Pacific Bank (San Francisco, CA)

Episode Information

Episode UID
9839053091122
Episode Type
Suspension → Closure
Bank Type
trust
Bank ID
983905309 hash
Start Date
June 23, 1893
Location
San Francisco, California (37.780, -122.419)

Metadata

Model
gemini-3-flash-preview (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
e44cc46772b0926a

Response Measures

None

Description

The bank suspended after the Clearing House refused its paper due to insolvency and internal looting by the McDonald family; while some articles mention a 'flurry' or 'run' on other banks, the Pacific Bank itself closed to prevent a run rather than as a result of one.

Events (3)
1. June 23, 1893 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
The Clearing House refused to accept its paper after discovering heavy indebtedness and inability to realize on assets; later reports revealed looting and speculation by the cashier and his brother.
Newspaper Excerpt
the directors of the Pacific bank decided not to open the doors in the morning. It has been known for some time that the bank was laboring under financial difficulties
Source
newspapers
2. November 3, 1893 Receivership
Newspaper Excerpt
The answer of the directors of the Pacific bank, filed with Judge Hebbard this afternoon, admits the insolvency of the bank. The bank is, therefore, thrown into the hands of the bank commissioners
Source
newspapers
3. November 20, 1893 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
W. J. Quinlan has been appointed receiver of the Pacific bank, San Francisco.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (25)
1. June 23, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, June 23, 1893

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THE CLEARING-HOUSE. Statement of the Circumstances Leading to the Suspension. John McKee, cashier of the Tallant Banking Company and president of the Clearing-house, was found at his residence on Twelfth street last evening, discussing the situation with Charles Sleeper, the manager of the Clearing-house. Mr. McKee was asked to give a statement as to the affairs of the Pacific Bank and its dealings with the Clearing-house, which he did in the following words: "It has been known among the bankers of this city that the acific Bank has been for some time past showing signs of retrenchment and inability to control and successfully conduct its old-time large and profitable business; but it paid its Clearing-house balancea, and did not manifest any weakness to the Clearing-house in a formal way until Tuesday, the 20th inst., when, at a special meeting called for the purpose, Frank V. McDonald, the cashier, presented 2 statement of the condition of the Pacific Bank, and made application for financial aid in gold coin, to be secured by the deposit of sundry securities. "Mr. McDonald stated that $150,000 in gold coin would be amply sufficient to relieve the bank and enable it to tide over the present pressure until other funds could be realized from other sources. The clearing-house banks agreed to extend the desired aid even to the extent of $300,000. provided that it could be shown that this amount would insure adequate and permanent relief. A committee of able and sympathetic men was appointed to take the matter in hand to communicate by wire with New York and report the result obtained at a special meeting to be held on the following day. It appeared at the meeting on Wednesday that the conditions were such that the proposed amount of $300,000 would not insure adequate and permanent relief to the Pacific Bank for the reason that of an indebtedness aggregating nearly $2,000,000 there is $1,300,000 due on call at any time and $300.000 additional due to New York banks in July and August, but which they agreed. on payment of some $70,000 in cash of an overdraft in New York, to extend for ninety days. "After careful and prolonged considera tion it was the combined judgment of the clearing-house banks that under the present conditions a much larger amount of

2. June 24, 1893 The Herald Los Angeles, CA
Article from The Herald, June 24, 1893

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day, they had another run of those wishing to make deposits, and it became necessary at last to add additional receiving clerks. Mr. Hellman stated that the trouble was over, and that although the damage which had been done would have to be remedied, still if the people would exereise patience with the banks, all would be well. "The run is over and gone, ,, eaid he, "and I am satisfied the people now thoroughly realize their mistake and regret their/maddened folly. "There have been considerable demands on us for monies from country banks. but only those who were old customers and standbys have been accommodated by this institution. The failure of the Pacific bank in San Francisco was a foregone conclusion. It has been anticipated by conservative banks months ago and, therefore, it did not occasion any surprise. "The rest of the commercial banks of the city of San Francisco are all heavy institutions and no such a thing as a run is possible. There will be no trouble up there.' Mr. I. W. Hellman is still in Los Angeles, and will be here until the end of thie week. The depositors of the Broadway bank are busily engaged in formulating a plan for its opening. Most of the arrangements have been made, and Warren Gillelen, its president, is confident that it will be doing business again "at the old stand" early next week. The receiver of the City bank, Otto Brodtbeek, stated yeeterday that he was still busy examining the files but that he would be prepared to make a statement today. Matters at all of the other banks were very quiet yesterday, only the routine business was done, but there was lots of coin on hand, with no takers. They both enjoy the utmost confidence of their depositors. At the University bank yesterday there were no new developments. The management are awaiting the arrival of President Widney, who, it is expected, will reach here today. The probabilities are, however, that the University will be the first among the closed banks to reopen, which is confidently expected to take place early next week. President Breed of the Southern California bank said yesterday that now as the examiner is here they would soon be in a position to make a clear statement of its affairs to the general public, and also said that he would do so, whether the examiner did or not. "We have plenty to pay all depositors," said he, "and only closed because it would have been sheer madness to have remained open and admitted such a frantic crowd.' J. H. Strine of Downey, a director of the Los Nietos Valley bank of that city, states that there was no run on that institution at all, and that it closed as a matter of protection, and will probably reopen on Monday.

3. June 24, 1893 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, June 24, 1893

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PACIFIC BANK CLOSED. A San Francisco Institution Failure That Caused No Surprise. SAN FRANCISCO, June 23.-In consequence of the notice from the clearing house, that its paper would not be accepted hereafter, the directors of the. Pacific bank decided not to open the doors in the morning. It has been known for some time that the bank was laboring under financial difficulties, so the failure is not a great surprise. The bank has a capital of a million dollars. The nominal reserve is $700,000 and the deposits $1,000,000. It is expected that the depositors will lose nothing. Manager McDonald says the bank will resume in a short time, having suspended merely to realize on the assets and prevent a run. The failure also involved the People's Home Savings bank, a collateral institution, under practically the same management, with a capital of $1,000,000 and deposits amounting to $1,700,000. This institution closed its doors also. The other banks in the city are financially strong and it is not |believed that any runs will be inaugurated as a result of the suspension of the Pacific bank.

