891. California National Bank (San Diego, CA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
3828
Charter Number
3828
Start Date
November 12, 1891
Location
San Diego, California (32.715, -117.157)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
56e4251e72415b53

Response Measures

Fed/other loan, Public signal of financial health, Capital injected, Full suspension, Books examined

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
41.8%
Date receivership started
1891-12-18
Date receivership terminated
1900-06-12
OCC cause of failure
Fraud
Share of assets assessed as good
37.7%
Share of assets assessed as doubtful
37.2%
Share of assets assessed as worthless
25.1%

Description

Contemporary articles report heavy withdrawals/shrinkage in deposits and a run that caused the bank to close on Nov 12, 1891. The national bank examiner took charge and a receiver (Fredrick/Frederick Pauly) was appointed Dec 16, 1891. Efforts to recapitalize were considered but the Comptroller refused resumption (Feb 28, 1892). Criminal charges against President J. W. Collins followed and the bank remained defunct under receivership. Sequence: run → suspension → receivership/closure (no reopening). OCR minor name/date variants corrected (Pauly/Frederick Pauly; suspension date Nov 12/16, 1891).

Events (7)

1. December 29, 1887 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. November 12, 1891 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Continued shrinkage of deposits and inability to realize on notes and accounts led to heavy withdrawals and loss of confidence; intimations to public officials encouraged withdrawals.
Measures
Bank Commissioner/examiner called; bank did not open; other local banks/clearinghouse offered support and sympathy; attempt to have examiner investigate and stockholders to assess.
Newspaper Excerpt
Owing to continued shrinkage in deposits and our inability to promptly realize on notes and accounts the bank is temporarily closed.
Source
newspapers
3. November 12, 1891 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Bank suspended because of deposit shrinkage and inability to realize assets; notices of protested certificate of deposit and subsequent withdrawals precipitated suspension.
Newspaper Excerpt
TEMPORARILY CLOSED. Suspension of the California National Bank at San Diego. ... The Bank Commissioner has now been sent for and will take charge on his arrival.
Source
newspapers
4. December 16, 1891 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
The comptroller of the currency has appointed Fredrick Pauly, of Los Angeles, receiver of the California National bank with the understanding the stockholders are to have ninety days in which to arrange for the bank's resumption.
Source
newspapers
5. December 18, 1891 Receivership
Source
historical_nic
6. February 24, 1892 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
J.W. Collins, president of the California National bank, which suspended on November 16, was this morning arrested ... Collins is charged with embezzlement in the amount of $200,000. ... Resumption would now be practically impossible.
Source
newspapers
7. February 28, 1892 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
Word was received yesterday from Comptroller Lacey at Washington, that the California National Bank would not be allowed to resume. ... An attachment for $90,000 was also filed by the receiver of the bank against the real estate of the San Diego Railway Company.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (21)

Article from Los Angeles Herald, November 13, 1891

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them all to be in fine condition, with very large reserves and vaults well filled with coin. At a meeting of the Los Angeles clearing house yesterday the suspension of the San Diego bank was discussed and, while the situation will probably not call for relief outside the local resources of the other banks of that city, the clearing house will render assistance if needed. As stated above, none of the banks, members of the Los Angeles clearing house, are creditors of the California National Bank of San Diego, and will therefore not be directly interested in its embarrassment.


