Old Merchants National Bank & Trust Company (Battle Creek, MI)

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MICHIGAN BANKS ORDERED CLOSED

Proclamation Provides for Eight Day Holiday

Nearly 600 banks the lower peninsula state Michigan ordered Governor Comstock Tuesday morning of the ment the Union Guardian Trust Company of which with large of branch banks tions the state Unable their the bank meet steady demands made on Conferences called with state officials leading of including the heads of the General Motors. Chrysler Ford The former companies while the Ford company deposits excess of and claims have supported the bank with exceeding request made Ford company interests to those of smaller depositors and of Finance Corporation which already made loans the bank This port which they had already the bank Fearing bank panic after conference with leading and and state officials holiday decided upon until adjustments could made whereby all banks of the state would prepared withstand demands usually follow such financial upheaval Much citizens over the and particularly the large cities such Detroit denied made Wednesday ing. permitted withdraw per their relief and that perfected many the banks of again full before expiration of the eightday appreciable effect the Indiana cities by the the Michigan banks Banks of this county had with Michigan local bankers state that they amply able to render full their and depositors that he knew the general banking condition good. that the plan adoptwith approval struction Finance Corporation simply calculated to maintain steadiness an unstable financial situation.

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THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM

The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing, on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now, while we still cling to the gold standard?

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THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM

The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing, on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs, which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it, the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now?

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THE MICHIGAN MORATORIUM

The Governor of Michigan has closed all the banks and trust companies in his State for eight days. It is the same thing. on a larger scale, as has happened in many small towns in the Middle West and West during Shutdowns the course of this depression. It has happened all over Michigan for the same reason, Vs. Runs which appears to us to be a good reason. This reason simply is that the gold standard dollar has been growing more and more un-get-atable. It is better to freeze money in the banks and go on a scrip basis temporarily than to permit bank runs. which might produce bank failures. We think Gov. Comstock of Michigan has acted wisely and with true prudence. As we see it. the Michigan moratorium is another argument for cheapening the dollar so that people can get it more easily to buy goods, pay debts and keep business in motion. President Hoover told us Monday night in solemn tones that if we go off the gold standard we shall have economic disaster. What does he think we're having now

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Michigan Recovering from State Wide Bank Holiday Order

Nearly 600 banks in the lower peninsula of the state Michigan ordered closed by proclamation of Governor Comstock Tuesday morning because of the embarrassment of the Union Guardian Trust Company of Detroit which with large of branch banks was one of the largest banking institutions in the state. Unable to convert their the bank was able to meet the steady demands made on its reserve. Conferences were called with state officials and with some of the leading industrialists of Detroit. including the heads of the General Motors. Chrysler and Ford Corporations. The two former companies were depositors. while the Ford company had deposits in excess of and claims to have supported the bank with investments exceeding request was made that the Ford company subordinate their interests to those smaller depositors and of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. which had already made heavy loans to the bank This the Ford company refused to do in view of the heavy investment support which they had already given the bank Fearing general bank panic after conference with leading financiers and government and state officials the proclamation for an holiday was decided upon until could be made whereby all banks of the state would be prepared to withstand demands usually follow such financial upheaval. Much inconvenience was occasioncitizens over the entire state, and particularly in the large cities such Detroit when banking privileges were denied them. Arrangements were made Wednesday morning. however. whereby depositors were permitted to withdraw five per cent of their deposits as emergency relief. and is predicted that will be perfected whereby many of the banks of the state again be in full operation before the expiration of the eightday holiday. Much cash was poured into Michigan from outside sources on Wednesday and Thursday and it appeared Thursday that would available for circulation in than in the during the boom times Many banks were expecting to resume operations by Friday in limited and reported that in view of the expected recovery from the situation that state banking department would leave at discreation of the banks the matter of reopening before the expiration of the holiday set.

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WEEK'S

SURPRISE SHOCKS WELL RESISTED BY PRICES IN GENERAL and

CHARLES F. SPEARE BY Consolidated Leased Journal. Feb. The episodes in our unexpected business life and with all of their implications, could not have failed to produce certain liquidation securities fact that they did not The create an even greater degree of of this that stocks meaning have The liquidated group of values. other the most reother developments the subtract from what be encouraging appeared had The present average being the lowest since Octhe confitober, dence that has taken place since that time rather than conditions. measuring a The world was unprepared statewide banking moratorium in Michithat greeted it Tuesday morning some months been assured was sound the and that that while might be weaknesses in that will have supported, the crisis in last banking was there was distinct shock in the spectacle an entire one state, the country largest having its banking entirely withdrawn order to prewhose assets the extent of over per cent were invested in real the heart of this situation is of investing large banking portions the those paper that are not marketable and, while profitable fair weather. are liability disturbed public sentiment. realized now in many that the value of their banks little and henceforth is with the of The Michigan incident recalls the credited the Fidirectors that no major trouble would be permitted banking This might be supported the while no institution Detroit deposits over 500 banks and aggregating have been for prescribed period. That there on the part Corporaassist instiand that toward deinflation apparent each Report Scanned This the report of committee to the opinions and where the ing in mat in the past ters some promoted the investitransportation keen for if they the would of in the frank has closely follow Salt Lake City and Louis railroad conagain the position of the the bondhave abused their and up deearly must be accepted There for continuto railroads that handicapped ratio embarrasses such propreasonable financial the for the railroad sitsituations must an the market totheir the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to additional railroad practically defaulted price