4. June 25, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, June 25, 1893

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A CLOUDLESS SKY. The End of the Financial Flurry. THE PACIFIC BANK'S AFFAIRS. The Attorney=General Obtains an Injunction Against the Sheriff, Which Is Very Materially Modified. There was no uneasiness yesterday among bank depositors. Noon is the customary hour for closing bank business on Saturdays. Long before that time the last trace of Friday's feeble flurry hag gone. Idle fears had vanished. and those who had allowed themselves to become frightened the day previous had in many instances sufficiently recovered to proclaim themselves very foolish for engaging in the run and thus losing the interest on their deposits. All was quiet at the Savings Union Bank. The Hibernia paid out a few thousand dollars and refused to reopen accounts with those of its customers who had joined in the stampede on Friday. Examination of the books showed that the great majority of these people were Italians, who are unusually sensitive in regard to banks, owing to the fact that two or three savings banks in the Italian quarter of New York City had recently collapsed. All was quiet at the People's Home Savings Bank. The management announced that the bank would open for business this week and be amply prepared to stand anv kind of a run which the depositors saw fit to make. The Pacific Bank was the center of interest yesterday on account of the contest between Sheriff McDade and the AttorneyGeneral, who represented the Bank Commissioners. During the morning the Bank Commissioners concluded their examination of the books. This week they will overhaul the assets and ascertain how near they agree with the books. The following statement of the condition of the Pacific Bank is that which the Commissioners have now before them:

5. June 25, 1893 The Daily Morning Astorian Astoria, OR
Article from The Daily Morning Astorian, June 25, 1893

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FINANCIAL CIRCLES ARE EASIER One of the Suspended Banks ill Los Augeles Re-opens. QUIETNESS IN 3AN FRANCISCO Comptroller Eekles In Receipt of Several Application s to Allow Banks to Resame Business. Associated Press. Washington, June 24.-Comptroller Eckles this morning received a telegram from the San Bernardino bank asking permission to reopen. He answered he would consider the request when his examiner made his report. Bank Examiner Clare, of Tacoma, has been directed to go to New Whatcom. An application has been received by the comptroller from all the banks in Spokane requesting him to allow the Washington National Bank of Spokane to re-organize. San Francisco, June 24. There was nothing around any of the banks of the city this morning to indicate any excitement. A number of persons who had withdrawn their accounts from the Hibernian Bank yesterday wanted to re-deposit their money today, but they were refused. R. H. McDonald Jr., stated this morning that the Pacific bank would open again soon. Los Angeles, Cal., June 24.-The East Side Bank opened its doors this morning. This is the first of the closed banks to resume. A feeling of confidence has returned, and the other banks will open Monday-that is, all but the City Bank, which is in the hands of a receiver. Fresno, Cal., June 24.-The Loan and Savings Bank of Fresno announced this morning that owing to the failure to secure expected funds, it would not open its doors today. The announcement created no excitement, as it is well known that the assets of the bank are four to one of the liabilities. Chicago, June 24.-The Columbia Launch Company, an excursion steamboat line, recently organized with a capital of $200,000, has gone into the hands of a receiver.

6. June 29, 1893 The Herald Los Angeles, CA
Article from The Herald, June 29, 1893

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THE LATE MADNESS AND THE TRUTH. It gives us great pleasure to be able to assure our readers that the national banking commissioner, Mr. Wightman, takes the most encouraging view of the reopening of certain Los Angeles national banks that were closed under a wild and unreasoning clamor, which fortunately subsided last week. Certain banks were closed that absolutely fulfilled every condition of wholesome financial institutions. They all had the resreve, and more than the reserve exacted by the law in the case of national banks in cities of the size of Los Angeles. One of the national banks which was closed had more than twice the reserve exacted by the carefully framed laws of the United States. It had twice the cash on hand exacted in the case of the Bank of England. Facts like these emphasize the wanton character of the runs that were made on our local banks. In the case of the run on the Pacific bank of San Francisco, which has been for some years regarded as a speculative institution, the people who started out to wreck that bank talked about its having $580,000 invested in the electric railway system of Los Angeles, as if that were of itself an appalling thing. If the woret financial indiacretion committed by the Pacific bank of San Francisco shall prove to be the money inveated in the Los Angeles electric system it will turn out to be able to pay all its depositors, and will make its stockholders feel very cheerful as a result of its liquidation. The Los Angeles electric railway is & gilt-edged proposition. It paye now and will pay heavily in the future. The Los Angeles banks have gone through a fiery ordeal and will come out as the thrice refined gold.

7. June 30, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, June 30, 1893

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A HOPEFUL VIEW. Both Suspended Banks Expect to Reopen, The Pacific as a New Incorporation and the People's Home With More Money. Just what will be the next step for the Pacific Bank is still a matter of some doubt. Cashier Frank V. McDonald is now in Chicago, said Vice-President R.H. McDonald Jr. at the bank yesterday afternoon, being on his way to New York, where their father now is. Mr. McDonald had not much to say, but both he and Director Bowen, who was also in the bank, took a hopeful view of the future. The latter said that arrangements were under way for a reorganization and that the bank would soon probably start up under a new management as a new eorporation. New capital, he said, would likely be put into it. Mr. Bowen also communicated what re said was a private intimation from Bank Commissioner Knight, who has been examining the bank's condirion, that the bank was solvent. Mr. McDonald was also of the opinion that the result of the official investigation would show the institution to be solvent. Whatever will be done in the future. however, depends largely upon Captain James McDonald. Mr. Knight is practically through with the most laborious part of his work. He has done nothing vet with the People's Home Savings Bank, other than to count the coin on hand, with the result, he says, that the amount of cash found in the vaults did not differ materially from Manager Farnum's statement. As to the Pacific Bank he did not find $53,000 in actual cash in its possession. There were a great many tags and checks, but not that amount in hard coin. The Sheriff taking possession of the Pacific Bank under the Ferdinand Smith claim of $21,000 has interfered with Mr. Knight considerably, says that official. It was hoped that the injunction question would be heard to-day. but Attorney-General Hart has sent word that he cannot be present, so a continuance of the hearing will doubtless be necessitated. He will be here on Monday, though, and so will Bank Commissioners Gerberding and Dunsmoor. They are now at Los Angeles. The Riverside Bank, so Mr. Knight asserts, has also contributed toward the complication of the Pacific Bank, owing to the transactions between the two institutions. The commissioners will devote Monday to the affairs of the Pacific Bank, and then they will look into the condition of the People's Home Savings Bank. One of the commissioners cannot alone make a report; it takes a majority of the board. Speaking of the People's Home Savings Bank, Mr. IcDonald says the utmost efforts are being put forth toward getting all the collections possible, and that when it does start up again it will be with more of a cash capital, and he, as a director, will 80 vote.