Article from The Morning Call, November 13, 1891

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TEMPORARILY CLOSED. Suspension of the California National Bank at San Diego. SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12.-The California National Bank did not open its doors for business this morning, A card displayed in the window explains the reason as follows: "Owing to continued shrinkage in deposits and our inability to promptly realize on notes and accounts the bank is temporarily closed." The Bank Commissioner has now been sent for and will take charge on his arrival. Meantime no business can be transacted. It is believed beyond question depositors will be paid in full. The bank has advertised paid-up capital of $500,000 and a surplus of $100,000. J. W. Collins is President, D. T. Dare Vice-President, and S. G. Hanenmale Second Vice-President. The announcement of the suspension created quite a profound sensation throughout the city, but there is 8 general feeling of sympathy and belief that the bank will pay dollar for dollar. J. W. Collins, President, refuses to talk and says everything awaits an investigation and the report of the Bank Examiner. Late to-night it was learned as to cause of suspension that last Tuesday a certificate of deposit for $10,000 was presented to the bank and payment refused. Notices of protest were prepared to be sent the indorsers, but were held over to Wednesday in hopes that the bank could meet the note. Intimation was quietly given by some one to the city and county Treasurers, who have respestively $45,500 and $65,000 on deposit. Rumor says that they talked of withdrawing, but were induced to leave them. It is said that stringency on account of the withdrawal of deposits was the chief canse of the trouble, mu h having been withdrawn for the purchase of land throughout the country, especially in irrigation districts, and much having gone north for wheat. Kindly feeling is being expressed by the officials of other banks. Bryant Howard of the Consolidated Bank says the September statement shows the California National to have had $2,000,000 in excess of assets, while the liabilities to depositors and bills are but slightly over $900,000. He cannot see how the depositors can be losers if the bank's condition is the same to-day. There is no danger of a panic. The other banks had demands but slightly in excess of the usual business, and there is a general feeling of canfidence in the managers of the closed bank. The examiner is due on Friday. Los ANGELES, Nov. 12.-The San Diego bank suspension created no excitement here. The Clearlng-house Association has resolved to stand by the San Diego banks in case assistance is needed.


Article from The Sun, November 15, 1891

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THE CALIFORNIA SUSPENDED BANKS. Mr. Baird Claims That He is Innocent of Forgery-The San Biego Bank. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14.-W. E. Baird, under arrest here charged with forgery of Madera bank stock. notes, and other papers to the extent of $100,000. spent the forenoon to-day in the office of the Chief of Police. He is 29 years old. and has been in this State about four years. He said to-day: "I am certain my arrest grew out of some trivial cause. I am accused of embezzlement and over-issuing stock. I defy any man to show that my conduct has ever been anything but open and above board." Baird ascribed some of the adverse reports concerning his management of the bank to disgruntled settlers who were dissatisfied with their holdings in the colony. The transactions of Baird continue to come to light. While there were originally only about 350 shares of bank stock issued. there have already been presented over 1,000 shares of fraudulent stock. Major Bonebrake of Los Angeles holds $11.000 worth of notes. hypothecated with this bank. Several notes have been raised to one hundred times their value. SAN DIEGO. Nov. 14.-Bank Examiner W. H. Chamberlain arrived last evening and began his investigations into the affairs of the suspended California National Bank. George v. Sims of the Lombard Trust Company of London. who came to this city to look for investments for his company, also examined the bank, and said that if the Bank Examiner would give him authority to do so he would bring out money enough from New York and London to reestablish the bank on a sound basis.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, November 15, 1891

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California National bank has failed. By the failing of this San Diego bank a probability arose of a run being made on their banks through that bank, and so as to shield themselves and help a brother in distress a special is taken through loaded with enough coin to make any train robber happy for his lifetime if able to get the better of the bankers and their weapons.


Article from The Cecil Whig, November 28, 1891

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The San Diego Bank. As various reports have been in circu lation relative to the failure of the California National Bank, of San Diego, in which a considerable amount of stock had been subscribed in Chester county, Pa., as well as in this county, it may be of public interest to state that a gentle man of this town is in receipt of a letter from the Comptroller of the Currency at Washington, in which he says, that the bank had been examined about six months ago, and seemed to be in a fairly good condition. He states that the failure was caused by a run, and that there is a strong movement on foot to put in new funds and reopen the bank for business. So far as the financial management of the bank is concerned, nothing of a criminal character is reported at Washington, and that so far as advised it does not look like a bad failure. We are informed through another source, that the bank will probably resume business in about three weeks.


Article from The Salt Lake Herald, December 17, 1891

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California National Bank Receiver Appointed. SAN DIEGO, Cal., Dec. 16.- The comptroller of the currency has appointed Fredrick Pauly, of Los Angeles, receiver of the California National bank with the understanding the stockholders are to have ninety days in which to arrange for the bank's resumption.


Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 14, 1892

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Business Troubles. SAN DIEGO, Cal., Feb. 13.-It will be definitely settled in a few days whether the California National bank, which suspended here last fall, will resume business. Several meetings of stockholders have been held, and one of the bank officials has just returned from a trip East, where he consulted with Eastern stockholders. Today a telegram was sent to the comptroller of the currency at Washington City, stating that 90 per cent. of the stockholders had agreed to assess themselves to assist the bank. If the comptroller returns a favorable answer the bank will resume at once. MEADVILLE, Pa., Feb. 13.-An examination in court of the assignee of the valuable property of the Delamaters before the failure of their banking institution shows assets of about $130,000, as against $1,000,000 liabilities. MOORHEAD, Minn., Feb. 13.-Excitement over the failure of the Merchants' bank is still unabated. The liabilities aggregate $202,000, and the assets $149,000. The bank holds $141,000 of President Brnus' paper, and besides there is an overdraft of $34,000 of his. Cashier Kurtz's indebtedness of $14,000 is unsecured. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13.-Bradstreet's Mercantile Agency reports eleven failures in the Pacific coast states and territories for the week ending yesterday, as compared with sixteen for the previous week and twelve for the corresponding week of 1891.


Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 25, 1892

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The Boodlers. TORONTO, Ont., Feb. 24.-Proceedings were instituted today to procure the extradition of D. Mitchell McDonald, one or the directors of the defunet Central bank, on a charge of forgery. McDonald is in Los Angeles, where he has been since the bank's failure. SAN DIEGO, Cal., Feb. 24.-J.W. Collins, president of the California National bank, which suspended on November 16, was this morning arrested by United States Marshal Gardner on orders from the attorney generat at Washington City. Collins is charged with embezzlement in the amount of $200,000. He will have a preliminary examination here before Court Commissioner Ward. Until yesterday there were strong hopes that the bank would resume, as 90 per cent. of the stockholders had arranged to meet the necessary assessments. The warrant for Collins' arrest issued three days ago, but the order to execute was not received till last night. The complaint charges that Collins, as president and director of the California National bank, unlawfully converted $200,000 of the bank's funds to his own use. A preliminary examination will be held before Court Commissioner Ward in a day or two. The latter intimates that Collins' bail will be fixed at $50,000. Receiver Paul said today that the treasury department in Washington City had been in possession of the information upon which the warrant was issued for six weeks, but had withheld action in order to give the stockholders an opportunity to put the bank oa its feet. Resumption would now be practically impossible. Mr. Collins was very reluctant to talk, and professes that the matter does not amount to much and can explain it easily. CHICAGO, Feb. 21.-A bill was filed in the superior court today in which sensational charges were made against the city electrician, who is also chief of the electrical department of the World's fair. The charges allege that he purchased a large amount of electrical supplies for the city at exorbitant prices from companies in which he is interested. Barrett denies the charges.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, February 26, 1892

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FOLLY AND A MELANCHOLY STORY GUILT. OF FINANCIAL visit of Bank Examiner action Cham- of The to San Diego, and the arrest of President berlain Receiver Pauly Collins, in causing of the defunct the city, Cali- has fornia National bank of that loose syscalled attention anew to the possible financiering which made Quite tem of to this catastrophe. came and led up of years ago Mr. Collins number Cheyenne to the city of had on from He appears to have to climate. and desired a with him, Bay'n' in $40,- our go 000 banking business southern into the neighbor. Everything He had was inpropitious for manners; his project. and was quite fanning, cagratiating pable of participating in, and the enthusiasm of San Diegans. seems to have been invited recommended His plan by its simplicity. He them, by paying interest conservative upon deposits a procedure which the more a result, he failed to imitate. As banks succeeded in hornswoggling $700,000 classes of had surplus earnings of all those of the of the ranging from those of servant San Diegans, girl and newsboy up that to after 3 the merchant. day It on is said which the failure of o'clock of the was announced a deposit of the of $2500 the was bank received from the chief It is even 5 department of San Diego. taken up to fire that deposits were closed. In added on the day the bank individual deo'clock to the losses of had addition the city of San moribund Diego instipositors, deposited in the $30,000 and the county $60,000. tution, of the $700,000 due other depositors, liabilOutside that there were When it is alleged the amount of $300,000. there were ities to closed it is said that circumthe bank in its vaults. Under the showing $15,000 this was a pretty good into the stances, all the facts were taken since inwhen Receiver Pauly has and count. creased this sum to between $50,000 $60,000. investigation. as far as peculiar it has The has ehown some very to be gone, There is paid which a things. of about $300,000 Collins is deficit referable to Messrs. Owing to the faulty system segand of bookkeeping Dare. it is impossible whole system to this account. The unforregate conducting the affairs of this on the of bank seems to have run tunate of Danton's,celebrated apostrophe, Dare." lines "To to Dare, always to Dare, our system of bank examiners to is What commissioners amounts bank. and bank by the career of this of the well shown the disclosures in It supplements bank of Philadelphia, holy, Keystone Postmaster Wanamaker, officiated. of which and immortal memory, find out pious rule, these able gentlemen been done. As a mischief after it has for the supposed to be invented public, They are of protecting the they are the purpose keeping the banks, which plane of appointed and to supervise, on the matter of and stable finance. As a till the fact, safe they are never done. heard from mischief has been collapse of the California reminds Naone The bank of San Diego the tional of the celebrated bank failure of of this Temple & 1875. Workman In that disastrous city, in cataclysm about $1,200,000 was the financial up. The failure in swallowed & Workman was California precipitated in of Temple of the Bank of propby that 1875. If it had been & September, handled, the Messre. Temple to have Workman erly had :ample property of their liatwice over every cent financially paid But the times were every bilities. joint. Dietrust existed on spreadout of the black financial cloud the hand, from San Francisco all over dissiing and a princely estate was much as coast, pated without the return of so a dollar to the depositors. a then Los Angeles which they bankers have never learned since experi- forlesson As a result of our past larger gotten. our banks today contain a than, ences of coin to the deposits States. proportion any other in the United for almost, ordeal was enough for a One such of a century. Fortunately quarter of our financial institutions, anticipated the stability banks of Los Angeles ehortenthe "bursting of the boom" by have the and what would otherwise safety. ing been sail, a storm, was ridden out in


