6675. American National Bank (New Orleans, LA)

View Charter #3978 on SPMC

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
3978
Charter Number
3978
Start Date
August 6, 1896
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana (29.955, -90.075)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
3df585e20efc6f64

Response Measures

None

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
23.1%
Date receivership started
1896-09-10
Date receivership terminated
1902-08-12
OCC cause of failure
Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good
28.2%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
7.4%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
64.4%

Description

The American National Bank of New Orleans failed to open in early August 1896 and directors decided to go into liquidation (suspension). Comptroller later appointed a receiver (September 10). Reports and subsequent press point to mismanagement/defalcation and arrests of officers; there is no clear description of a depositor run on this specific bank prior to suspension, though its failure triggered runs on other local banks.

Events (5)
1. February 14, 1889 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. August 6, 1896 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank failed to open and directors decided to go into liquidation; later accounts describe funds squandered and misconduct by officers leading to insolvency.
Newspaper Excerpt
The American National bank failed to open today. The directors have decided to go into liquidation.
Source
newspapers
3. September 10, 1896 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
4. September 10, 1896 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
Comptroller Eckles has appointed F. L. Richardson receiver of the American National bank of New Orleans, which failed some weeks ago.
Source
newspapers
5. October 30, 1896 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
The Grand Jury yesterday indicted Henry Gardas, president of the American National Bank; W. A. Geralt, cashier; ... for having received deposits in the bank after they knew it to be insolvent.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (24)
1. August 6, 1896 Las Vegas Daily Optic Las Vegas, NM
Article from Las Vegas Daily Optic, August 6, 1896

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FINANCIAL FLURRY Five Banks Succumb to the Hard Times. The Chicago Situation Unchanged, , A BIG ILLINOIS BLAZE Twenty Lives Lost and $1,000,000 of Property Destroyed in Nicaragua. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST NEVADA, Mo., August 6.-Sheriff Scroghem closed the Cookling Broth. ers' banking house in this city, to-day, the Bank of Bronaugh, Bank of Sheldon and Bank of Richards, all the property of Conkling Brothers, by virtue of an injunction from the Vernon county circuit court. I. W. Conkling, of the firm, says that the closed banks will be able to pay every dollar of indebtedness. J. L. George and C. M Shartel were appointed to take charge of the firm's business as receivers. ECHOS OF THE MATCH FAILURE. CHICAGO, III., August 6. - The opening of the stock exchange is still waiting on Moore Bros., and the report of the sub-committee governing that body as to the condition of the diamond Match properties held by the suspended firm. The governing committee will meet at 3. o'clock, to-day, and will receive any report whieh the sub. committee may have. CARPET DEALERS ASSIGN. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., August 6.Boyd, Harley & Co., carpet dealers, assigned to-day. Liabilities $250,000; assets $350,000. ANOTHER FAILURE. WASHINGTON, D. C., August 6.-The comptroller of currency IS inform. ed of the failure of the American National bank of New Orleans. It had a capital of $164,000, and according to the reports to the comptroller, owed its depositors $350,000, and had borrowed $160,000.

2. August 7, 1896 The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Seattle, WA
Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 7, 1896

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Bank Failures. Nevada, Mo., Aug. 6.-Sheriff Scroghem closed Conkling Bros.' banking house in this city, also the Bank of Bronaugh and the Bank of Richards, all the property of the Conkling Bros., this morning, under an order from the Vernon county court, the action being based on a report by State Bank Examiner Jones that the business was being conducted in an unsafe manner. A. W. Conkling says the closed banks will pay every dollar of their indebtedness. J. L. George and C. M. Shartel were appointed receivers. New Orleans, Aug. 6.-The American National bank failed to open today. The directors have decided to go into liquidation. Its capital is $200,000.