8. July 6, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, July 6, 1893

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BANKING SCHEME. Plan to Reorganize the Pacific. DANIEL MEYER IN THE DEAL. Favorable Reports Concerning Home the Condition of the People's Savings Bank. the The natural anxiety existing investigation with regard of the to the result of the of Pacific Bank increased, by the rather Bank affairs has been reCommissioners by report in circulation the bank than allayed. the reorganization of garding under different management. credited Meyer, the banker, is reorganizaDaniel fathering the scheme for reputation with has won considerable but hithtion. He in this kind of work, received n the past insurance companies have of action. erto the his attention in this line supposed to most of the present instance of 1600 He is in in behalf of the owners number shares of be acting the capital stock and to of get a control of moneyed Pacific men Bank who on desire satisfactory, which There of the means profitable, terms. which the of course shares in the bank, of Captain are McDonald 10,000 family proper personal own 5011, friends 3389 McDonald and his shares. New and J. the Meyer faction at 1600 present in Dr. McDonald purpose is of submitting and to can- an York for the He is 73 years of age active part expected operation. to take very That duty in not be straightening out affairs. the SOD, Frank V., falls principally New upon York. How the he regards Meyer who overtures is alsoin being made by Mr. Meyer. the is not known. but the deal yessyndicate asked regarding passing beupon being said "Telegrams are but so far terday tween here and New been arranged. York, Yes," nothing definite has to query, "some he added in response for the rehabilitation of arrangement cards. the such Pacific Bank is on the obviate the plan would of While such for a the appointment interests a to re- be necessity would be many the present ceiver there One stockholder, resist in and gain the condition placated. of affairs, courts could if the bank's wishes. assets relief disposed from off contrary to be his quieted by in full a is are True, a few "kickers' for their might stock. or at the that rather precarious who objects. payment rate of $145 way, per share. as it really but offers a premium to the man who is the only repre- just sentative to find inclined R.H. McDonald, of the family at the bank in brightness even affairs. now, present is uncertain state said, of "as well as the surprised.' he people-mer gratified have been at the number and of not in the orbusiness acquaintances of the term friends- when dinary come acceptation in every day and again say that they will our who doors are to opened assist in helping us it out. 18 do all they will can be found all right absence and of any The bank think that in the presto relieve that brought US of sure absurd means the to same the cause recent closed financial the doors to grief might institutions. have I know of that one other similar bank in Boston large and influential disaster. For an hour was on the verge of discussed the advisability of the directors the doors. The assistance clearing-house. and closing to their perfectly however, came averted. That bank is cannot crisis was so is this, but you securities solvent ways realize and immediately on without heavy the loss." Bank Commissioners and will con- not be to able form tinue Meantime to probe into any the books clear idea of the for several days. assets and liabilities Gerberding upon being the atti- interrogated Commissioner yesterday regarding toward any to of the commissioner formed new tude syndicate that might the bank be said: "In take over control of would have to be such case many interests might be difficult to adconsidered differences: and it but we of course planth could to the tended benefit have just nothing to say against of all those any directly concerned. to the People's Bank. better I believe "With it will regard come out a long way even than Pacific the Pacific. Bank filed a demurrer Ferdinaud yes. The to the complaint of attach the terday who was the first to bank insolSmith, and pronounce the premises demorrer was based on purely the vent. The simply stating that of facts statutory implicated grounds, do not constitute cause action. the demurrer is Jr., an affi- the Accompanying to by R. H. McDonald McDonof the of the bank at $2,000,000. davit sworn manager ald sets the assets bank. In the this capital Mr. which stock in addition $1,000,000 to and there is reserve bank amounts of $800,000. The debts which of Ferdinand the amount fund to $1,800,000, to of the extent of $21,183. Smith is a creditor also been filed that extension Judge Notice has granted the bank an motion Coffey time has in which to amend the attachment the of made to dismiss that the heretofore It is gratify to know carried on satisColumbus People's Bank has been Waterhouse. presifactorily. the bank. in conversation "I with a don't dent CALL reporter yesterday, said: word against think any one can say one one may, of Dr. McDonald, differ from although him in matters business. of detail If be course, in the carrying us on a of majority the of the stock be will only I think give public confidence Bank will rethen and the People's of it strengthened business with every promise sume most prosperous future. having "The a secretary and I, from assured our that investi- the feel perfectly condigations. solvent to-day and in people good were bank is but the Pacific Bank the seven tion, by four out of dietated the represented and naturally they contrary to directors, followed, in some cases The Pacific policy of the minority. Eastern the wishes on 115 heavily to settle secured us accounts, Bank drew but in every instance with good regard property. to the older outlined organization. until With future destiny cannot be made their the its Bank Commissioners will be some have time at the end report, week. which While it is generally full, believed the of that the the depositors will be paid in stockholders may suffer.

9. July 7, 1893 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, July 7, 1893

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THE PACIFIC BANK. It Will Be Reorganized and Resume Business. SAN FRANCISCO, July 6.- The state bank commissioners this afternoon completed an examination of the financial condition of the Pacific bank which recently suspended. They find that the total resources of the bank estimated at a fair marketable value are $2,100,000; total liabilities $1,868,000. No account was taken of the capital stock or surplus. The commissioners regard the bank as solvent so far as ability to pay depositors is concerned. The bank will practically be reorganized and resume business.

