Multiple July 1932 articles describe a nationwide whispering/propaganda campaign traced to Pontiac aimed at undermining confidence in the First National Bank (Pontiac) but do not clearly report an actual depositor run at that bank. A Detroit Free Press item (1933-04-13) reports the former bank president's suicide and that his death closed the bank; a bank examiner began work and reopening was discussed. I infer the bank was suspended/closed in connection with internal problems revealed after the president's death and examinations; reopening was under consideration (hence classified as suspension_reopening). Corrected OCR: some names and phrases in the clippings (e.g., Rowland, whispering campaign) were garbled; I used contextual reading to correct them.
Events (4)
1.February 29, 1932Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2.July 28, 1932Other
Newspaper Excerpt
reports were in the hands of government investigators showing banks in many cities victims of runs apparently started by telephone whispering campaigns ... police of Pontiac, Mich., continued to reveal details of the plot which they said was aimed at the destruction of the First National bank there.
Source
newspapers
3.April 13, 1933Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Former bank president's suicide and evidence of excessive loans and other officer-related problems led to the bank's closure and an examiner's investigation.
Newspaper Excerpt
Smith, former president the bank whose suicide closed bank, ... Bank Examiner L. F. Burk, Wednesday began First National On his findings largely depends the possibility of reopening bank here.
Source
newspapers
4.September 13, 1933Receivership
Source
historical_nic
Newspaper Articles (21)
1.July 28, 1932Oakland TribuneOakland, CA
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REDS HUNTED SCHEME TO
Man Sought as Leader of 'Revolt' Believed to Be G. E. Powers of New York
CHICAGO, July thors of communistic propaganda found in a Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and everywhere as directors of nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesttatingly blamed communist party for systematized attack on the int gity of financial institutions In many large particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed Soviet Russia. FOSTER ISSUES DENIAL William Z. Foster, communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National Pank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland. whose room seditious letters were found, was a member of the party. Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for "anyone who advocates reformation of the govenment by violence or any other unlawful The letters were signed 'yours for the evolution," and some discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the revolution. Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions, and caused the soundest financial citadels to store upwards of $100.in cash on hand in order to meet ands of depositors. The situation here, no longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letterm sent from Chicago, advising there was "much progress here" and "considerable runs on jugs (banks) in Loop. Melvin Trayler, president of the First National Bank and former head of the American Bankers blamed the "radicals." He said he believed the "plot to be and that he had reports from many cities similar system was used in frightening depositors telephone messages.
2.July 28, 1932The Daily BreezeTorrance, CA
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RED BANK PLOT LEADERS
Secret Service Joins With Nation's Police in Search
CHICAGO, July 28 of communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as directors of campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party for .systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank in Chicago last month was said by L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by Soviet Russia William z. Foster. communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored a whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac, or that a man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party. "Rowland" was believed today to be really George E. Powers, once candidate for president of Queens borough in New York City and with record for criminal syndicalism in Michigan since last August. He escaped a police trap in his raided hotel room and became the object of national dragnet. Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for 'anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other unlawful means. Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions and caused the city's soundest financial citadels to store upward of $100,000,000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors. The here, no longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letters sent from Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there was "much progress here' and "considerable runs on jugs in loop.'
3.July 28, 1932Jackson Citizen PatriotJackson, MI
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Hundred U. S. Agents to Aid State Police in Pontiac Communist Plot.
SEARCH IS NATION-WIDE
Five Detroit Institutions Attacked by Whispering Campaign Are Sound.
Pontiac, July One hundred United States secret service agents will be in Michigan by Friday to investigate closing campaigns against Clarence Smith today search for George leader of ritory extended the Capt. Ira Marmon of the state police Rowland has been conducting campaign against the First bank national similar nature, by Communists Rowland while Marcompleting his investigation on charging circuabout the local bank, felony in Michiand letters found in on Rowland's room revealed his the Communist campaigns against Cleveand other said. Smith that some of the secret service would come Pontiac assist Capt. Marmon located in cities has rumors about local first job is find Rowbending every effort in that direction.