3. August 8, 1896 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, August 8, 1896

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Telegraphic Briefs. Little Rock, Ark.-The Populist Central Committee met and decided to put out Bryan and Watson electors. Leipzig.-The Neueste Nachrichten declares that Chancellor von Hohenlohe has resigned, and that he has left Berlin for Cassel. Denver. Col.-The official call for the Silver Party State Convention has bee 1 issued. The body will meet September 9th at a place to be later designated by the committee. London.-The House of Lords passed the Irish land bill through committee after five hours' further debate The hostility shown towards the measure was less marked than was expected. Jefferson City, ..Tim. Hennessey, of St. Louis, was nominated by the Democratic State Convention for Railroad Commissioner after three hours' balloting, and the convention then adjourned. Lansing, Mich.-The Ingham County Bank did not open for business. A card was posted on the door, which reads: "This bank is in the hands of a receiver.' The bank had a capital of $101,000 and a surplus of $50,000. New Orleans.-John I. Adams & Co., the large wholesale liquor dealers, grocers, and commission merchants, are embarrassed, and have asked for a respite. They have $32,000 in cash tied up in the American National Bank, which has just failed. Kansas City, Mo.-An explosion from some unknown cause in the packing plant of Swift & Co. resulted in the death of one man and the injury of six others, four probably fatally, and in a fire which followed $100,000 worth of property was destroyed. Berlin.-It is asserted that the indisposition of Emperor William, who was on Thursday reported to be suffering from catarrh of the throat, is diplomatic, and that the abandonment of his trip to Weto sel. Ruhrort, and Essen was due not sickness, but to reasons of State. Niagara Falls, N. Y.-The Park Theatre was destroyed by fire at 1 o'clock in the morning, causing a loss of $50,000, covered by insurance. A boxing exhibition had been given in the theatre, and it is supposed the fire was due to carelessness on the part of some one in the dressingrooms. Christiania, Sweden.-Twelve persons lost their lives through the burning of a gilding factory, three of the victims being children. A number of persons who had gathered to witness the fire were struck by a falling wall and six were killed outright and thirteen injured, and of the latter three have since died. Washington, D. C.-The Treasury Department sent telegrams to several collectors of ports in Southern Florida, and to captains of revenue cutters in those waters, instructing them to keep a lookout for the steamer Laurada, which cleared from Wilmington, Del., Thursday, and which is supposed to be on a filibustering expedition to Cuba. St. Louis, Mo.-An epidemic of smallpox could hardly be worse than the present hot weather. Thursday night all records were passed. At midnight, with the thermometer registering 81 degrees, the streets and parks were full of people seeking fresh air. Not a breath of air was stirring. The death-roll had reached eight and the prostrations reported were over thirty-one. Upper Marlsborough, Md.-Dr. William Waring, a leading physician, was killed by Mordic Plummer during a political quarrel. Dr. Waring was drinking in Plummer's saloon. and, becoming enraged, threw a beer-glass at Plummer's head. Plummer stabbed the Doctor with a penknife, cutting a gash in his neck and severing the carotid artery. Waring bled to death within an hour. La Grange, Tex.-State-Senator J. H Shelburne, of Austin, was nominated for Congress on the 377th ballot by the Democratic convention of the Tenth District. Ex-Congressman Walter Gresham, of Galveston, could have had the nomination, but he refused to take it unless the convention repudiated the Chicago platform and adopted one endorsing the financial course of Cleveland and Carliale. This the convention refused to do, and Greshar retired. New Orleans-Judge Henry Castellanes, one of the oldest and most brilliant members of the legal fraternity, died at the Hotel Dieu after a lingering illness The deceased possessed literary attainments of a high order, and was one of the most distinguished writers of the New Orleans press. He was the author of several books, notably "New Orleans As It was, and he had not yet completed "Reminiscences of New Orleans" when stricken with his last illness.

4. August 8, 1896 Arizona Weekly Citizen Tucson, AZ
Article from Arizona Weekly Citizen, August 8, 1896

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FROM THE ROLL. Seventeen Hundred Negroes In the Creek Nation Disfranchised. LABOR TROUBLES IN OHIO. Still Continue. The Chicago Stock Exchange to Resume After the Insurance Companies. PERRY, O.T. Aug. 6.-The final decree by Judge Adams, chief justice of the Creek Nation, in striking from the roll of citizens ship 1700 negroes, hasbeen handed down, Since the passage of the act during the war admitting negroes to tribal relations the negroes haved rawn out one million dollars in annuities; have held office"and educated their children at the expense of the Creek government. There is no appeal from the decision. CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug. 6.-Between midnight and 1 o'clok this morning & crowd made an attack on a building where a man named Johnson, who is employed at the Brown Hoisting works, lived. They broke windows and yelled like Indians. Soldiers rushed to the scene, then partof the crowd scattered but a dozen men stood at bay with revolvers and fired at the militiamen. The soldiers replied with rifle balls, and scattered the mob. In the melee private Perkins of Co. B was shot, but it is not known how serious, as he was at once taken away in an ambulance. The official statement, at Col. Whitney's headquarters, is that Perkins was accidentally shot while loading his revolver. It is however, claimed by others that he was wounded in the Luther Street skirmish. NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 6.-The American national bank feiled open its doors today. The directors at a meeting held last night, decided go into liquidation. CHICAGO, Aug. 6-It is reported on excellent authority that trading in account on the Chicago Stock Exchange will be suspended for thirty days after the exchange shall have been opened. It is also probable that deals in future options will be limited to a week or ten days. All this has been caused by the Moore Bros. collapse. No one knows when the stock exchange will resume active business. Room traders and many others have begun to make loud complaints. DENVER, Aug. 6-It is announced that State Auditor Parks is quietly collecting the circulars of all insurance companies which have declared that if the democratic party goes into power the policies will be worth only half the amount on which premiums have been paid. He will declare such companies insolvent, and as his judgment is final they will be obliged to go out of business.