10. July 12, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, July 12, 1893

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HAS FIVE PLANS. Dr. McDonald's Views on the Pacific Bank. He Sends Several Proposals for Resuming Business or Winding Up the Concern's Affairs. The Bank Commissioners were still figuring yesterday ou the resources and liabilities of the suspended People's Home Savings Bank. A report will probably be completed to-day or to-morrow. Dr. R. H. McDonald has sent from New York to his son, R. H. McDonald Jr., vicepresident of the Pacific Bank, a number of plans for reopening or reorganizing that concern. The senior McDonald holds 5011 of the 10,000 shares of the capital stock of the Pacific Bank and he is willing to submit to any rational plan for the resumption of business. He agrees to pay an assessment of $100 per share on his stock on condition that the heavy stockholders will pay a similar assessment on the stock they hold. This, the doctor says, would immediately restore the capital stock, and the business of the bank could be resumed at once. More than this, he agrees to loan the coin requisite for the holders of small blocks of stock to pay the assessment. If this plan be accepted R. H. McDonald Jr. is willing to retire from the vice-presidency, but he will insist upon retaining a seat in the directory. If the proposal is not acceptable Dr. McDonald agrees to retire from the bank, exchanging his shares for the assets listed as bad and doubtful by the Bank Commissioners, provided that the John Brown Colony and Mohawk canal securities are listed under that nead. The third proposal is that Dr. McDonald to sell all his stock, other stockin the at agrees holders joining sale, whatever sum shall be named by two or more disinterested arbitrators, the price to be based on a fair appraisement of the assets of the bank. Dr. McDonald is also willing to meet the other stockholders half way and to for an immediate provide payment of all debts due depositors and bankers. putting up his pro rata of the sum required if the others will do the same. The directors of the bank have discussed these proposals. but have not yet arrived at a definite conclusion. A meeting of the stockholders will be called some time next week, when Dr. McDonald's plans will be further considered. Director J. J. Bowen suggests that the easiest way to settle the difficuley would be for all the stockholders to put their stock in trust, giving the trustees power to liquidate. After depositors and bankers had been paid in full the remaining assets could be distributed among the original stockholders. The proposition has been submitted to Dr. McDonald and the directors are awaiting his views in reference to it.

11. August 8, 1893 Daily Kennebec Journal Augusta, ME
Article from Daily Kennebec Journal, August 8, 1893

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NEWS NUGGETS. Brought by the Wires From the North. East South and West. C.A. Brockway & Co., retail dealers in furniture, New York, assigned. Monday. d The Calcutta correspondent of the LonTimes says that currency matters confi- are don slowly but surely settling down and dence is returning. The factory of the Pacific Nail Works esti- at Cal., burned Sunday It is Oakland, mated that the loss is over $250,000 and the insurance $175,000. The Massachusetts Prohibition state comMonday issued a call for a state hall, convention mittee to be held in Mechanics Worcester, September 6th. A dilapidated old building at Main and Plum streets, St. Louis, collapsed Sunday the The whole structure fell into be cellar. night. Three persons are supposed to in the ruins. hail storm passed over East Wilton, A Monday morning doing considerable filH to crops. Stones as large as berts damage to the amount of a bushel were seen in one place. Max Schiff, doing business under trim- the of Max Schiff & Co. dealer in name 388 Broadway New York. assigned as mings, Monday. Liabilities. $45,000; nominal sets, $50,000. M. Pavie has cabled to Foreign Minister as Develle, the receipt of Siam's official of the French ultimatum. This confirms ceptance everything effected through Paris. Prince Vadhana, the Siamese minister at Schooner Cora Green of Bangor. Capt. Philbrook, from Newburg for Boston with # end of coal. ran ashore on the west Suncargo Naushon island, Vineyard Sound, her of day night, and has five feet of water in hold. loss to Lynn, Mass. tradesmen and the manufacturers The from the flooding of $75 premises by Sunday's storm will reach sole One shoe manufacturer had the leather 000. stock in the basement of his factory damaged $10,000. The working time of the New York Cenemployer in the round house at hours Mott haven, tral N. Y., has been reduced three in with a corresponding decrease will be wages. a day It is said similar action taken all along the road. Between noon Friday and noon Sunday ocnew cases of cholera and 13 deaths and 20 curred in Naples. Three new cases death occurred in Rome. A Buchareat out dispatch one says that cholers has broken in the garrison at Soolina. efforts to bring the southeastern Kan strike to an end do sas for the reason that fruitless All miners have the operators men proven who propose to employ any of trouble have not participated in the present from Sunday a r inforcement of negroes Alabama reached Pitteburg. attached to a carriage in which A horse ladies and a child, became were three Sunday. and dashed on The the frightened. railroad track near Dellwood. Minn. freight carriage was struck by a passing exceptrain, and the occupants, with the tion of the child, all instantly killed. The destruction of timber fences near Dakland, III., by fire last week amounted been thousands of dollars. There has to rain in Eastern Illinois for some time Unno of all kinds are suffering. and crops falls at once there will not be half less a rain of corn in that section of the state crop wreck occurred Sunday night on the A Central division near White River Junction. Vermont A special freight, bound north, train into a land slide and a passenger demolcrashed ran into the freight, completely enSIX freight cars and leaving the No ishing gine of the passenger a total wreck. one was much injured. Allen a widow, 70 years of found age, Mary her son William, aged 51, were street. and at their home on Chestnut dead Mass. Monday. A medicalex Lawrence. attributes the death of Mrs. Alien at aminer failure and that of William to of to heart William Allen was a member coholism. the old Sixth Massachusetts Regiment. Mrs. Nellie Grant Sartoris, who has come her her biennial visit to America with on Algernon Sartoria, and her two young New daughters, son, Rose and Vivien. arrived at Jr York, Saturday Ulysses S. Grant, After the pier to welcome them. was at the customs examination they met undergoing rail to West Point. where they Mrs. went U. by S. Grant at Cranston's hotel. States Mrs will remain in the United time for Sartoris two or three months. during which she intends visiting Chicago. special to the New York Tribune of A San Frannisco says The looting the from Pacific Bank of San Francisco by has the old Dr. R. H. McDonald of sons of sensation here. The failure caused bank . was enough, with more than a the and a half dollars loaned on poor but million and speculative investments, securities examination by the bank commissioners that the to light gross speculation state has brought land the guilty persons in may yet The two brothers have obtained fully prison. the bank within four years to from 8800 000. for which there is nothing show meeting of the directors of the Man. Peo At Fire Insurance Company at ple's N. H. Monday. Commissioner condiLinehan chester. presented a report on the the the company's affairs. He $390,899 says tion of assets show a deficit of gross and that the late treasurer af managed the the corporation in and last fairs December, president of direct financial stockholders violation He says the of its the capital to have and property been impaired by laws robbed, amounting of the that commillions haira pany imperilled, and urges the no