Article from Pittsburg Dispatch, February 29, 1892

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A CALIFORNIA BANK'S TROUBLE. Comptroller Lacey Refuses to Allow a San Diego Institution to Receive. SAN DIEGO, CAL., Feb. 28.-Word was received yesterday from Comptroller Lacey at Washington, that the California National Bank would not be allowed to resume. An attachment on a suit for $8,000 was filed by Receiver Pauly yesterday against the San Diego Daily Sun on a note held by the California National Bank. Walter C. Smith, formerly proprietor of the Sun, and for a long time editor, was appointed temporary receiver. An attachment for $90,000 was also filed by the receiver of the bank against the real estate of the San Diego Railway Company.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, March 2, 1892

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The San Diego Union in its issue of yesterday contains the following: Now that Receiver Pauly has begun the work of realizing on the assets of the California National bank it is said the collection will be vigorously prosecuted, especially in those cases where there is any evidence of collusion between the borrower and the bank. The statement was made yesterday that the greater part of the last issue of stock, amounting to $200,000, was not sold but hypothecated as collateral security for loans and is scattered all over the country. In several instances, however, the lenders have had the stock issued or assigned to them and in that event they become liable for an assessment. Several notes have been presented for payment wherein the borrower has secured his loan from a private individual on a written stipulation, signed by J. W. Collins as president of the California National bank, that in the event of the borrower failing to pay the note when due the bank would accept the same from the holder "withoutrecourse." In other words, the bank agreed to pay the note. However, Receiver Pauly is said to have refused to carry out the obligations, and holds that Mr. Collins exceeded his authority in signing the stipulation. There are other instances of peculiar business methods, including a deal for $40,000 worth of cable road stock, all of which will probably be known in good time. Attorney-General H. H. Hart is expected in the city today to take action in relation to a receiver for the California Savings bank. Marshal Gard is expected to arrive in the city today, and it is quietly rumored that the financial lightning will strike in several unexpected places. It is also said that Mr. Collins has decided to make no defense on his preliminary examination tomorrow, and will go before the United States grand jury. The following is taken from the San Diegan: Just as the eun went down Saturday evening other attachments were filed in suite brought by Receiver Pauly of the National bank. One of these attachments was against the San Diego Cable Railway company to secure a debt of $93,774 and $5733 attorney's fees. The attachment was made on 1200 lots belonging to the cable company and located on University Heights. When a member of the cable company was asked this morning what effect this would have upon the operation of the cable road, the reply was that the road would continue to be operated as usual. It was explained that it was to the creditors' interest to have it operated. Attachments were also made on the property of H. E. and E. C. O'Brien to secure a debt of $4000. A meeting of the stockholders of the California National was held late Saturday afternoon, at which the following dispatch was read from Comptroller Lacey: "In view of the fact that the liabilities are over $1,000,000, and after three months and a half $40,000 have been collected, the comptroller is of the opinion that with such slow assets resumption is impracticable. This decision has been reached with great reluctance."


