of the Bank of California will be et heavy. SUICIDE OF THE BANK PRESIDENT RALSTON RIDES TO THE WHARF AND JUMPS ad OFF. nt SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27.-About ten minge utes past five, a close carriage drove rapidly ry to the side door of the bank of California k. A gentleman jumped out in ve state of excitement and ran into nk the bank. In response to inquiries, he said of that he had just left the body of Ralston in he charge of an officer on the beach near the of smelting worksin the north part of the city 11. drowned. It seems that Ralston rode t


Article from The Stark County Democrat, September 2, 1875

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EFFECT OF THE SUSPENSIONS. Assistance Rendered by the Government. SUICIDE OF PRESIDENT RALSTON. SAN FRANCISCO, August 27.-The excitement seems to be subsiding. The crowd on California street is much less than the opening of business this morning. The run on the London and San Francisco banks has ceased, with a large surplus remaining on hand. A slight run was made on the Anglo-California at the opening, but soon subsided. The First National Gold Bank reports everything O.K. The same may be said of the Bank of British Columbia, and the Pacific and Commercial Bank. Private banks report no excitement and everything going on as usual. Generally all city banks are considered sound except the Bank of California. Mr. Ralston this morning says nothing in addition to the statements of yesterday. Many rumors are current as to the condition of the California Bank. One statement, apparently from good authority, is, that the bank will pay depositors in full, and stockholders fifty cents. On the other hand, a prominent stockholder says that the utmost the bank can do will be to satisfy the demands of depositors, and scarcely that There has been little rush at the Hibernian Savings Bank, but the demands were promptly met within the by-laws. Generally speaking, confidence seems returning. But little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs of either the National Gold Bank Trust Company or Merchants' Exchange Bank. The former reports the probability of soon resuming, though unable to fix the time. Abundance of available assets is only awaiting the reception of coin. The president this morning states they paid out about one million dollars yesterday, with a small supply left. The Merchants' Exchange is believed to be sound. The suspension is only temporary. OTHER FAILURES. The National Gold Bank Trust Company and the Merchants' Exchange Bank have suspended. The directors of the latter have prepared the following notice for the afternoon papers: In consequence of the excitement, and the disappointment in getting coin, the Directors deem it for the best interests, and the interests of all, uot to open our doors at present. The secretary states that the bank has $100 in coin on hand. The amount liable on deposits is $800,000, but against that may be over $400,000 in notes. The bank is perfectly solvent, the only trouble being a lack of coin. There is a run in the London and San Francisco Bank, but Manager Latham asserts his ability to meet all demands without trouble. Crowds surround the Bank of California and the suspended National Gold Bank and Trust Company also the Savings Banks, but the action of the officers of the latter institutions last night effectually prevents a run on them. The excitement is great. STATEMENT OF NATIONAL GOLD BANK. The National Gold Bank and Trust Company have sent in the following notice for publication in the morning papers In consequence of the panic, and the impossibility of getting gold, the National Bank and Trust Company will close until further notice. The bank has $1,300,000 above all its liabilities, and as soon as coin can be obtained, will resume business as usual. In the meantime, any creditor desiring can have good assets of the bank to the amount of his claim. By order of the Board of Trustees." [Signed,] HENRY L. Davis, Pres't. City Tax Collector Austin has two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars of protested tax monies on deposit in the Bank of California for which he has certificates of special deposits. The directors assured the collector this morning that the money would be paid in a day or two. A rumor which is not yet confirmed says that Ralston has turned over his private means to the bank. SUICIDE OF PRESIDENT RALSTON. About ten minutes past five o'clock, a close carriage drove rapidly to the side door of the Bank of California. A gentleman jumped out in a state of excitement, ran into the bank, and in response to inquiries said he had just left the body of Ralston in charge of an officer on the beach, near the smelting works, in the northern part of the city. Ralston had gone to the Sellig's smelting works wharf and committed suicide by jumping off the dock. FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE SUICIDE. There is great excitement in the city over the death of Ralston, which overshadows every otber topic. From the best information, it appears he went to the sea-bathing establishment at North Beach, about 3:25 p.m., undressed, went into the water, swam about two hundred yards, disappeared behind a vessel, and


Article from Puget Sound Dispatch, September 2, 1875

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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27.-The excitement seems to be subsiding, the crowd on California street is much less now than at the opening of business morning. The run on the London and San Francisco bank ceased with a large surplus remaining in the vaults. There was a slight run on the Anglo-California bank at the opening but it soon subsided. The first National Gold bank reports everything quiet. The bank of British Columbia and the Pacific and Commercial banks report no excitement. There has been little rush at the Hibernian Savings Bank and the demands were promptly met within the by-laws. G erally speaking, confidence is returning and it is believed the worst is over. But little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs of either the National Gold and Trust Co. or Merchants Exchang Bank. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27.- In an interview with Ralston this morning, the Cashier stated in answer to many questions, that the Bank of California would never again resume business. The losses of the Bank are too great to admit of this being done. While the bank will nct resume business, it has sufficient funds on hand and at its control and disposal, to enable it to meet all its liabilities. In reply to the question: "Will interior agencies of the bank suffer from the suspension." Ralston stated they were included in the liabilities and not one would suffer the slightest loss.