12. August 8, 1893 St. Paul Daily Globe Saint Paul, MN
Article from St. Paul Daily Globe, August 8, 1893

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EMPIIED THE BANK. Sons of a Wealthy Banker Steal Nearly a Million Dollars. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 7.-The looting of the Pacific bank, of San Francisco, by the sons of old Dr. R. H. McDonald has caused a sensation here. The failure of the bank was bad enough, with more than $1,500,000 loaned on poor securities and speculation investments, but the examination of the bank commissioners has brought to light gross peculations that may yet land the guilty persons in state prison. The two brothers have obtained from the bank within four years fully $800,000, for which there is nothing to show. It has also been discovered that just before the bank suspended young Richard secured coin and easily convertible bonds amounting to $97,000, and that this sum was taken to New York last week by McDonald's confidential clerk, A. L. Jenkins. The only security for this money is old Dr. McDonald's real estate, which was supposed to be good for some of the bank's deficit. As this property had been used as collateral, the doctor's brother will now have to bear the heavy responsibility, as Daniel Meyer, another heavy stockholder, last year assigned all his holdings to a nephew in order to escape responsibility.

13. September 7, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, September 7, 1893

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BREVITIES BY WIRE. The hardest shower for three years fell at Amadee Monday night. A leprous Chinaman has been found picking fruit in one of the Visalia orchards. The authorities do not know what to do with him. A creamery to cost $10,000 is about to be erected at Santa Maria. B. Pezzoni is the president and S. Campodonico secretary of the corporation. Quite a severe shock of earthquake was felt at Redding at 8:22 o'clock Wednesday morning. preceded by rumbling. It lasted several seconds and the vibration was north and south. No damage. E. W. Hunt, Fish Commissioner, passed through Visalia the other day with 10,000 rainbow trout from Sisson, which were planted in the Kaweah, thirty-five miles east of Visalia. The bark Bonanza and schooner Excelsior collided bows on near Port Angeles Wednesday morning. The Bonanza was badly injured. The bow timber was sprung on the Exceislor, which declined assistance and put into Port Angeles. J. O. Zinni, a resident of Tomales, registered at San Rafael Tuesday at the Mulberry House. The following morning at 12:30 he was found In bed partly asphyxiated, having blown out the gas. The timely discovery of escaping gas by a man in an adjoining room saved his life. The man killed near Summit, San Bernardino County, by being run over by a train, bas been Identified as Cyrus F. Davis. He was probably stealing a ride on a brakebeam when the accident occurred. He was literally torn into shreds. His relatives live in Louisville, Ky. News has reached San Diego of the death at Ballena. in that county, of Mrs. A. P. Keith. She was taken sick in the night and ber husband poured what he thought to be whisky from a bottle and gave it 10 her to drink. It proved to be carbolic acid. She died in fifteen minutes. Major Levi Chase of San Diego, a leading stockholder in the suspended Consolidated National Bank, admits that there is no prosliect of reopening the bank. He thinks the necessary money could be raised, but no agreement can be reached as to the proper man to take control. Cars of the electric storage pattern have been shipped to Sau Diego to run on the cable line in that city. The Electric Storage Company of San Francisco obtained control of the road through the failure cf the Pacific Bank. which held a large interest in both roads In that city and in Los Angeles. The city of Sacramento, through Its attorneys, C. N. Post and McKune and George, bas instituted suit against Thomas J. Clunie to recover $5000 damages and rents, etc., to the value of $2000, for alleged unlawful reteution by the defendant of certain portions of Q street, Front street and South Levee street. The complaint also asks that Cluble be ousted from the premises.

14. September 11, 1893 The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Seattle, WA
Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September 11, 1893

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# THE PASSING THRONG. "I am a great believer in this country," said Hon. James S. Clarkson, yesterday, "and all over the country there has been noticed with much pleasure the financial solidity of Seattle during the storm. The banks and people have made a splendid record by standing loyally by each other and thus showing that Seattle is on a solid basis in every business way and is one of the soundest cities, financially and commercially, in the whole nation. This is a fine record, and great credit is due to your people and your banks. The banks of the country ought to be supported strongly and earnestly by every good citizen, both because it is right to do so in a time of panic and because the banks are every-where making a resolute endeavor to protect the country from any further injury. Whatever Eastern banks may have done at the start in opposition to silver, it is to be said that they are now doing all in their power to clear up the situation, remove doubt and bring back prosperity. If the mass of the people shall support them and those who have taken out money to hoard shall return it to the banks, they will make it possible for the banking interests to do all it is possible for them to bring back prosperity." M. E. Ryan, agent of the Travelers' and Recreation Journal, of San Francisco, is a guest at the Occidental, having come here in the course of a business tour of the Coast. "I found people much depressed in Portland, and high rates of interest are being paid for money there," said he. "The town does not look nearly as well as this, for it is not built up as solidly. Seattle looks to me to be better built than Los Angeles or any other city in California outside of San Francisco. I was over at Virginia City, Nev., last month, and stopped at the National hotel, a big seven-story building which cost $250,000. There was hardly anybody there, and the proprietor told me he would be glad to get $20,000 for the building, but he could not get even $10,000. California is in good shape, for the only failure in San Francisco was that of the Pacific bank, and everybody knew that would go, so it was discounted. The fruit growers are getting the money to gather and pack the crop, so that they will come out all right." On Wednesday evening, August 30, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Bigham, in Chatsworth, Ill., Miss M. Catherine Bigham was married to Prof. Howard P. Brode, of Champaign, Ill. Mrs. Brode, as Miss Bigham, will be remembered by a host of friends in Seattle, where, during the past three years, her faithful work in the public schools won for her a place in the front rank of our teachers. She was also an active and thorough worker in the First and Second Presbyterian churches. Prof. Brode, of the chair of zoology of the Illinois state university, though a young man, has already achieved a prominent place in his profession. Immediately after the marriage ceremony, which was performed by Rev. W. W. Coe, formerly pastor of the Second Presbyterian church of Seattle, Mr. and Mrs. Brode left for Mackinac and the lakes of Northern Michigan.