Article from The Cheyenne Daily Leader, March 4, 1892

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toward the Pacific coast where a tremendous boom was then beginning to wane. A majority of the stock was secured by Messrs. Davis, Addoms and Hurd. N. R. Davis continued as president, E. R. Hurd as vice president and F. E. Addoms cashier. In the meantime Collins organized the California national bank at San Diego with a paid up capital stock of $500,000 and removed his family to that city. In the fall of 1889 Collins bought out out and assumed a general control of the Cheyenne national. The three gentlemen named retired. Collins became president of the bank and Geo. L. Beard who had been assistant cashier was made cashier and given the management of the details of the bank. The failure of the California national last November through Collins connection involved the Chevenne national and caused its suspension. This with the suicide of the young cashier form a still fresh story in the minds of the public.


Article from Barton County Democrat, March 10, 1892

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# A BANKER'S SUICIDE Family Afflictions and Financial Troubles Cause a Prominent California Bank Officer, to Kill Himself SAN FRANCISCO, March 4.-Shortly after 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the community was electrified by a report that J. W. Collins, the president of the defunct California National bank had shot himself. Crowds gathered on the streets and hurried to the Hotel Brewster, where Collins has been residing for the past eight months. It soon became known that Collins, Gen. E R. Murray and Attorney-Gen. Hart had been at lunch at the Brewster. Collins looked very pale, but chatted pleasantly. He was asked how he was feeling, and replied: "Oh, about as well as could be expected." In a few minutes he left the table and went direct to his room. A minute later the report of a pistol was heard, and when the door was opened Collins was found lying on the floor with blood streaming over him and a pistol in his hand. He expired immediately, and did not live long enough to speak to anyone. The deed was not wholly unexpected, he evidently had been laboring under a nervous strain and mental depression for some time. About two years ago his entire family were drowned in the city, and now that he was, financially ruined and with the charge of embezzlement hanging over him it is thought he was brought to that point where he considered he had nothing to live for. The California National bank closed its doors November 12 and it was considered one of the strongest institutions in southern California. It had a paid-up capital of $500,000 and a surplus of $100,000. The officers of the bank claimed that the suspension was due to shrinkage in deposits and a temporary inability to release its notes and accounts. The national bank examiner took charge of the bank and Mr. Paulic, of Los Angeles was appointed receiver by the department. As a result of the latter's investigation, a warrant was sworn out for Collins' arrest on a charge of appropriating $200,000 of the bank's funds, and it was also shown that deposits were received up to the time of closing the doors. It is understood that Collins was to have been taken to Los Angeles for trial. Collins was interested in a number of enterprises for the development of the southern part of the state and was considered a wealthy man. He came to San Diego from Wyoming, where he was interested in a bank which also recently failed.