5. August 11, 1896 The Sun New York, NY
Article from The Sun, August 11, 1896

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NOTIFIERS COME TO TOWN. Popoerat National Committee Meets at Noon To-day. The Popocratic National Committee will meet in Parlor D R of the Fifth Avenue Hotel at noon to-day. Senator James K. Jones, Chairman of the committee. arrived late last night from Washington. and went to the Fifth Avenue. He was accompanied by Senator C.J. Faulkner of West Virginia and Lawrence Gardner, member of the committee for the District of Columbia. Senator Arthur P. Gorman of Maryland preceded Chairman Jones by two hours, and had a consultation with him on his arrival. Senator Gorman, it is said, will have a great deal to do with the management of the Bryan campaign. He is an old and experienced campaigner. and Senator Jones, who is practically without experience in national campaign work. it is said, will rely much on his advice. The members of the National Committee and men who hold proxies from members began to arrive early yesterday morning. and by last night there was a goodly sprinkling of them about the hotel corridors. Members of the Notification Committee were also much in evidence. Several of these gentlemen called on CandidateSewall to pay their respects,and others posted off to Cooper Union to hear Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Lease. Very few of them went near the so-called headquarters at the Hotel Bartholdi, where Ollie Teall and Treasurer St. John are running the New York end of the Bryan campaign. Among the National Committeemen in town last night were W. C. Tomiinson. proxy for H. D. Clayton of Alabama: T. J. O'Donnell, proxy for Adair Wilson of Colorado (Mr. O'Donnell is Secretary of the Notification Committee): Franklin Salisbury of Delaware, John G. Shanlin of Indiana, Charles A. Walsh of Iowa, Secretary of the committee. True L. Norris, proxy for A. W. Sulloway of New Hampshire, Bradley B. Smalley of Vermont, P. J. Otay of Virginia, Clark Howell of Georgia, Carlos French of Connecticut, and ex-Gov. Peck of Wisconsin, proxy for E. C. Wall. Secretary Wall said that he expected a very full meeting from the nature of the replies to notices he has received. There will be one member of the committee. however. who will not be present. He is William F. Sheehan of this State. Mr. Sheehan left the city yesterday and will not be back for several days. In consequence of his absence he will be deprived of the pleasure of hearing the Boy Orator speak his piece. The principal work of the committee will be to select a place for national headquarters. Most of the Western men present at the Fifth Avenue Hotel last night were in favor of Chicago. The Eastern men are for New York. It was said to be probable that two headquarters will be chosen-one in Washington, where the Senators who are expected to raise the money for the campaign reside, and from where they can frank their free-silver speeches as campaign literature. Theother headquarters, it is said. will probably be in New York. Whether those which Treasurer St. John has already established will be adopted is not determined on. The members of the committee are not specially pleased with the way Mr. Oliver Summer Teall has usurped the functions of the National Committee and is giving out campaign news. They think his political judgment might be better. If headquarters are established here. 1t. is said that Senators Jones and Gorman will see to it that men of discretion are in charge, and that only such information as is considered likely to help the cause of their candidates is given out. Chairman Jones expects to announce his selection of an Executive Committee to-day. It is believed that either Senator Gorman or Senator Faulkner will be its Chairman. At any rate. both are expected to be on it. New Orleans Banks to Stand By Each Other. NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 10. The associated banks of New Orleans decided to-day to support each other in case there was any run on any bank growing out of the existing financial uncertainty. This policy was decided on in conséquence of the failure of the American National Bank last week, and a mild run on one of the banks to-day. which, however, soon subsided. using en

6. August 11, 1896 The Sun New York, NY
Article from The Sun, August 11, 1896

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New Orleans Banks to Stand By Each Other. NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 10. - The associated banks of New Orleans decided to-day to support each other in case there was any run on any bank growing out of the existing financial uncertainty. This policy was decided on in conséquence of the failure of the American National Bank last week, and a mild run on one of the banks to-day. which, however, soon subsided. The clearing house meeting guaranteed to each local bank in the association assistance in any financial squeeze that may occur, and also agi ees to en " the smaller banks not members of the association any help they may need.

7. August 11, 1896 The Progressive Farmer Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Winston, NC
Article from The Progressive Farmer, August 11, 1896

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THEY WANTED "SOUND MONEY." Dreyfus, Kohn & Co., New York, the largest siik importers in this country, have just failed because the 400, 000 sound dollars they couldn't get were lacking to pay their debts. A. G. Elliott & Co., paper manufacturers, Philadelphia, Pa., have as signed. The Columbus Buggy Co., Columbus, Ohio, has failed. Liabilities $900,OCO (sound.) The Emmerson, Fisher Carriage Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, has failed. Liabilities about $370,000 (sound.) The Garden City Foundry Co, CII. cago, Ill, has assigned. Liabilities $20,000 (sound ) A half dozen bank officials at New port, Pa, have been indicted for receiving money on deposit after they knew their bank was insolvent. Moore Bros. Chicago, Ill., owners of the Diamond Match Company, failed last week. The liabilities are $8,000,000, (sound ) The firm were large oper tors on the Stock Exchange in Chicago and the Exchange was closed in consequence of the failure. The American National Bank, New Orleans, has closed on account of dull business via the gold standard. The Johston Steel Works, Loraine, Ohio, closed Thusday. Lack of orders was the cause, and eight hundred met are out of work. The Ingham Savings Bank, Lansing, Mich., failed to open its doors Friday morning. Lack of "sound dollars." C. H. Fargo & Co, wholesale dealers in shoes, Chicago, have failed. Liabilities over $200,000 (sound) Get some new subscribers. Those who want the truth can get it by sub.

8. August 13, 1896 The Free Press Poplarville, MS
Article from The Free Press, August 13, 1896

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The American National Bank of New Orleans has suspended.

9. August 13, 1896 The Morning News Savannah, GA
Article from The Morning News, August 13, 1896

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New Orleans, Aug. 12.-The well known firm of M. Schwartz & Co., dealers in machinery, etc., have asked for a respite. The assets of the firm are said to be ample, but inability to raise money and embarrassment caused by business connection with the recently suspended American National Bank has compelled the firm to ask the indulgence of their creditors.