15. October 16, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, October 16, 1893

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AGAIN ENJOINED. An Order in the Pacific Bank Case. Some Midnight Court Proceedings Transacted on Behalf of the Bank Commissioners. Legal proceedings in the Pacific Bank came thick and fast on Saturday. Following the decision of the Supreme Court, which was handed down late that evening, and which annulled the appointment of Sheri ff McDade as receiver. came another coniplaint, filed by the Bank Commissioner at midnight, and on which an injunction was at once issued by Judge Hebbard. The complaint, which was drawn by Attorney-General Hart, charged that the administration of the bank's affairs in general has been anything but what it should be; that the president, R. H. McDonald, has been absent for about two years, during which the bank's management has been in the hands of R. H. Mc. Donald Jr. and Frank McDonald, and then proceeds to enumerate the different enterprises in which they have been engaged, in which it is claimed that the bank's money was used. These are the same charges which have been made many times before, including the John Brown colony, the Phoenix Water Company, etc., and the only new feature is that it is claimed that these investments were for the personal benefit of the bank's officials rather than for that of the bank. The complaint asked that the McDonalds be restrained from transacting any business whatever for the institution, and the injunction was issued. Friday, November 3, is set as the day for the argument as to whether it should be made permanent. When seen last night D. S. Dorn, the bank's attorney. had nothing to offer in explanation of the situation. "I was completely surprised," said he, "when I learned of the action of the commission. The decision of the Supreme Court was given out 80 late that it was not possible for this complaint to have been regularly filed in the Clerk's office, and just why it was necessary to have this injunction out last night Idon't know. "The action of the Commissioners is a mystery to me, and I can assign no adequate reason for the step they have taken."

16. October 20, 1893 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
Article from The Morning Call, October 20, 1893

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HOLDS THE MONEY. McDade Still in Possession of Pacific Bank Assets. While the creditors of the Pacific Bank are bothering their heads about the money which they would like to get Sheriff McDade has actually money belonging to the bank, but which he really does not know what to do with, so he is simply not doing anything with it. When the decision of the Supreme Court was rendered the bank's attorneys interpreted it to mean that the bank's officers were to close up its aifairs under the direction of the Bank Commissioners. They accordingly have served notices on the Sheriff not to turn over the assets to Receiver Willey after he was appointed receiver. Receiver Willey went before Judge Hebbard yesterday with an affidavit in which he states that he has qualified as the receiver of the bank, but that Sheriff McDade refuses to turn over the assets, which be holds to the amount of at least $500,000, while he holds but $37,000 of that amount under attachment. Receiver Willey therefore asks that the court direct Sheriff McDade to turn over these assets, and Sheriff McDade says he is willing to do so when the court shall so direct but he does not want to pay it over to on party and then be compelled to get more money to satisfy some one else. Judge Hebbard will hear the matter at 10 o'clock this morning, and all the interested parties will be present. At the bank yesterday everything was quiet, and interest now centers in the petition before the Supreme Court at Los Angeles asking for an order restraining Receiver Willey from taking possession as receiver. This was to have been presented yesterday.

17. November 4, 1893 The Herald Los Angeles, CA
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ADMITS ITS INSOLVENCY. The Pacific Bank in the Hands of the Bank Cominissioners. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 3.-The answer of the directors of the Pacific bank, filed with Judge Hebbard this afternoon, admits the insolvency of the bank. The bank is, therefore, thrown into the hands of the bank commissioners, and Receiver Willey is deposed from hie otlice. The bank commissionera will appoint assistants subject to confirmation by the court.

18. November 21, 1893 The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Seattle, WA
Article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, November 21, 1893

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CONDENSED DISPATCHES. An incendiary fire at Keno, Mich, Saturday night destroyed $200,000 worth of lumber. The Spanish troops and Moors had & skirmish at Melilia Monday. Several were wounded on both sides. The British war office denies that warshipe have been forbidden to stop at San Francisco because of numerous desertions there. Fire Monday afternoon at Lewiston, Me., destroyed a tenement house. Mrs. Alfred Dubois and two children were smothered to death. The roundhouse of the Toledo & South Haven road at Paw Paw, Mich., was destroyed with three locomotives on Sundav. Loss, $100,000. The Mexican minister at Washington City has complained to Secretary Gresham that Texans do not try to prevent violation of the neutrality laws. Stephen Toble, of Boston, who was charged with causing the death of his mother and sister by putting poison in a bottle of porter has been discharged. Receivers have been appointed for the East Tennessee Land Company, of Harriman. The estimated assets are $1,250,000, and the liabilities are estimated at $1,500,000. The telegraph operators and messenger boys at Rome struck on Monday because the government intends to amalgamate the postal and telegraph departments. The strike will extend throughout Italy. On application of Corboding. W. W. Knight and C. H. Dunsmore, the board of bank commissiouers of the state of California, W. J. Quinlan has been appointed receiver of the Pacific bank, San Francisco. The suit of ex-Gov. Evans against the Union Pacific, Denver & Gulf railroad for the appointment of receivers is on trial at Denver. The Union Pacific resists the suit, and the government is taking no action. By the caving in of 8 bank while making excavations for the new gun cotton factory at Goat island, the United States torpedo station, John McGregor was killed, two others fatally injured and four seriously hurt. At a meeting of Irish members of parliament in London, presided over by Justin McCarthy, an appeal on behalf of evicted tenants made by McCarthy was indorsed, and the administration of the parliamentary fund was approved.

19. January 11, 1894 The Morning Call San Francisco, CA
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The People's and Pacifi Bank's Deeds. THAT DISPUTED DOCUMENT Was It a Bona-Fide Mortgag or a Transfer ? WHAT EITHER SIDE ASSERTS The Foreclosure Suit Now on Tria Before Judge Sanderson-R. H. McDonald Jr. Testifies. The action brought by the People' Home Savings Bank against the Pacifi Bank to foreclose a mortgage of the latte bank's premises and for the appointmer of a receiver, came up for hearing befor Judge Sanderson yesterday. Permission had been given the day fore to the Bank Commissioners to inte vene, and they were represented by Atto ney W. F. Baggett. P. F. Dunne appeare for the Pacific Bank directors, while plaintiff was represented by D. S. M. A. Dorn and Frank M. Stone. The opened the proceedings by stating the cumstances leading to the suit, and he intended to prove that the deed in tion was no ordinary deed of transfer, a bona fide mortgage, given in good by the Pacific Bank directors as securit for two notes of $100,000 each held by People's Home Savings Bank. The deed was produced in court, and signatures of R. H. McDonald Jr., president, and O. F. Miner, secretary the Pacific Bank, were admitted as rect, as was the seal of the bank attache thereto, but it was not admitted that bank signed the deed. It was shown that a meeting at whic the mortgage was approved was held the People's Bank directors on June 1993. and the signatures of Columbu Waterhouse, president, and J. E. Farnun secretary of the bank, attached to the utes of that meeting, were admitted correct. The books of the People's Bank then produced In court to show that June 22 the indebtedness of the Pacif Bank in respect of the $200,000 notes transferred from the list of commercia loans to the place set apart for collatera loans. on receipt of the deed which is