Article from Arizona Weekly Citizen, March 12, 1892

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near Manoney City this morning Tatally burned five men. ORLEANS, March 4.-Philip NEW and Bud Renaud have signed ticles Dwyer for a fight between Choyinski Corbett, for a 32,500 purse. SANTA ANA, March 4. A man was dead near bridge 65 on the Santa all found San Jaan Capistrano, with he his Fe near limbs gone. No clew as to how was killed. NEW HAVEN, March 4. Noah Porter, and president of Yale college, formerly of moral philosophy and 80 years met. old. professor aphysics, died this morning, WASHINGTON, March 1. The been steamer ornow at Callao has with Yorkton, dered to proceed to San Francisco stopping en at the route as little delay principal as possible, ports of Central America and Mexico. WASHINGTON. March 4. Springer night. rest and passed a good improved ed His quietly condition is somewhat morning. this !which has been afThe erysipelas his brain is rapidly subsiding fecting menace to the patient's lif which and the lies only in the great prostration malady. resulted now from ravages of the March 4. Since the disturb- the unof last week in this city, have employed ances BERLIN, workmen been in 8 throughout state of cause foment, Ger- an many will require but little to Dantworkthat the open which states outbreak. A despatch unemployed from them ZIC usable to get work promised pillaged men, government today, bread and a by baker the shop and seized the meal. WASHINGTON, March 4 House committee on appropriations and it reported was referred the invalid pension bill, of the whole. The of to a committee went into a committee laid the whole on honse then the private calendar. president In the senate senate the communi vice inication from to before the of the interior, relating referred Yosemite the secretary park, in California; lands. committee on public N. M., March 3. Boyle of ALBUQUERQUE, Pitisburg, for left his here home. yesterday His on safety bicycle will take him to Los Utah; Anperiginations Lake City and Ogden, Cliff, Colo.; geles, Salt and Red Leadville. Grand Junction Tennessee pass to river across will the go down the Arkansas Buena Vista, He leaving Leadville, to to Colorado after and down by thence Pike's north Peak to Denver. He Springs, crose and the Missouri at to St. Burling- Joseph, to thence the by will Mo., and will go Chicago. northeast At Columbus, Keystone Ohio ton, he club will of be Pittsburg met and of they the way will Bicycle him the remainder be travaccompany Pittsburg. The distance miles. to eled to is a little over 5000 Hamp the TAMPICO, Mex., March who 3.-J. has charge H. of has son, the contractor work of the harbor by the this city, Mex line the ican jetty been government given the railroad. for contract the completion The proposed Coat- of Pacific oceans. ZO the Coal Tehuate runs Co., from connecting the Atlantic to and minutes SAN 1 DIEGO, o'clock March this afternoon 3.-A by few the the report com deafter electrified of the was Collins, president the munity funct that J. California W gathered national on bank, Brewster street shot where himself. Crowds Hotel the and hurried Collins to had the been residing past eight months. DIEGO, March 4 The president coroner's of verdict SAN in the case National of Collins,.. bank discovered returned his jury the California suicide. It is insurance, that Collins for the assigned benefit of the last creditors of dollar's $85,000 was the over. his bank. of property This be had to turn -The worth CITY, Mo., March Kansas, KANSAS from Topeka, entered John J. and from now says: the arena, in the of his voice made his actively Journal's will special be Ingalls heard has again really councils first on In a public his for party. appearance nearly He a year league tonight of after republican speech seclu- tosion republican. for he said he not a but United at States clubs night before present the was was still senate. a candidate Agent the LONDON, March 4. company -Special which Reuner telegraphe distress the in Vienna and houses, inquiring points out into a terrible the in picture that city. of destitu splen- There which prevails whose did are tion many exteriors give be no says, suspicions Cellars in of such their crowded miserable interiors. affirms are found work and houses starving he persons out pittance. of unwith earning only a mere and exist fear is a total others dreds daily are unable of eviction. to pay rent But in absence spite of all this among the secretary of 10 evidence misery of March vice there 4. The presence sufferers. of the in LONDON, Foster, acting at London of treasury, is and social States journalistic accep United tention from He steadily the refuses groun to of poor all health. reception social worlde. inv itations on ready access in to the He gives rooms who here, to the the people enhotel, comers customed and amazes to seeing officialism, Foster wall of inspect the bank the vironed by a visit to and see has arranged and the mint financial house. unconof England of the great of being he has working of assurances question unofficial probably cerned In spite in met the currency Goschen in an interview. 4.-A Washington to CHICAGO, March the senators have opposed to decided special says of Harrison Secretary Blaine, his choice to use the for selected health renomination.co. permitting, says of they second Iowa delega- J. S The papers and asserts the the state conven- vote -Clarkecn selected at instructed to for choice. tion will tion, tion Blaine March be first 29, will with be Clarkson as second


Article from Los Angeles Herald, March 18, 1892

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DO EXAMINERS EXAMINE? A Criticism of the Value of Bank Examiners. The following, from the San Diego Sun, is in line with an opinion recently expressed in the HERALD. "There is good sense in the inquiry of the morning paper as to whether bank examiners examine. In the case of the California National, Colonel Chamberlain had made frequent appearances here, and his reports upon the condition of the tottering bank were invariably good. It is probably true that there was a great deal of money on hand at the time of the last examination which was taken out during the run that just preceded the failure; but for two years past a careful inspection of the securities and loans of the bank would have enabled any wise financier to foretell the inevitable end of euch wild-cat investments. How, for example, an examiner could reconcile his sworn duty with approval of such loans as those to George Monteith, the San Diego and Eastern Terminal and to various foreign mining enterpriees, the Jamul speculation, etc., and of the paying of 8 and 12 per cent interest on deposits, is a question which no one in this neck of the woods can solve. It is a pertinent query, aleo, whether. when the government has o K'd a bank, it is not responsible to depositors for the money they have lost through trusting to the thoroughness of its inspection and the accuracy of its reports."