Article from Arizona Citizen, September 4, 1875

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1crowd on California street was much less than at the opening of business this morning. The run on the London and San Francisco bank ceased with a large surplus remaining in the vaults. Slight run on the Anglo California at the opening, but it soon subsided. The First National Gold Bank reports every thing quiet; the same may be said of the Bank of British Columbia and Pacific and Commercial Banks. Private banks all report no excitement and every thing is going on as usual. Generally all city banks considered sound, except the Bank of California. Ralston this morning says nothing in addition to his statements of yesterday. Many reasons are current as to the condition of Bank of California. One statement appeared from good authority, that the bank will pay depositors in full and sixty cents to stockholders; on the other hand, prominent stockholders state the most the bank can do, will be to satisfy depositors and scarcely that. There has been a little run on the Hibernian Savings Bank, but the demands were promptly met there by loans. Generally speaking, confidence seems to be returning and the panic is believed to be almost over. But little uneasiness is felt as to the affairs with the National Gold Bank and Trust Company, or Merchants Exchange Bank: the former reports a probability of some running, but it has abundance of available assets. The president this a. m. stated they paid out a million yesterday, with a small supply left. The Merchants Exchange is believed to be sound, and its suspension is only temporary. LATER.--Great excitement has been caused by the rumor on the street that W. C. Ralston, president Bank California, committed suicide by drowning himself in the bay. LATER, 6 p. m.-Without doubt the rumor that W. C. Ralston drowned himself in the bay opposite Selby's smelting works is correct. Selby's son brings the news and says he helped to take the body out of the water. There is a most profound sensation throughout the city. STILL LATER, 6:30 p. m.-Ralston's body is at Col. Fry's house. The people are almost wild with excitement. Gen. Coey of the National Guard is prepared to quiet any disturbance that may arise. LATER STILL, 8 p. T-The facts concerning the suicide of the great banker as far as can be ascertained, are these: Ralston went over to North Beach and went in bathing in the bay was seen throw away a paper after going to the water. Boatmen afterwards saw him floating and took him out. They worked upon the body and tried to restore life, but it was no use, he was dead. The story is that he took poison and deliberately went into the water and drowned himself. A few are inclined to believe that it is a case of accidental death. The coroner will hold an inquest to-morrow. It is impossible to convey an idea of the effect this intelligence has upon the peoplenothing like it has been witnessed for years. The National Bank and Trust Company, this morning, announced a temporary suspension on account of scareity of coin, but will give good securities to any depositor who wishes them. At 1:30 p. m. depositors commenced a lively run on the Anglo-California Bank, the London and San Francisco Bank, the Merchants Exchange Bank and the First National Bank. Savings banks require the legal notice before paying anything. LATER.-The Merchants Exchange Bank has closed. The Chamber of Commerce held a meeting this with a large attendance. It was decided that it would probably be more injurious than beneficial to take any ac. tion looking towards the postponement of ordinary settlement of accounts and notes maturing next collection dayMonday. The course of the different banks has caused good feeling. Several closed


Article from Washington Standard, September 18, 1875

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CALIFORNIA. More Liquor Frauds. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14,-9:20 P. M.Revenue officials were around to-day among wholesale liquor houses examining books, which resulted in finding many instances where packages of spirits gauged and reported at ten and twenty gallons each had been thrown upon the market as containing from 200 to 300 gallons. Most of these were from the Pacific Distillery, whose officers were reported yesterday a having made affidavit of the destruction of trhir accounts up to the first of last July. The discoveries thus far made by officials indicate very extensive frauds, in which not only dealers and distillers but also revenue officials are believed to be implicated. Situation of Banks. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 15.-There is a very active demand for money, which banks are unable adequately to supply. The National Gold Bank and Trust Company had $150,000 coin transferred to day through the office of the sub-treasurer, and considerable amounts are reported to have arrived or are close at hand from New York to the Bank of California and Hibernia Bank. The First National Bank is now doing a very satisfactory business, and officers apprehend no diminution of patronage on account of the recent temporary suspension. Arrangements will soon be in progress for increasing its capital stock, and on the first of January it is intended to have a capital of two millions. Lively Business in the Stocks. Business in the California Stock Board was very lively to-day, showing marked improvement both in the volume of transactions and prices realized. The increased business of this board will probably have the effect to hasten the opening of the other boards, which are expected to resume business in about two weeks. Salds on the streets were spirited to. day, and the vicinity of the board rooms begins to wear an appearance similar to that before the panic. Lick Again. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14.-In the 19th district court to-day a decree was rendered discharging the old trustees of the Lick trust and appointing in their places the following: Richard S. Floyd, Faxon D. Atheston, Bernard D. Murphy, John H. Lick, and John Nightingale,