Firmer Some banking dismarket, with weakness has developed year suggestion fiinapparent exchanges Japan's credit rest quest for greater considerable loans by the the the foreign trade outlook in South republics the inColomCongress Still Lagging during been helpful legisthe fears the would been an institute what are termed and part in the shrinkage now the general not the time to They the betterment of the situinvolved listenrecital of the Insull vandal may have York Stock ago utterly immediate good and distraught people and farm sidetracked Pressuspend congress abruptly Comstock stopped the

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MICHIGAN'S BANKS OPENED TODAY FOR LIMITED BUSINESS gan's banks opened for restricted business today. some of them for the first time since Governor William A. Comstock's emergency closing order ten days ago. Rudolph E. Reichert state banking said that most banks were "doing business in the best possible way," and congratulated the state's bankers on their cooperation during the emergency. He said that most banks were cashing checks that had not already been cleared, on the depository percentage basis laid down in the governor's second proclamation issued Tuesday. Generally, the banks were following the plan under operation for the past week in Detroit, allowing depositors to withdraw 5 per cent of their deposits. In Detroit at the opening hour there were no lineups outside the banks and few instances of unusual numbers of customers inside.

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NEWS

Page. Movie Reel Editorial Movies Markets Winchell Ads Folly Island. Weather Radio Sports 16 Plans started for early pres. the west farm relief proposal. Page The United States general ruling on the proper of assembling to vote repeal. Page The senate banking heard charge the City control the mar ket for its stock. Page Senator assailed he clared control by New York Page The senate did some expense paring and then wiped added Page

Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt belated apology from health officer. Page Senator Thomas Walsh sailed for Cuba to marry sugar grower's Page President Roosevelt appointed Representative Douglas of Arizona as budget director. Page Michigan banks reopened. Page 2.

Dr. Charles urged cational guidance for employed adults. Page The repeal proposal was put Page The city council committee recommended the department personnel cut Page The park board had natural goldfish bowl Birch at Page Presidents of state teachers' col. united against the proposed curtailment of the state sys. tem. Page Northwest Feed Dealers told unregulated trucks affected their business. Knowledge of school subjects was called not the essential of education of girls by Dr. Malcome Mc. Lean. Page Miss Helen Wilson, former resident of Minneapolis, died Tre mezzio, Page 6. Patrick 79. deputy sheriff, fell dead. Page Two suspended Paul policemen were sentenced for larceny. Page

SINCE prohibition went effect several states which were dry have shown wet sentiment. map and story indicate the Page President-elect Roosevelt has decided he'll rely on service agents guard him the inanguration. He told Arlayne Brown, world champion revolver shot. offered that she won't be needed. Page The intelligence that gets marks not the only from educator. Dr. Malcolm college rector the University of urged education that will fit life. Page

The big Japanese drive in Jehol started. Page The Mount Everest plane party from Sicily after five Page WOMEN'S NEWS. Evon Nollette describes garments designed for double duty. Page 13. for Swedish meat balls by Kate Smith. Page 13. Restlessness is Elsie Page 13. Jessie DeBoth presents Sunday dinner menu. Page 13. SPORTS. Mickey shaded Frankie Knauer the six-round of the boxing Page 16. The city high school basketball will wind up today. Page 16 Page 17. Alexandria's quintet was elimi nated by the St. Paul Flyers in the feature of the amateur basketball the Ascen sions, Holy Cross and Belle Plaine also won. Page 17.

MARKETE

Bullish vanished in the Minneapolis pit; Chicago tumbled. Page 18. Stock values slumped to new low averages on large turnover. Page 19. Bonds suffered the worst relapse since the first the 19. Page 19. Dog and lamb trade advanced in South St. Paul: cattle prices mained unchanged. Page

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JURY PROBE OF

Prosecutor Has Made Investigation of Situation in Food

City

There that Prosepossibility cuting Attorney William Kearney of Albion may petition Judge Blaine Hatch to call grand jury Investigation into the Battle Creek banking situation No such petition has been filed date Prosecutor Kearney Battle Creek Thursday making investigation of rumors which had been prevalent in Battle Creck which caused run on the bank and the Central National bank last week and the fore part of this week. Mr Kearney in doubt to whether there sufficient basis for calling grand jury probe ports that depositors of the OldMerchants bank wanted an investigation to why the federal ernment that bank open after the federal bank day and then allowed It to close heavily discounted facts in connection to be that the bank permitted to open beacuse was good condition but that subsequent to the reopening after the bank holiday. heavy withdrawal funds not only on the part of small deppositors but also on the part of large depositors and particularly on the part of depositors whose deposits were large that withdrawal left their the bank in vulnerable The real and only basis for grand probe of the Battle jury Creek situation the spreading untrue rumors which caused the the other two banks there. Unquestionably the Central National and the City Bank of Battle Creek have evidence of the source of these rumors Whether they push the matter remains on Page