Article from Los Angeles Herald, October 19, 1892

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New Suits Filed. A petition was filed in the superior court by Elisha Luke for the probate of the will of Nera L. Todd, the value of the estate being placed at $1650. A bill was filed in the United States circuit court by Henry Walton VS. the Russ Lumber and Mill company to quiet the title to 15 acres of land in Arlington heights. Riverside. F. N. Pauly, receiver of the defunct San Diego California National bank filed a bill in the United States circuit court against the State Loan and Trust company for $20,000. The defendant had 200 shares of the bank stock and refused to pay an assessment on it.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, November 4, 1892

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Court Notes. The sentence of Robert Black, convicted of burglary, was yesterday continued by Judge Smith to November 5th. Judge Van Dyke granted Mrs. Fannie Killebrow of San Pedro a divorce from her husband, J. J. Killebrow, on the ground of desertion. In the foreclosure suit of C. D. Seamans VS. F. H. Barclay et al. Judge Van Dyke granted judgment for plaintiff for $1469 91, and that any surplus from sale of property should be paid into court to apply on a judgment heretofore entered in favor of J. M. Elliott for $18,706 20. In the case of Van Sciever VS. A. K. Moropolus, Judge Van Dyke, acting for Judge Shaw, upon a proper showing directed $100 in the possession of the court to be paid to C. C. Stephens, attorney for Moropolus. In the case of Merril vs. Merrill, Judge Wade granted the defendant leave to amend his cross complaint, upon the terms that he pay the costs of the hearing and of the continuance of filing the amended cross complaint. The cause was then continued to November 9th. In Judge McKinley's court the case of Peter Allen vs. the Royal Exchange Assurance company, to compel the payment of $4500 insurance, was up for argument, but the plaintiff moved for a voluntary nonsuit, which was argued and granted, the case having been amicably arranged between the parties. Wong Ark, charged with the murder of Guet Gue, was before Judge McKinley yesterday morning without an attorney. The court offered to appoint one to conduct his defense on his new trial, but granted him until next Monday to secure counsel. The case of the people VS. Ah Fook et al. was tried before Judge Shaw yesterday and taken under advisement by him. Ah Fook was one of Ah Tet's bondsmen, who was tried/for perjury. The jury disagreed and the court allowed him to be released on the old bond. Ah Tet ran away and the county is now suing to recover from the bondsmen the amount of the forfeited bond, $1500. The bondsmen claim that when Ah Tet was tried his first bond was exonerated and that they are not liable. The euit of the First National bank vs. E. D. Rice et al, was on trial before Judge Clark yesterday afternoon. It is an action unon a promissory note, The Case of J. N. Pauly, receiver of the California National bank of San Diego, vs. The Coronado Beach company, upon bank stock, was tried and submitted before Judge Ross in the United States circuit court. Six jurore were obtained, in the sec ond trial of William Murphy, yesterday afternoon in the United States district court, and the trial will be resumed this morning. The defendant 18 accused of passing counterfeit eilver dollars.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, November 30, 1892

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Judgment for Defendant. The case of the California Mortgage, Loan and Trust company VS. the California National Bank of San Diego was tried before Judge Ross yesterday in the United States circuit court. It was a suit brought to recover judgment for a certificate of deposit of $19,000 against the defunct bank. August 11, 1891, E. J. Swayne, manager of the plaintiff company claims he deposited the $19,000 in the California National, taking therefor a certificate of deposit signed by Cashier G. N. O'Brien. Receiver Pauly claimed that no money was deposited at all ; that President Collins and Mr. Dare had given the plaintiff company two notes, and in payment gave the certificate in question, He claimed that it was not the act of the bank, and that it was not responsible. The plaintiff was represented by A. Haines and A. E. Mitt of San Diego, and Receiver Pauly by M. T. Allen. The case was submitted late in the afternoon, and Judge Ross rendered judgment in favor of the defendant.