Article from The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, September 25, 1875

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DEATH OF W. C, RALSTON. THE STATE GONE DEMOCRATIC. Fears of. War in Europe Subsided. The British bark Jalawar, from San Francisco en route for the Guano Islands, arrived yesterday morning, bringing San Francisco dates to Sept. 2. The most important item of news by this ar. rival is the announcement that the Bank of California, the principal monied institution of the State, suspended payment on August 26. At the commencement of banking hours on that morning, symptoms of a run on the Bank were evident, which continued throughout the day, until 2.20 P. M. when the doors were closed. At the National Gold Bank and Trust Co., and at the Hibernia Bank, crowds pressed upon the clerks, hastily demanding payment. It was a financial panie, the of hich was never thereseen before. The streets were crowded in the neighborhood of the bank of California. " The crowd in the corridors became 80 large that depositors stood five or six deep all along the line of the paying counters, each struggling to get his check to the teller in advance of his neighbor, and the crowd soon resolved itself into a pushing, squeezing, struggling mob." The excitement was increased when the doors were closed and the announcement made by Mr. Ralston that payment was stopped. After bank hours, says one paper, the principal indignation expressed for the supposed instigators of the trouble was against the publishers of the Bulletin and Call, who had, by constant attacks upon Mr. Ralston, President of the Bank, representing him as the Boss Tweed of San Francisco and a political schemer, finally succeeded in undermining the credit of the Bank." So intense was the indignation against these journals, that at one time it was feared that the excited crowd would resolve itself into a mob and attack the offices; but better counsels prevailed, and the city was spared the disgrace of a riot," At 5 o'clock, Mr. Ralston met the representatives of the press and others, and stated that there was no question but that the Bank would be able to meet all its obligations; that over $1,400,000 in coin, besides other securities, bad been paid out. On the 31st it was announced by the Directors that the assets of the Bank were nominally $20,000,000, and that there was a surplus of six or seven millions over and above all its liabilities. It was stated that the stockholders of the Bank were among the richest men in California, representing property moderately estimated at $50,000,000, and the public were assured that they would resuscitate the Bank. Later, it was announced that the resumption would take place in a few days, and this was received by the public with the highest satisfaction. Meantime, on the 27th, the day following the suspension of the bank of which he was President, the city was startled by the announcement of the death by drowning in the bay of Wm. C. Ralston. Under the circumstances, rumor at once attributed his death to suicide, but a searching inquiry by a coroner's inquest, a post mortem examination, and an analysis of the contents of the stomach of the deceased, all went to show that the death was accidental. His life was insured for some $300,000. The funeral, very largely attended, took place on the 30th, and the city was dressed in mourning garb in respect to the memory of one who had been her most conspicuous citizen, and who had done much to beautify the city and develop the resources of the coast. On the receipt of the news in this city of the suspension of the Bank of California, some inquiry was made as to the relations of our Bank with the Coast, and the following notice was posted on the Post Office bulletin board The undersigned beg to assure their customers that their interests have not suffered at all by the suspension of the bank of California. Messrs. Hickox & Spear, bankers, as well as Messrs. J. C.-Merrill & Co., immediately upon receiving the intelligence of the suspension of the bank, offered to protect all drafts of ours, and proceeded to do SO. All our unmatured remittances were turned over directly to Messrs. Hickox & Spear. All of our drafts in transit are fully covered by remittances, and there will be no delay in their payment by Messrs. " BISHOP & Co. Hickox & Spear. " Honolulu, Sept 19, 1875.' There having been disparaging misrepresentations made by parties in San Francisco in regard to the action taken by the firm of Messrs. J. C. Merrill & Co., in refusing payment of their acceptances maturing at the bank of California after its suspension, done solely for the protection of Messrs. Bishop & Co., of this city, we are requested by the last named firm to state, that the generous and disinterested course pursued by Mr. J. C. Merrill in the matter, has their hearty approval, and is fully appreciated. The steamship Vasco de Gama, Capt. Rice, is advertised by the P. M. Co. to leave San Francisco for the Colonies Oct 9, via Honolulu. The state elections throughout California took