Search. found were today by the service and the paign the confidence of bank bankers and government officials blamed the party attack of financial institutions many particularly runs which threatened bank Chicago month. Smith. attorney Pontiac. have been backSoviet Russia. William Communist candidate President, denied his sponsored whispering against the First National bank Pontiac, known George in seditious letters found. of the party. sedition law. viding years and directed against advocates reformation of the government by violence any other lawful the should any with the Pontiac letters were signed "yours the revolution," some "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the revolution. Chicago's June bank closed than includtwo caused city's soundest to store cash on hand in order to meet No Acute. The longer acute, appeared definitely linked references the Pontiac letters from advising that progress here" and runs in Melvin president of First National bank former head of the American blamed the He said "plot be that he had ports from cities that system used in frightening depositors by anonymous teletold of plan, (Turn to No. Next Page)
4.July 28, 1932The Flint JournalFlint, MI
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PETITION REQUESTS HIGH COURT ISSUE PLOTTERS RESTRAINING ORDER
Hundred Secret Service Agents Sent to Michigan to Aid Investigations.
COMMUNISTS BLAMED
Head of Party Denies Support of Campaign to Ruin Faith in Banks.
July One hundred United States secret will in Michigan Friday Clarence Smith today, search for George Row. alleged extend. paign Capt. the state German naval police revealed Wednesday Rowland telephone campaign here against cadets the First National bank here as Danish part similar nature, by munists. disappeared while Marhis tion sought rants charging with circulatderogatory statements about local bank, felony in igan. and letters found raid on Communist organization and campaigns against banks Chicago, Cleveother cities, Marmon said.
To Scatter Agents
Prosecutor Smith said that some of the secret would come Pontiac to assist Capt. Marmon while would cated various cities circulated about local banks. first find RowMr. Smith bending every effort in that direction."
Chicago, July Authors ganda found Pontiac hotel were sought today by the secret service detectives as the directors against confidence Chicago government officials and Michigan police hesitatingly blamed the Communist party systematized integrity of financial institutions many cities, particularly runs which bank month. prosecuting attorney been backed by Soviet RusWilliam Z. Foster. Communist candidate President, denied organization had sponsored campaign against First National bank Pontiac, that George Row(Turn Page
5.July 28, 1932The Clarksdale Press RegisterClarksdale, MS
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Authors of Communistic Propaganda Are Being Sought by Secret Service Agents in Nation-Wide Drive of
CHICAGO, July ors of propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel sought today by the seeret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of cam paign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government of ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, partieularly the runs which threatened ery bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by Soviet Russia. William Z. Foster, communist can didate for president, denied his or ganization had sponsored whisper ing campaign against the First Na tional Bank of Pontine, or that man known as George Rowland, in whise room seditious letters were found, as member of the party. Illinois drastic sedition law, providing 20 years' imprisonment and directed against 'anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other un (Continued on page 3)
6.July 28, 1932The Indianapolis TimesIndianapolis, IN
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FOSTER DENIES 'RED PLOT' TO DESTROY BANKS 'Whispering Drive' Charges Attempt to Find Excuses for Crashes, He Says. By United Press CHICAGO, July 28. Federal agents and police today hunted a mysterious individual, described as George Rowland, whom they charge with being an agent in a widespread campaign by persons of Communistic beliefs to wreck banks by starting runs among panicky depositors. The sensational charges were met with direct denial by William Z. Foster, Communist party candidate for President, that such an individual as Rowland exists. Foster denounced the accusations of a plot as "deliberate fabrications." Regardless of Rowland's existence, reports were in the hands of government investigators showing banks in many cities victims of runs apparently started by telephone "whispering" campaigns. Bankers were inclined to agree with federal agents that a concerted drive had been made. Traylor Charges "Plot" Melvin A. Traylor, president of the large First National Bank of Chicago, was positive an organized campaign had caused recent runs on his and other large Chicago institutions. "I have information," he said, "from virtually every large bank in the nation indicating a plot to wreck banks by unfounded rumors. Anonymous telephone calls were used in attempts to cause panic." At Salt Lake City, Utah, banks reported their belief such a plot was being attempted at the present moment. At Washington, D. C., federal authorities said the department of justice had investigated a virulent campaign against banks in a Pacific coast city. "Whispering" Campaign Traced The same investigators said, however, that study of runs showed many inspired by personal malice or misinformation. Authorities of the twin cities reported a recent whispering campaign against large banks there. Reports of similar activity came from Cleveland, O. Police of Pontiac, Mich., continued to reveal details of the plot which they said was aimed at the destruction of the First National bank there. Captain Ira Marmon of the Michigan state police, who caused the
7.July 28, 1932Jefferson City Post-TribuneJefferson City, MO
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thors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, hotel were sought today by the secret service detectives everywhere the directors of nation-wide against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blaned the Communist for attack on integrity of financial Institutions in many large cites. particnlarly the runs which threatened bank in Chicago month said by Smith, prosecuting attorney, at Pontiac, have been backed by Soviet Russia William Z. Foster. Communist candidate for his organization sponsored whispering campaign against the First National Bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland. whose seditions was a member of the party.