10. August 23, 1896 Richmond Dispatch Richmond, VA
Article from Richmond Dispatch, August 23, 1896

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Broken New Orleans Bank. WASHINGTON August 22.-A preliminary report has been received from Bank-Examiner Burgwyn, in charge of the recently-failed American National Bank, of New Orleans. Acting-Comptroller Coffin states that 80 far no efforts have been made to reopen the bank, and from the Examiner's report it looks as If the bank would have to be placed in the hands of a receiver.

11. September 3, 1896 Hutchinson Gazette Hutchinson, KS
Article from Hutchinson Gazette, September 3, 1896

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LATE NEWS NOTES. Bill Doolin's remains were interred in a cemetery at Guthrie, Ok. Two Texans fought a duel with knives near Dallas and carved one another in a frightful manner. The West German M. E. conference found Rev. August Lemkan of Topeka guilty of imprudent conduct. The president and vice president of the American National bank of New Orleans have been arrested. Of the $300,000 needed for the Omaha exposition, $250,000 has been raised. The Salvation army bicycle brigade has made its appearance in New York. Vice Consul Piatt at Dublin says that American bicycles are having a big run in Ireland. Mrs. J. Cagles and son, Charles, of Perry, Okla., have been arrested for killing a man several years ago for his money. A new national organization of wholesale liquor dealers is to be organized to protect dealers against unfavorable legislation. At Lake Chautauqua. N. Y., 10,000 people crowded into hall that would A hold only 8,000 to hear Bryan. panic was narrowly averted by Mr. Bryan refusing to speak until some of the people left the building. Congressman Sibley addressed those who went outside. After thirty-five minutes Mr. Bryan was enabled to begin his speech. The amount of gold coming to this country is estimated at $10,000,000. The ex-Confederate Home at Higginsville, Mo., is to be controlled by a stock company. Miss Laura Ray of Terre Haute sustained injuries by a fall from a bicycle from which she died. At Palestine, Tex., Zach Day, ex sheriff, and T. M. Butler had a diffi culty and Butler was shot through the heart. The presidential campaign is having a depressing effect on the glass dustry. All the glass factories will be late in starting this fall. The production of refined lead in this country during the first six months of 1896 was 130,696 net tons against 105,970 for the first half of last year. Of this amount 109,592 tons was desilverized lead and 21,108 tons soft lead. The apparent home consumption for the first half of this year was 106,932 against 241,892 for the year 1895. The big strike of Australian coal miners was lost by the men. The cruiser Brooklyn averaged 21.92 knots an hour on her trial trip and earned a bonus of $350,000 for her builders, the contract requirement being 20 knots. The tin plate trust has collapsed. C. M. Sharlee and J. T. George have resigned as receivers of the Conkling Bros.' banks at Nevada Sheldon, Richards and Bronaugh. It is said that if the court appoints more satisfactory receivers litigation will be stopped and affairs adjusted. Tin plate strike at Elwood, Ind., has been settled by the company signing the scale. The "Saxton Place" near St. Joseph, the residence of J. O. Brady, which cost $55,000 when erected a few years ago, was totally destroyed by fire. W. H. and J. B. Moore of Chicago, who attempted to run a corner on Diamond Match stock recently; are unable to settle as they are possessed of no assets. At the meeting of the Cundiff camp of the Daughters of the Confederacy at St. Joseph, the proposition to turn the home at Higginsville, Mo., over to the state was unanimously rejected. Alfred George Whitehead, the IrishAmerican political prisoner recently released from the Portland prison, visited his mother, became deranged, disappeared and has not been seen since. The executive committee of the Irish National alliance has issued an appeal to the Irish people in America to contribute funds for, the relief of the Irish prisoners released and to be released from English prisons. At Danville, Tenn., Ab. Hinson, a well known farmer, was fataliy shot from ambush. A son of Hinson, supposing the crime to have been committed by the Wiggins brothers, shot and killed one of the latter and cut his heart out. General Gomez asserts that he is sure to wrest Cuba from Spain. A Cedar Rapids girl was fastened with a log chain for wanting to ride a bicycle. Miss Margaret Ingels, of Paris, Ky., will take the stump for Bryan and freesilver. James G. Blaine's old home and birthplace in Pennsylvania has been torn down. In 9 wreck of a fast mail train near Pittsburg eight persons were seriously and fifteen slightly hurt. President Cleveland commuted the death sentence of Robert E. Boutwell of Paris, Texas, to life imprisonment. Prof. Andree has arrived at Tromsoe, Norway, having given up his balloon trip to the North Pole. Texas fever has been discovered among cattle herds in Australia. W. H. McDole of Indianapolis has been appointed receiver for the Louisville, New Albany and Chicago railroad. Railroad rates on cattle from Northern and Western Texas to Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago have been reduced to meet the cut made by the Indian Territory lines. Four bandits held up a stage full of passengers in Day county, Okla. and secured $800 in money and valuables. Mrs. Ray Reems of Philadelphia refused so hand out and shot dead