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Final Push In New Bank Stock Campaign Is On

Strenuous efforts are being made by members of the workers' committee complete the $750,000 stock subscription campaign for the proposed National Bank of Battle Creek by Saturday night. Although detailed report on the amount of stock remaining to be sold has been made. it was believed to be about 350 shares, representing $43,750. Officials of the bank committee. in discussing prospects for the pro. posed banking institution. pointed out that approximately $11,000.000 will be available in the community for potential deposit in the bank upon its opening. Approximately $4,000,000 in deposits were paid out to depositors since the original Michigan bank holiday, and an additional $7,000,000 will be made available with the opening of the new bank and the release of 100 per cent of the deposits of the City National and 50 per cent of the deposits of the Old Merchants National banks, they declared Bank organization workers com pared this total of approximately $11,000,000 with the fact that in Jackson only 30 per cent of the impounded $30,000,000 deposits have been made available, while in Grand Rapids $6,000,000 was made available on $12,000,000 of deposits. The workers also pointed out that with the $250,000 subscription to bank stock made by the Kellogg interests, the remaining amount of $500,000 required locally amounted to only per cent of the impounded assets.

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THE EVENING CHRONICLE, MARSHALL, MICHIGAN, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1935

Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Phelps of Detroit, arrived today to be the guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Mills.

Mrs. W. C. Muck and Miss Wilma Muck will motor to Chicago tomorrow evening to remain over the week-end.

Herbert Edgett, defendant in a suit started by Gladys Edgett, filed an appearance in circuit court today through Atty. R. G. Leitch of Battle Creek.

Atty. Verner W. Main, of Battle Creek, today in circuit court filed an appearance in behalf of Frank Berd, defendant in a suit started by Millie M. Berd.

Affidavit of non-appearance of Florence K. Hart, one of the defendants in a suit started by the liquidating trustees of Old Merchants National Bank & Trust Co., Battle Creek, against Alfred Lee Trodson, et al, was filed in circuit court today.

Miss Jessie C. Porter went to Elmhurst, Ill., Tuesday, called by the serious illness of her sister Mrs. George H. Miller. Yesterday Mrs. Miller underwent an operation at Garfield Park hospital in Chicago. A letter received by Mrs. C. W. Casper from Miss Porter this morning stated that she was resting comfortably.

Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Talmadge and Mrs. Sarah Perry will motor to Detroit Monday where Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge will attend the hairdressers convention at Hotel Statler. They will return home on Tuesday while Mrs. Perry will remain for a two weeks' visit with Mr. and Mrs. Russell Foley in Dearborn.

Announcement is made that through the courtesy of Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald and the state racing commission, the entire proceeds of the racing program at the state fair grounds in Detroit Next Monday will go to the Starr Commonwealth. The funds will be used to complete a building now under construction that will house a general shop, gymnasium-auditorium and physics, biology and research laboratories.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Lester formerly of Jackson who have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lester have gone to Grand Rapids where they will reside. Mr. Lester is a locomotive fireman and has been in the employ of the Michigan Central railroad for years. A heavy increase in business in the Grand Rapids district has necessitated his transfer to that city. Mr. Lester at one time resided in Marshall and is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Lester.

A large section of the eastern part of the city was without electricity from 9:15 o'clock last evening until late this morning. A big limb crashed across the municipal transmission line in front of the residence of Thomas Barningham in east Mansion street which broke the wires. For some time pedestrians and motorists were endangered from live wires until employees of the city electric department could get on the job. Flares were placed about the spot and

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At the 9:00 o'clock mass on New Years day, the children's choir of St. Mary's church will repeat the Christmas carols which were sung on Christmas day.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Radford of Grand Rapids were week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. P. S. Joy. They returned home this morning accompanied by Mrs. C. A. Radford who will spend the remainder of the winter with them.

Listing sheets of the approximately 250 applications for the new wheat reduction contracts are to be taken to Lansing tomorrow for the approval of state authorities by R. L. Cook, county compliance supervisor.

Dr. H. F. Becker, of Battle Creek through Atty. Joseph McAuliffe this morning filed an exception to a recent finding and order of Circuit Judge Blaine W. Hatch, granting motion of the liquidating trustees of Old Merchants National Bank & Trust Co., Battle Creek defendants in a suit started by Dr. Becker, to set aside a jury's verdict, and enter a judgment favorable to the defendants. Mr. McAuliffe listed 11 alleged errors, including the statement that "out of 52 tenants owing back rentals some 16 had accepted and received adjustments as to their respective rentals on various grounds amounting anywhere from 15 to 50 per cent of their respective claims." Mr. McAuliffe also took exception to the action of the court in determining numerous questions of fact "which determinations were exclusively within the province of the jury." The suit had its origin in rental of office space in the Security National Bank