8.July 28, 1932Marshfield News-HeraldMarshfield, WI
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Continue Search for Authors of Communistic Propaganda
CONFIDENCE IS REGAINED
Chicago, July communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by secret service and detectives everywhere the directors nationwide campaign against the confidence bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist attack financial institutions many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened bank in Chicago last month. said by Smith, prosecuting Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Sussia. Denies Accusation William Foster, candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against First National bank Pontiac, that man known as George land, in whose room seditious letwere found, was member of the party. Illinois' drastic sedition law, providing years imprisonment and directed against who advocates reformation of the ment violence or any other unlawful means," eyed as the handiest should cals be caught and connected The letters signed "yours for the revolution," and discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the Banks Closed Chicago's June bank closed more than 40 including two in the loop and caused the city's soundest financial citadels store upwards of $100,000,000 cash on hand in order to meet mands depositors. The situation here, longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letters from Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there "much progress and on jugs Melvin Traylor, president the First bank and forhead of the American Bankers association, blamed the "radicals," he said he believed the "plot to and that he had ports from that similar system was used in frightening depositors by telephone messages. Other Chicago bankers told how radicals opened to bank accounts and then withdrew them spreading of the
9.July 28, 1932Quad-City TimesDavenport, IA
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DISAVOWAL
W. Z. Foster, Leader in U. S., Denies Suspect Is a Member.
RUNS CLOSED 40 BANKS
Drastic Illinois Sedition Law May Be Used Against Band.
Chicago, July (AP) thors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich. hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of a nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers. government of ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial Institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. L. Smith, prose cuting attorney at Pontiac. to have been backed by Soviet Russia. William Z. Foster. Communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac, or that a man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was a member of the party Illinois' drastic sedition law. proviring 20 years' imprisonment and directed against "anyone who advocates reformation of the govern ment by violence or any other unlawful means.' was eyed as the handiest weapon should any radicals be caught and connected with the Pontiac literature For the letters were signed "yours for the revolution, and some discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead to the rev. olution.
40 Banks Closed Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions, including two in the loop, and caused the city's soundest financial cita dels to store upwards of $100,000.000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors. The situation here, no longer acute, appeared definitely linked references in the Pa 10 let ters sent from Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there was "much progress here" and "considerable runs on jugs in loop." Withdrew New Accounts. Melvin A. Traylor. president of the First National bank and for mer head of the American Bankassociation, blamed the "radicals." He said he believed the "plot to be nation-wide,' and that he had reports from many cities that similar system was used in frightening depositors by anony mous telephone messages. Rowland's letters told of a plan, discussed but abandoned. of starting simultaneous runs in many key cities. Other Chicago bankers told how radicals opened 300 to 400 bank accounts and then withdrew them simultaneously, spreading news of the "run."
10.July 28, 1932The Evening SunHanover, PA
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FOR
Secret Service And Detectives Extensive For Authors Of Literature Found In Pontiac, Blame Communists
CHICAGO, JULY of communistic propaganda found Pontiac, hotel were sought today by the secret service and everywhere as the directors nationwide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communistic party for systematized attack on the of financial institutions many large cities, particularly the integrity run which threatened every bank Chicago last month. It by Smith, prosecution attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by Russia. William Foster, communist candidate for president, denied that his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National Bank Pontiac or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party.
11.July 28, 1932The North Adams TranscriptNorth Adams, MA
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Secret Service Men Seek Radicals Involved in Plot
Search Made Today for Men Responsible for pering Campaign" Aimed Against Some of the Leading Banks of the Country.