12. September 3, 1896 The Globe-Republican Dodge City, KS
Article from The Globe-Republican, September 3, 1896

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LATE NEWS NOTES. Bill Doolin's remains were interred in a cemetery at Gathrie, Ok. Two Texas fought & duel with knives near Dallas and carved one another in a frightful manner. The West German M. E. conference found Rev. August Lemkan of Topeka guilty of imprudent conduct. The president and vice president of the American National bank of New Orleans have been arrested. Of the $300,000 needed for the Omaha exposition, $250,000 has been raised. The Salvation army bicycle brigade has made its appearance in New York. Vice Consul Piatt at Dublin says that American bicycles are having a big run in Ireland. Mrs. J. Cagles and son, Charles, of Perry, Okla., have been arrested for killing a man several years ago for his money. A new national organization of wholesale liquor dealers is to be organized to protect dealers against unfavorable legislation. At Lake Chautauqua. N. Y., 10,000 people crowded into a hall that would hold only 8,000 to hear Bryan. A panic was narrowly averted by Mr. Bryan refusing to speak until some of the people left the building. Congressman Sibley addressed those who went outside. After thirty-five minutes Mr. Bryan was enabled to begin his speech. The amount of gold coming to this country is estimated at $10,000,000. The ex-Confederate Home at Higginsville, Mo., is to be controlled by a stock company. Miss Laura Ray of Terre Haute sustained injuries by a fall from a bicycle from which she died. At Palestine, Tex., Zach Day, ex sheriff, and T. M. Butler had a diffi culty and Butler was shot through the heart. The presidential campaign is having a depressing effect on the glass dustry. All the glass factories will be late in starting this fall. The production of refined lead in this country during the first six months of 1896 was 130,696 net tons against 105,970 for the first half of last year. Of this amount 109,592 tons was desilverized lead and 21,108 tons soft lead. The apparent home consumption for the first half of this year was 106,932 against 241,892 for the year 1895. The big strike of Australian coal miners was lost by the men. The cruiser Brooklyn averaged 21.92 knots an hour on her trial trip and earned a bonus of $350,000 for her builders, the contract requirement being 20 knots. The tin plate trust has collapsed. C. M. Sharlee and J. T. George have resigned as receivers of the Conkling Bros.' banks at Nevada Sheldon, Richards and Bronaugh. It is said that if the court appoints more satisfactory receivers litigation will be stopped and affairs adjusted. Tin plate strike at Elwood, Ind., has been settled by the company signing the scale. The "Saxton Place" near St. Joseph, the residence of J. O. Brady, which cost $55,000 when erected a few years ago, was totally destroyed by fire. W. H. and J. B. Moore of Chicago, who attempted to run a corner on Diamond Match stock recently; are unable to settle as they are possessed of no assets. At the meeting of the Cundiff camp of the Daughters of the Confederacy at St. Joseph, the proposition to turn the home at Higginsville. Mo., over to the state was unanimously rejected. Alfred George Whitehead, the IrishAmerican political prisoner recently released from the Portland prison, visited his mother, then became deranged, disappeared and has not been seen since. The executive committee of the Irish National alliance has issued an appeal to the Irish people in America to contribute funds for the relief of the Irish prisoners released and to be released from English prisons. At Denville, Tenn., Ab. Hinsoa, a well known farmer. was fataliy shot from ambush. A son of Hinson, supposing the crime to have been committed by the Wiggins brothers. shot and killed one of the latter and cut his heart out. General Gomez asserts that he is sure to wrest. Cuba from Spain. A Cedar Rapids girl was fastened with a log chain for wanting to ride a bicycle. Miss Margaret Ingels, of Paris, Ky., will take the stump for Bryan and freesilver. James G. Blaine's old home and birthplace in Pennsylvania has been torn down. In a wreck of a fast mail train near Pittsburg eight persons were seriously and fifteen slightly hurt. President Cleveland commuted the death sentence of Robert E. Boutwell of Paris, Texas, to life imprisonment. Prof. Andree has arrived at Tromsoe, Norway, having given up his balioon trip to the North Pole. Texas fever has been discovered among cattle herds in Australia. W. H. McDole of Indianapolis has been appointed receiver for the Louisville New Albany and Chicago rail-

13. September 10, 1896 The Evening Times Washington, DC
Article from The Evening Times, September 10, 1896

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OTHER FAILURES MAY FOLLOW. Collapse of Unton National Bank Depresses Business in New Orleans. New Orleans, La., Sept. 10.-The Union National Bank, which closed yesterday, was founded in 1839, and is one of the oldest banks in they city. It had always been a prosperous and paying institution until some time ago it became known in business circles that it was not thoroughly sound. This shakiness dates back to the huge failure of V. and N. Meyer, cotton factors and general merchants. The bank was badly crippled by their failure, and has never recovered. Its depositors were principally cotton men, insurance and other corporations. It was almost strictly a commercial paper handler, and made demand loans on ordinary unsecured paper to the last. This money generally went to the country to buy cotton. Since the failure of the American National the distrust caused by that event has accentuated matters for the Union and the associated banks of the clearing house decided to lend its assistance, and especially because of the excitement and flurry that then existed. This got out and gave the depositors generally a chance to protect themselves. A quiet run has been made by drawing checks through other banks and these went through the clearing house. The suspension was inevitable and was forescen by the other banks ten days ago. The report telegraphed from Washington about a defalcation in connection with the failure cannot be. substantiated. A representative of the United Associated Presses sent a note to President Chaleron informing him of the report and asking that it be atfirmed or denied. The note was turned over to Bank Examiner Johnson and that gentleman informed the reporter that he had nothing to say as he was only temporarily in charge of the bank. "Is that the only answer you can give?' he was asked. "That's all I can say," said Mr. Johnson. From a gentleman who is close to the affairs of the bank it is learned that while the individual deposit book on the bank showed that there was SO much money in hand, the general ledger shows that there was eight times as much. The vice president of the clearing-house association, Mr. E. Toby. of the Canal bank, says he has heard nothing of the reported defalcation. The effect of the failure on general business is rather depressing andother failuresmay follow shortly.