20. February 9, 1895 The Salt Lake Herald Salt Lake City, UT
Article from The Salt Lake Herald, February 9, 1895

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# THEY KNEW IT. Pacific Bank Directors Fully Cognizant of the Rottenness of the Institution. San Francisco, Cal., Feb. 8.—At the trial of R. H. McDonald, jr., for perjury today, several employees of the defunct Pacific bank testified that McDonald had never appeared before the notary to swear to the Pacific bank's statement, upon which the complaint is based, and to which the notarial seal, attesting McDonald's acknowledgment, was affixed. Ex-Bank Commissioner Dunsmuir swore that during his term of office the bank commissioners were aware of the unsound condition of the Pacific bank and anticipated the suspension of the bank for two years before it was closed. The commissioners had requested Attorney General Hart to close the bank, but Hart declined to act in the premises.

21. February 15, 1895 Cottonwood Report Cottonwood, ID
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M'DONALD'S TRIAL. Admissions on the Witness Stand by a Former Director. SAN FRANCISCO, February 7.-In the trial of R. H. McDonald, jr., of the late Pacific bank, for perjury, Columbus Waterhouse, a former director, admitted on the witness stand that the night before the bank closed its doors, but after the directorate had decided upon its suspension, he (Waterhouse) withdrew $2,000 which he had on deposit, removing the coin at a late hour, despite the fact that the bank held much of his papers Emil Bellerman, formerly an accountant of the bank, testified that he had made out three deposit tags, each for $100,000, in favor of Columbus Waterhouse, D. S. Dorn and Dr. R. H. McDonald, respectively, but he could not remember whether the defendant or his brother had ordered the tags.

22. March 21, 1895 The San Francisco Call San Francisco, CA
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# DIRECTORS WITHOUT SHARES WATERHOUSE'S PECULIAR POSITION IN THE PEOPLE'S HOME BANK. WHY HIS NOTE FOR $10,000 Is Now WORTH NOTHING AT ALL. The suit of the Pacific Bank and S. G. Murphy to obtain possession of a note for $10,000, made by Columbus Waterhouse, and originally deposited in the Pacific Bank, is the means of throwing more light upon the interesting financial management of the Pine-street institution before it finally went to the wall. The suit in question was originally commenced by S. G. Murphy to recover from Mr. Waterhouse the amount of the note, which, he alleged, had been assigned to him. Soon after this suit was commenced the Pacific Bank entered the case as an intervenor and claimed the note and its value, the one from Murphy and the other from Waterhouse, claiming that the note had never been assigned to Murphy and that he was not legally entitled to its value. In his answers to Murphy and the Pacific, which were filed yesterday, Waterhouse tells an interesting story as to how the note was made and placed in the Pacific Bank. In October, 1888, he says, Dick McDonald wanted him to become a director in the People's Home Savings Bank, and to qualify him for the position he issued to Waterhouse several shares of the People's Home Bank stock. For these shares he paid nothing whatever. Soon after that, as an accommodation to the Pacific Bank, he drew up a note for $10,000 in favor of the Pacific Bank, and deposited the same in the bank, without, however, receiving any consideration for the note. To secure this phantom bit of paper, he indorsed over to the bank the fictitious shares of stock

23. May 25, 1895 The Arizona Sentinel Yuma, Arizona City, AZ
Article from The Arizona Sentinel, May 25, 1895

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prises in Yuma county, is that which led to the construction of the Mohawk canal, by means of which that portion of the Gila valley known as the Mohawk valley is watered. The length of the canal from headgate to terminus, is 21 miles, but, at a point 71 miles below its head, the canal forks into two branches, and, counting the mileage along both branches, we have 33 miles of main water-ways. The area of land tributary to this canal, embraces 40,000 acres of rich bottom lands. The head of the canal, by wagon road, is distant about sixty miles east from Yuma, and the lower end of the valley about thirty-five miles. The width of the valley varies from half a mile, at its narrowest point, to five miles at its widest. The soil is a rich sandy loam varying in depth from seven to over twenty feet, and stratas and resting upon of These gravel sand lying underneath. conditions ensure perfect drainage, and prevent "souring." The construction of the canal was begun some ten years ago, but owing to lack of means of the projectors, the work dragged along slowly until finally the property fell into the hands of the Pacific bank of San Francisco and the canal was speedily completed. Then followed an era of bad management, a good deal of it being on the freeze-out plan, but, in spite of all drawbacks, a large acreage was put under cultivation. At last the failure of the Pacific bank occured and the enterprise was left without a head but the holders of lands took matters into their own hands and kept the canal in sufficient repair to keep alive that portion of the valley under cultivation. The company has recently been reorganized and affairs look brighter than ever. The canal is running full of water, and new farms are being started. Like nearly all the systems followed by irrigation enterprises, water rights of the Mohawk company perpetually attach to the land irrigated and cannot be separated by change of ownership. Holders of water-rights pay a very moderate annual rental for the use of water, in accordance with the number of acres placed under cultivation, at a fixed sum per acre. The Mohawk valley.is very desirably situated, in reference to getting its products to market, and lands can be had comparatively very cheap* The Southern Pacific railroad parallels the valley east and west, at a aistance varying from three to eight miles. Products are transported over the best kind of wagon roads, and 'cattle and hogs are placed on the cars in perfect condition, owing to the shortness of the drive. A large area of land is now under cultivation in fruuts, alfalfa, Egyptain corn, grapes, figs, wheat, barley, sorghum, beans, cabbages, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce, radishes, peas and all kinds of vegetables. Watermelons; musk-melons, squash, pumpkins are planted in the spring. Vege tables are grown in all seasons of the year. Two and three crops of Egyp tian corn, two crops of patatoes, and two crops of corn are raised annually. Sweet potatoes and peanuts thrive remarkably well. Strawberries and blackberries are grown in great abund ance. The Mohawk valley presents rare facilities and opportanities for immigrants. The climate cannot be surpassed, the soil needs no fertilization and will not for centuries as the waters of the Gila river, which sup the canal, is a silt that renews plies constantly charged the with soil, and the land can be cheaply cleared and cultivated. This tract of country is especially suitable for settlement by small colonies. Land to which are attached paid up water-rights if purchased in 1,000 acre tracts can be had, including water-rights, for ten dollars