Chicago, July communistic propaganda found Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by secret service and detectives everywhere the directors campaign against the confidence bank depositors Chicago bankers, government offiMichigan police tatingly blamed party for systematized attack the tegrity of financial institutions many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank in Chicago month. said Smith, attorney Pontiac, have been backed Soviet Russia Foster, communist didate for president, denied his ganization had sponsored ing campaign against the First tional bank Pontiac, that man known George Rowland, whose seditious letters found, member the party. Illinois' drastic sedition viding years' imprisonment and directed against advocates reformation the government by violence any other unlawful means, eyed the handiest should caught and connected with the Pontiac For the letters signed "yours for revolution, discusted "bringing about the unrest which will lead the revolution. Chicago's bank runs closed than institutions, Loop, caused the soundest financial citadels upwards cash hand order to meet demands depositors. longer acute, appeared definitely linked with erences the Pontiac letters from Chicago, advising that there "much here" and "considerable runs on jugs Loop.' Melvin Traylor, president of the First National bank former head the American Bankers' associablamed the "radicals." He said believed the "plot be nationwide,' that he had reports from similar used frightening depositors by anonymous telephone messages.
12.July 28, 1932St. Joseph News-PressSt. Joseph, MO
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BANK PLOTTERS SOUGHT.
Widespread Search Made for Men Traced to Pontiac, Mich.
CHICAGO. July of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and everywhere as the directors of against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by prosecuting attorney at Pontac, to have been backed by soviet William Z. Foster, Communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored pering against the First National Bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was a. member of the party.
13.July 28, 1932Spokane ChronicleSpokane, WA
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Scour Nation for Men Blamed for Bank Runs
CHICAGO, July 28. (A)Authors of communistic propaganda found in a Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as directors of a nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials and Michigan police unhesitantly blamed the communist party for systematized attack. on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. L. Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Russia.
Foster Denies. William Z. Foster, communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National Bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party "Rowland" was believed to be really George E. candidate for of borough in New York city and with record for criminal syndicalism in Michigan since last August. He escaped police trap in his raided hotel room and became the object of national dragnet Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for "any who reformation of the government by violence or any other unlawful The letters were signed "yours for the revolution, and some discussed about the unrest which will lead to the revolution.
Forty Banks Closed.
Chicago's June bank runs closed more 40 and caused the city's soundest financial citadels to store upward of $100,000,000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors.
The situation here, longer acute, appeared definitely linked with references in the Pontiac letters sent from Chicago, advising 'Rowland' that there was "much progress here" and "considerable runs on jugs in loop. Melvin A. Traylor, president of the First National bank and former head Bankers association. blamed the "radicals He said he believed the "plot to be and that he had reports from many cities similar system was used in frightening depositors by anonymous telephone messages. Rowland's letters told of a plan, discussed but abandoned, starting simultaneous runs in many key cities. Other Chicago bankers told how radicals opened 300 to 400 bank accounts withdrew simultaneously, spreading news of the
Identify One Man.
The American Vigilant Intelligence federation identified Comrade H. Rowland's Cleveland correspondent. as Harry Gannes, director of agitation and propgnda for the New York district. They said he was in Chicago during 1931 when bank runs first became B., Rowland's Chicago informant. they said, was Herbert Newton, alias Gilmer Brady, negro with offices at communist headquarters, who was indicted in Atlanta for criminal syndicalism and now studying sociology at the University of Chicago The federal seditious conspiracy act makes force essential to prosecution for attempts to overthrow the government. Federal men said the secret has no jurisdiction over rumors against banks, but that most state laws make them crimes.
14.July 28, 1932Fort Collins ColoradoanFort Collins, CO
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Seeking Break Up Communist Drive Against Banks of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac. Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of campaign against the confidence of bank government ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank Chicago last month. It was said L. Smith, prosecuting attorat Pontiac to have been backed William Communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National of or that man known as George Rowland, whose room seditious letters were member of the party Illinois' sedition law, viding years' imprisonment and directed against "anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other lawful means. was eyed as the handlest weapon should any raditals be caught and connected with For the letters were signed 'Yours for the Revolution," and come discussed "bringing about the inrest which will lead to the revoluion."