14. September 11, 1896 The Wichita Daily Eagle Wichita, KS
Article from The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 11, 1896

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ONE MORE NEW ORLEANS SMASH Treasury Officials Take Steps to Tide Other Banks Over, New Orleans, Sept. 10.-The Mutual National bank, 624 and 626 Canal street, closed its doors this morning. Henry Waspero, president; Jahes J. Tarleton, cashier. The capital stock of the bank was only $200,000 nid its line of deposite very small. It has been regarded as weak for a long time. The bank is said to have sufficient securities to liquidate its entire indeptedness. Yesterday a rumir was in circulation that the bank was about to go into liquidation, though the directors had not then taken any action on the subjet. They have now concluded to wind up the business. It is stated that the leading banks of this city had in cash assets an amount which is twice as Garge as that usual at this season of the year and are perfectly sound financially. Washington, Sept. 10.-The treasury officials are doing what they can legitimately and lawfully to assist the national banks of New Orleans in tiding over any runs that may be made upon them.. The New Orleans banks have reserve agencies in New York and at their request deposits are made in the sub-trasury there, and the subtreaury in New Orleans is then directed to pay the amounts to the Banks. Already over a million dollars have een so transferred, and in case of need, turther exchange will b made Comptroller Eckles has appointed F. L. Richardson receiver of the American National bank of New Orleans which failed some weeks ago.

15. September 11, 1896 The Laramie Republican Laramie, WY
Article from The Laramie Republican, September 11, 1896

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NEW ORLEANS BANKS. Washington, Sept. 10.-The treasury officials are doing what they can legitimately and lawf ally. to assist the national banks of New Orleans in tiding over the runs that may be made on them. The New Orleans banks have reserve agencies in New York and at their request deposits are made in the sub-treasury there and the sub-treasury at New Orleans is directed to pay the amounts to the banks. Already over a million of dollars have been so transferred and in case of need, further exchanges will be made. Comptroller Eckles has appointed F. L. Richardson receiver of the American National bank of New Orleans, which failed some weeks ago.

16. September 11, 1896 The Indianapolis Journal Indianapolis, IN
Article from The Indianapolis Journal, September 11, 1896

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ANOTHER BANK CLOSED. The Mutual National, of New Orleans, Will Go Into Liquidation. NEW ORLEANS Sept. 10.-The Mutual National Bank, Nos. 624 and 626 Canal street, closed its doors this morning. Henry Maspero is president and James J. Tarleton cashier. The capital stock of the bank was only $200,000 and its line of deposits very small. It has been regarded as weak for a long time. The bank is said to have sufficient securities to liquidate its entire indebtedness. Yesterday a rumor was in circulation that the bank was about to go into liquidation, though the directors had not then taken any action on the subject. They have now concluded to wind up the business. It is stated that leading banks of this city hold in cash assets an amount which is twice as large as that usual at this season of the year and are perfectly sound financially. A dispatch from Washington says: The treasury officials are dong what they can, legitimately and lawfully, to assist the national banks of New Orleans in tiding over any runs that may be made upon them. The New Orleans banks have reserve agencies in New York. and at their requests deposits are made in the subtreasury, and the subtreasury in New Orleans is being directed to pay the amounts to banks. Already over a million dollars have been so transferred. and, in case of need, further exchanges will be made. Controller Eckels has appointed F. L. Richardson receiver of the American National Bank of New Orleans, which failed some weeks ago.

17. September 11, 1896 Birmingham State Herald Birmingham, AL
Article from Birmingham State Herald, September 11, 1896

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BUY CORONA COAL. John K. Warren, Manager Telephone 1020. 6-5-tf National Bank Receiver Appointed. Washington, Sept. 10.-Comptroller Eckels has appointed J. L. Richardson receiver of the American National bank, New Orleans, which failed several weeks ago.

18. September 11, 1896 The Morning Times Washington, DC
Article from The Morning Times, September 11, 1896

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NEW ORLEANS BANK FAILS. Mutual Union Follows the Suspension of the American National. New Orleans, Sept. 10.-The Mutual National Bank closed its doors this morning. The effect of this banks' suspension has been discounted as it was well known to be in a bad way. Shortly after the American National Bank failed a run was made on the Mutual and the collapse of the bank at that time appeared inevitable. Luckily, the run was started on Satururday shortly' before noon and Saturday being a legal half holiday, in New Orleans, Providence was on the side of the sorely pressed institution. By Monday morning, it had a chance to recuperate. The unexpected failure of the Union National Wednesday aroused the suspicions of depositors and another rush was made on the Mutual. The clearing-house refused further assistance and suspension followed.