Article from Los Angeles Herald, January 4, 1893

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United States Courts. Two new complaints were filed in the United States circuit court yesterday, both suits brought by Receiver Frederick K. Pauly of the California National bank of San Diego. The first one was against R. A. and Miriam Graham, upon a promisory note for $1040, and the second against R. A. Graham upon eleven notes for various sums, aggregating $35,590 26. In the United States district court, Jose Sylvas pleaded not guilty to the charge of selling liquor to Indians.


Article from The State Herald, May 12, 1893

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Wyoming. Theft of a novel nature has landed Ed Dolan, n tramp, In the county jall at Rawlins. Dolan stole the telephone from the office of Judge Homer Merrell. Dolan says he did t not know the nature or value of the instrument, but thought It would sell for something. Governor Osborne hits Issued a proclamation offering a reward of $250 for the apprehension of Charles T. Gale, the defaulting city treasurer at Laramie. This is in addition to the 8500 posted by his bondsmen. Gale handled $80,000 while In office a year and was short $12,000. Pictures and descriptions have been scattered broadcast. A third dividend has been declared by the receiver of the Cheyenne National Bank. It brings the total of payment up to 50 cents on the dollar. and the creditors confidently expect to get 25 cents more. The bank failed for $300,000 eighteen months ago.going down with the California National Bank of San Diego. J. W. Collins was president of both. Sandobal and Martinez, the Mexicans who killed Jim Calboun, the foreman of one of Governor Osborne's sheep outfits, have been discharged by the coroner's jury. The AmerIcan and the Mexicans had quarreled over cards. Calhoun had threatened to kill the foreigners. They armed themselves, but meeting Calhoun, announced that they were merely on the defensive. They warned him to keep peace. Calhoun drew his six-shooter slowly. When the weapon was within an inch of being out of Its scabbard the Mexicans opened fire. All three pistols were emptied. The men continued shooting after they were down. There were nine wounds in Calhoun's body. One of the Mexicans received three bullets and the other four. but their hurts were not dangerous. All of Calhoun's wounds were above the walst.


Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September 15, 1895

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All His Banks Failed, but, It Is Said, Without Loss to Him. Salt Lake, Sept. 13.-A special to the Tribune from Cheyenne says: W. R. Stebbins, who has been well known in banking and business circles throughout the West for the past twenty years, was arrested here this morning by Sheriff Armstrong, of Crookston, on a charge of forgery. The sheriff started north at once with his prisoner, who will have a hearing at Sun Dance early next week. Mr. Stebhins' home is in Kansas City, Kan., where he is connected with the American Loan and Trust Company. He has large property interests here, owning the Cheyenne postoffice building. He has been connected as a stockholder or officer with the Merchants' National Bank of Deadwood, S. D.; the Stebbins, Post & Co. Bank of Cheyenne; the First National Bank of Sun Dance: the First National Bank of Spearfish: the Stock Growers' National Bank of Miles City: the Cheyenne National Bank and the California National Bank of San Diego, all of which have failed, but without loss, It is alleged, to Stebbins. It is charged that Mr. Stebbins owned a block of stock in the First National Bank of Sun Dance from its organization. To conceal his ownership of the bank stock Mr. Stebbins transferred it to a Kansas City man named Mills. The bank was then prospering and paying dividends on the stock. It is alleged that in order to secure the dividends on the stock transferred to Mills, Stebbins made out a power of attorney. signed Mills' name to It and sent the document to A. D. Dun. It authorized him to vote the stock, receipt for and collect the dividends. It is also alleged that Mills was in ignorance of this transaction. Later the bank failed and went into the hands of a receiver, Milo A. Adams, who levied an assessment on all the stockholders for the benefit of the bank's creditors. Both Mills and Stebbins denied owning the stock referred to, and an investigation followed. resulting in discovery of the forgery. During his connection with Western banks he has also been connected with the banking firm of Christie & Janney, of New York. Suits against him by representatives of the broken banks have been commenced in New York city, Wyoming and Kansas City. Mr. Stebbins and his family have traveled abroad considerably, and he is regarded as being very wealthy.