15.July 28, 1932The JournalMeriden, CT
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DRAGNET SPREAD FOR LEADER OF PLOT ON BANKS
Chicago, July 28. (AP) Authors of Communistic propaganda found in Pontiac Mich. hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of nation wide campaign against the confidence of bank deChicago bankers, government offi cials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the Communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial instittuions in many large cities. particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month It was said by Smith, prosecuting attorney at Pontiac. to have been backed by Soviet Russia William Z. Foster Communist candidate for president. denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac or that man known George Rowland in whose room seditious letters were found was member of the party. "Rowland" was today believed to be George E. Powers, once candidate for president of Queens borough in New York city and with record for criminal syndicalism in Michigan since last August He escaped police trap in his raided hotel room and became the object of a national dragnet.
16.July 28, 1932The Omaha Evening Bee-NewsOmaha, NE
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Secret Service Acts to Check 'Whispering' Drive
Every possible agency the fedgovernment the attempt by state authorisuppress "whispering campaign against the stability the nation's banks. officials deAdministration clared that unchecked such alarmist activities might undo lot the joint efforts by the President Congress to store public confidence banks. with the power and the credit the national treasury squarely back of Secret service agents are ing sweeping of ported banks in many parts of the counPontiac. Mich., search for leaders wreck some the largest and strongbanks the country and to bring revolution Wednesday through the middle west. City and federal officers asked arrest George described of the central in the Pontiac Tuesday. authorities said. when covered he engaged in propaganda destroy the First tional bank there Intendcarry the same structive campaign against Detroit banks. The campaign already had been directed against several Chicago's largest banks with resultant heavy runs not fully explained at the time. The work was being extended throughout Illinois (known "district the plotters) and into other cities Indiana and Michigan. State police raided the room of Rowland in Pontiac Tuesday and seized number of letters but Rowland fled. evidently forewarned.
17.July 28, 1932Bartlesville Examiner-EnterpriseBartlesville, OK
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BANK WRECKING
Man Hunt Being Staged for "Red" Gang the Associated Press) CHICAGO, of communistic propaganda found Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives the directors campaign against the confidence bank depositors. Chicago Bankers, government ficials and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party attack on the integrity financial institutions in many cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank Chicago last month. said by Smith. prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Russia. Norman Foster, communist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First Natoinal bank Pontiac, that known George seditious letters member of
18.July 28, 1932The Evansville JournalEvansville, IN
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BANK BREAKERS ARE SOUGHT BY U. S. AND STATE
COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IS OPENLY H ARGED AS RING IS EXPOSED
CHICAGO, July 28-(AP) of communistic propaganda found in Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as the directors of nationwide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, government officials, and Michigan police unhesitatingly blamed the communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which threatened every bank in Chicago last month. It was said by C. Smith. prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, have been backed by soviet Russia. Foster Denies Connection William z. Foster, cominunist candidate for president, denied his organization had sponsored whispering campaign against the First National bank of Pontiac, or that man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters were found, was member of the party "Rowland, was believed today to be really George E. Powers, once candidate for president of Queens borough in New York City and with record for criminal syndicalism Michigan since last August. He escaped police trap 20 Year Penalty Illinois' drastic sedition law, providing 20 years' imprisonment and directed against "anyone who advocates reformation of the government by violence or any other unlawful means,' was eyed as the handiest weapon should any radicals be caught and connected with the Pontiac literature Chicago's June bank runs closed more than 40 institutions, including two in the Loop, and caused the city's soundest financial citadels to store upwards of $100,000,000 in cash on hand in order to meet demands of depositors.
19.July 28, 1932The RecorderGreenfield, MA
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Police Discover Red Plot In Middle West To Wreck Banks Throughout Nation
PONTIAS. Mich., (Universal) Search for the leaders in a nationwide Red plot to wreck some of the largest and strongest banks in the country and to bring on revolution was ordered Wednesday through states of the midwest City and federal officers were asked to arrest George Rowland, described as one of the central figures in the plot. He fled Pontiac, Tuesday, authorities said, when it was discovered he was engaged in propoganda to destroy the First National bank here and was intending to campaign against the larger Detroit The campaign already had been directed against several of Chicago's largest banks with resultant heavy runs not fully explained at the time The work was being extended throughout Illinois, known as "district six" to the plotters. and into other cities in Indiana and Michigan.