19. September 14, 1896 The Sun New York, NY
Article from The Sun, September 14, 1896

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BANK-LOOTING SYNDICATE. SEVEN PERSONS IN THE NEW ORLEANS STEAL OF $602,000. The Two Clerks or the Union National, Colomb and Leone. Did the Work Inside - Money Used in Riotous Living and Speculation-Arrests to Be Made at Once. NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 13.-There is only one more secret to come out in the wrecking of the Union National Bank and the bank panic which raged here last week. and it is announced that it will be disclosed within the next twenty-four hours. That is the names of the confederates, the men on the outside who drew out and appropriated the $602,000 of the bank's money. Colomb and Leone. the bookkeepers. cooked the accounts so as to keep the bank always in debt to these confederates. The bank was robbed by a syndicate composed of seven persons, two on the inside of the bank and five on the outside. The whole transaction was businesslike and systematic. including an agreement as to the amount to be drawn out or stolen each day. and the division of the funds. Colcomb. whose lack of nerve was shown by his suicide the moment suspicion pointed to him. was the organizer of the project and its director. It is reported to-night that a confession has been made: that three members of the syndicate have been named. and that the only reason their names are not now made public is to prevent any escape, as some of them are out of town. The money went mainly in riotous living: the balance on speculation with the hope of recovering the amount stolen. In the big CO ton speculation last year when cotton went up so high. the syndicate was ahead of the game. The sudden collapse of the market prevented it from making good the bank's money and rendered a new raid necessary. The bank has been plundered more heavily than ever since. The outside members of the syndicate are said to be high livers. Not so Colcomb and Leone: they conld not be so, for they were kept all the day at their desks working away to cover up the crookedness in their books, They had little time for a spree. Colcomb spent most of his share of the swag on his family. He lived most luxuriously. had ten servants. and a housekeeper to relieve his wife of the trouble of domestic affairs. A rather large household for n clerk on a salary of $150 a month. He had evidently anticipated that the defalcation would come out sooner or later. and had determined on suicide when it did, for he carried the poison on his person to be used at a moment's notice. He had many friends, and they all speak of him as generous and brave. To commit suicide IS the only thing 14 gentleman could do under the circumstances, they say. Colomb was interviewed on Thursday night about the bank's condition. He was calm and collected then and apparently in the best of humor. although it was only a few hours before isdeath, and he had then evidently determined on suicide. He did not tell his family of his intention. and it was not until several hours later that he took the poison and was discovered in an insensible condition. Once or twice in the next thirty-six hours he opened his eyes and looked around the room, but he neither spoke nor seemed to know any one. Colomb's death renders the work of investigating the defalcation very difficult. and United States Bank Examiner Escott doubts whether it will ever be possible to know all the details. The receivers of the Bank of Commerce and American National Bank will take possession of them to-morrow. The other two closed banks, the Mutual National and Union National, still remain in the hands of the United States examiners. It is thought that the panic is over and that there will be no trouble to-morrow. United States Bank Examiner Escott completed his first trial balance of the Union National Bank to-night and found the amount stolen to be $602,687.07. This is subject to an increase when all the accounts are carefully examined.

20. September 15, 1896 The Progressive Farmer Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Winston, NC
Article from The Progressive Farmer, September 15, 1896

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"SOUND MONEY" AND THE BANKS. The Manufacturers' Bank of West Duluth wentof business. Couldn't meet its liabilities-in "gold." La Maida Bros. & Andrale, bankers, New York and Philadelphia, failed. Couldn't meet $30,000 of liabilities with $60,000 of assets. State Land and Trust Co, Ogallala, Neb., capital $25,000, loans and discounts $58,665, gone under the gold standard. The Bank of National City, Cal, insolvent. Receiver appointed. Union National Bank, Sioux Falls, S. D, gone. The First National Bank of Beatrice, Neb., closed doors. Couldn't pay $110,000 of liabilities with $250,000 of assets. See! $25 of honest property assets, will not pay $11 of gold standard debt. Beatrice Neb, Savings Bank also gone under, with $290,000 gold standard dollars-all of the savings from the toil of the honest laborers of that vicinity. American National Bank of New Orleans closed. Funds found squandered. Officers arrested. Three more bank failures in New Orleans las week.

21. September 18, 1896 Vermont Phœnix Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Ludlow, VT
Article from Vermont Phœnix, September 18, 1896

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THE NEWS IN BRIEF. A Bank Panic. Four Institutions Close Their Doors--a Defalcation of $600,000. The banking houses of New Orleans, La., have suffered a disastrous run within the last ten days as a result of which the American, Union and Mutual, all national banks, and the Bank of Commerce, a state bank, have succumbed. The failure of the first two revealed strong evidence of crookedness in their management and a panic would have resulted had it not been for the prompt action of the associated banks in adopting the rule of paying not more than $100 a day to any single depositor, and of the savings banks in adopting the 60-day clause, requiring a notification before payment of deposits. There was no hope for the Mutual, however, as it was already on the down grade.' The run on the banks began originally in the disposition to hoard money in consequence of the political situation. When the American National failed and revealed a corrupt condition of affairs it created a lack of confidence. This was intensified by the failure of the Union National which was due partly to a defalcation of about $600,000, although the fact of the defalcation was not discovered until after the failure. The adoption of the $100 a day rule had a tendency to restore confidence, as it was thought that, with assistance from other banks, the Bank of Commerce, which was in a solvent condition, would be able to pull through, but when it was found that its securities, consisting mainly of real estate mortgages, could not be realized on, the other banks refused to advance cash, and the bank was advised to close to better protect its depositors, as it would be obliged to close its doors eventually. Returning confidence was at once checked and the run on the smaller banks continued for several days. The mystery of the Union national was cleared up by Bank Examiner Escott, who made careful examination of the books and showed that the bank has been robbed of $592,000 by its individual bookkeepers, Frank Leefe and Louis Colomb, Leefe getting $185,000 and Colomb $407,000. The trick was worked by means of dummy depositors who were credited by the two bookkeepers with depositing large sums of money. Both Leefe and Colomb are men of excellent family and of the best personal reputation. They were placed under arrest. Colomb took poison soon after being arrested and has since died.

22. September 25, 1896 Tensas Gazette Saint Joseph, LA
Article from Tensas Gazette, September 25, 1896

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THE NEW ORLEANS BANK FAILURES. The failure of four National Banks within a short time in New Orleans, to-wit: the American, Mutual, Union and Bank of Comшегсе, has alarmed the people throughout Eouisiana. The causes assigned for the-failure of two of them are gross mismanagement, and criminal conduct on the part of the officers in charge.. It is said that in China when a bank fails the law is to cut off the head of the man who is responsible for the management of the bank, and more than a thousand years have passed since one has failed in "The Flowery Kingdom." Every one thought when the $5,000,000 of sugar bounty money was paid into the vaults of the banks it would make them safe and sound, and nothing can make up for the criminal course pursued by the officers in charge of those institutions. A bank failed in Glasgow, Scotland, some years ago, the effects of which were felt far and wide and much distress and poverty was entailed upon the depositors on account of its failure. The law took hold of this matter, and every director, no matter how High his station in life, was held to strict accountability for the mismanagement of the Bank. But in this country it is unfortunate the case that when a man has money, power and influence through the ability of his law yers and influence of his friends,- no matter how guilty, he almost in every instance goes unwhipped of justice- How far the officers of these New Orleans institutions will be held accountable to the law for their shortcomings remaine to be seen- The truest test of a high covilization is the manthem enfureed

23. October 21, 1896 San Antonio Daily Light San Antonio, TX
Article from San Antonio Daily Light, October 21, 1896

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The Dailv Light. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21. THE SCHWARTZ FAILURE. Opposition Filed by the Receiver of the National Bank. New Orleans, Oct. 21.- Frank N. Butler, attorney for Mr. Frank L. Richardson, receiver for the American National bank, on behalf of the bank, has filed an opposition in the Civil District court, in the suit of M. Schwartz & company, against his creditors. The petition recites that M. Schwartz & company are indebted to said bank for over $100,000, and that notwithstanding this they did willfully and fraudulently place said bank on their sworn schedule of liabilities filed by them herein as being a creditor for $52,324.46 less than the real and acknowledged indebtedness to said bank. Opponent further avers that said M. Schwartz & company, did thus willfully and falsely place said American National bank on their said schedule of liabilities for the double purpose of fraudulently concealing the amount of their actual indebtedness from their creditors and in order to make their assets appear to exceed their liabilities by a very large .sum, thereby induce their said creditors to believe they were solvent, when in truth and fact the real value of their assets then was, and now is) much less than the total amount of their actual liabilities, and when they filed their said false schedule of liabilities they were insolvent and without a legal right to a respite. "That in order for a respite to have any legal effect it is necessary that the debtor deposit in the office of the clerk of this honorable court, with his petition therefor, a true and exact schedule of his debts sworn to by him and as the said M. Schwartz and Co. did not file with their said petition for a respite herein a true and exact schedule of their debts, duly sworn to, but, on the contrary, did file as aforesaid a false and fraudulent schedule of their liabilities with their petition for a respite herein, said respite is, for said cause, without any legal force or effect. Wherefore opponent prays that this honorable court will enter a judgment herein in favor of opponent and against M. Schwartz & Co., Moses Schwartz and M. G. Weil, refusing to homologate the proces verbal of the creditors' meeting herein; and furthermore decreeing that the respite granted herein by some of the creditors of said M. Schwartz & Co., Moses Schwartz and M. G. Weil, be decreed to be without any legal force or effect.

24. October 31, 1896 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The San Francisco Call, October 31, 1896

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- Bankers Indicted. NEW ORLEANS, LA., Oct. 30.-The Grand Jury yesterday indicted Henry Gardas, president of the American National Bank; W.A. Geralt, cashier; W. H. Renaud, Julius Keifer and T. Thorn, directors, for having received deposits in the bank after they knew it to be insolvent. These indictments are the result of the recent bank panic in New Orleans. The American National was the first of the four banks to go down, .and the wretched condition of affairs exposed by its failure caused a panicky feeling and a run on the other banks.