Police Raid Room
State police raided the room of Rowland in the Roosevelt hotel. here They seized a number of letters but Rowland had fled evidently forewarned The letters revealed the wide scone of the plot Centered at present in the Middle West. the campaign was to be extended from one coast to the other and to effect a general collapse of the nation's greatest banks-or so the plotters hoped Vicious propaganda undermining the confidence of the public in its financial institutions. anonymous telephone calls and unsigned letters were among the weapons of the communist plotters In an unmailed letter to "Comrade G H found in Rowland's room the asserted conspirato: said ing down the outposts of the banking structure in Detroit by breaking the First National. here. is bearing fruit have talked to a lot of the tellers and others in the bank and they sure are discouraged, which is good news to us."
Traylor Sure of Plot
Melvin A. Traylor president of the First National bank in Chicago and one of the foremost financiers of the nation, was quoted as saying. There is no doubt that the recent bank runs here were inspired as part of a systematic plot. I have information from nearly everyone of the larger banks in the country indicating a plot to wreck banks by the circulation of unfounded rumors.' A letter to Rowland from "Comrade H. G." in Cleveland said: "I did not have much trouble in convincing the agitation propaganda bureau that this was important work and the sooner we strip the petty bourgeoisie and the white collar stiffs of this faith in banks. the sooner we will bring about the unrest that will lead to the revolution.
Federal Aid in Case
WASHINGTON (Universal) Every possible agency of the federal government will cooperate by atattempts to suppress "whispering campaign against the stability of the nation's banks Administration officials that if permitted unchecked such activities might undo lot of the joint effort by the President and Congress to restore public confidence in banks with the power and the credit of the national treasury squarely back of them... Secret service agents are making sweeping of reported attempts to start runs on banks in
20.July 29, 1932Spokane ChronicleSpokane, WA
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SCOUR NATION FOR MEN WANTED IN BANK PLOT
CHICAGO, July 28. Authors of communistic propaganda found in a Pontiac, Mich., hotel were sought today by the secret service and detectives everywhere as directors of nation-wide campaign against the confidence of bank depositors. Chicago bankers, officials and Michigan police unhesitantly blamed the communist party for systematized attack on the integrity of financial institutions in many large cities, particularly the runs which every bank Chicago month. It was said by C. prosecuting attorney at Pontiac, to have been backed by soviet Russia.
Foster Denies.
William communist candidate for president, denied his ing against the First NaBank Pontiac, man known as George Rowland, in whose room seditious letters found, was member of the party. Illinois' drastic sedition law provides 20 years imprisonment for one the government by violence or any other unlawful The letters were signed "yours for the revolution, and some discussed "bringing about the unrest which will lead revolution.
Forty Banks Closed
Chicago's June bank runs closed than 40 and caused the city's soundest financial citadels store upward $100,000,000 in cash in order to meet demands of depositors.
The situation here. no longer acute, with references the Pontiac letters sent Chicago, advising "Rowland" that there was "much progress here" and 'considerable runs on jugs Melvin Traylor, president of the First National bank and former blamed He said he believed the to be and that reports from many cities similar system used in frightening depositors by anonymous telephone
21.April 13, 1933Detroit Free PressDetroit, MI
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Studies Judge Culhane Case
$90,000 Sought from Pontiac Trust Co. the Trust heirs of the William Culhane estate return approxithe Commercial Bank shortly before under Charles Niles, The heirs allege that trust company about weeks after being of funds from banks the Pontiac the trust the bank and known to the trust company In evidence introduced from the State Banking Depart Smith, former president the bank whose suicide closed bank, him that excessive loans of the total loans had been made officers, and others allied with the bank. of the of Wisner successful candidate for the City Commission April whose found in his home Tuesday, has been ordered by Coroner Voorhees. An autopsy failed the cause of death which to have been the heart dead week when found Funeral services to be held at Thursday from the Voorhees funeral home.
Dr Clarence W. McArthur and Dr. Stephen Gordon, dentists, defendants malpractice hearing which started Judge Frank Doty Betty Spencer, Pontiac, the with failing to extract the in pulling one of her teeth with the result that infection developed.
More than 80 county 4-H clubs and 800 boys girls participate Day program at Pontiac High School Saturday.
Bank Examiner L. F. Burk, Wednesday began First National On his findings largely depends the possibility of reopening bank here.
Examinations demanded Ancel Tottingham. 29 years Court Wednesday when they arraigned charges stealing 20 chickens from of Russel Route Holly.