24. July 17, 1895 Elmore Bulletin Rocky Bar, Mountain Home, ID
Article from Elmore Bulletin, July 17, 1895

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DICK M'DONALD'S WIFE IN JAIL Arrested in St. Louis, Believed to Have Boodle in Her Possession. St. Louis, July 12.Mrs. Eliza McDonald, reported to have fled from San Francisco with $100,000 belonging to her husband, Richard H. McDonald, Jr., now in jail in that city awaiting trial for forgery and embezalement in connection with wrecking the Pacific bank. was located in this city today. She is with her sister-in-law, Mrs. John Carlton, 2608 North Garrison avenue. At first she would not admit her indentity, but after reading the report of her al. leged flight she acknowledged she was the wife of Richard H. McDonald. She then said: The report that I fled with my husband's money is untrue. I have not handled any of his money for three months-then the amount was not more than $5,000. This was all that was intrusted to me for defending my husband, and It was all he had." She related the story of her first meeting with McDonald, and told of their marriage in 1893. Three months after marriage, she continued. the trouble came on. "Richard H. McDonald, Sr., my fatherin-law. went to New York and sent for us," she said. "When we arrived there he asked my husband to take me and go abroad. My husband said he was innocent, and he would go back to San Francisco and face the charges. Then his father begged him to go, and even offered to pay our expenses. Still my husband refused, and the result was we went to San Francisco. his father remaining in New York, where he is at present. Then followed my husband's arrest and all this trouble, of which I know nothing. "I am totally innocent of my husband's financial dealings, therefore am not in a positon to talk of them. But I know my husband is innocent of the charges against him, and is the victim of a political conspiracy. That is why his father wanted him to go abroad, as he said our enemies in San Francisco would resort to. any means to pull us down. "The conspiracy, or as much as I understand of it, was this: There was a plot gotten up by some politicians to secure the chief justice's seat. The McDonalds were the ruling power of San Francisco at the time, as the Pacific bank controlled millions, and had other dealings outside of financial ones. These politicians went to work, and, without any good reason, appointed a receiver for the bank. They declared it had gone under through the fraudulent dealings of the McDonald famly, and would have arrested my husband, his father and my brother-in-law at once had they not fled. "Frank V. McDonald, my brother-in-law. went to Japan, and now it is said he took $60,000 belonging to the bank. This is false. Only three months agu I had to cable him $250, though he never received it. One of our lawyers received the money from me and never sent it. Attorney Livinish, who is assisting the defense, is doing so for nothing. He simply went into the case to try to make a reputation. This is our side of the charges against my husband." Mrs. McDonald declares she has not a cent outside of her actual living expenses. She was engaged in cleaning house. "It seems probable," she remarked sarcastically, "that I would be doing this if I had $100,000, doesn't it?" Mrs. McDonald says she leaves for San Francisco in a few days, to be present with her husband when arraigned for trial.

25. July 23, 1904 The Daily Silver State Winnemucca, NV
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HAPPENINGS IN OUR OWN STATE Late News Notes Gathered From Many Places in Nevada While working at the Ward shaft yesterday a piece of casting fell on Charles Wilson and broke his leg between the ank!9 and knee. Mr. Wilson was taken to his home at the corner of F and Union streets and made as comfortable as possible. He had only started to work yesterday morning, after being idle a long time.-Enterprise. At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Union Consolidated Mining company in San Francisco Tuesday the following directors were elected: C. H. Fish, C. Hirshfeld, A. F. Coffin, William Dannar and B. F. Shaw. C. H. Fish was elected president, C. Hishfeld vice president, A. P. Swain secretary and A. J. McDonnell superintendent. The Carson News is authorized to make the announcement that Hon. Samuel Platt, who served Ormsby county in the legislature, was the Republican party's nominee for attorney general at the last election and who has stumped the state several times in the interests of the Republican ticket, will be a candidate before the Republican convention at Winnemucca for the nomination of member of congress. An attempt was made late Thursday night to hold un Dr. Franck at the corner of Fourth and Virginia streets, says the Gazette. He says that as he was returning from the home of Prof. Krall, where he attended a musicale, he was accosted by two roughs, one of whom asked him what time it was and the other commanded him to turn over his valuables. The doctor was not in a mood to cc mply and the demand was not repeated. Monday evening, as the logging train of the Tahoe railroad was rounding a curve at the Tahoe Lumber company's camp en route to Truckee with a load cf logs, the engine struck Frank Pasini and Barney Bettanini, who were walking along the track, and instantly killed the former, while the !atter had his !eft leg run over, necessitating an amputation as soon as he could be brought to town. Pasini's head was nearly severed from the body.-Enterprise. The five Chinamen arrested at Beowawe the first of the week for being in the United States without entrance papers, were brought up before Commissioner T. J. Edwards at Carson Wednesday. It was found that four of them had the necessary papers and they were immediately released. The fifth .man's story is that he has the necessary document, but it is deposited in a safe place and he claims to have sent for it to present proof. If his story is straight he also will be released. Frank Meder and Fred Brown are making arrangements to put a steamboat on Washoe lake. They have secured the necessary engine and will be at work assembling the necessary outfit snortly. Washoe lake is increasing in popularity every season with those who wish a single day's outing, and some quick, pleasant method of crossing to the east side is what the sportsmen have been looking for. The little steamer will have all it can do on Sundays and other holidays and will shorten the time to the club house by nearly an hour.-Carson News. A story comes from Tonopah to the etfect that T. L. Oddie, general manager of the Tonopah Mining company and one of the wealthiest men in the new mining district, had engaged attorneys with a view to filing a suit for divorce against his wife from whom he separated several days ago. According to the report Oddie is in San Francisco conferring with his lawyers and is expected to institute proceedings in a few days. The ground upon which his suit will be based is said to be incompatibility of temper, although gossip has it that the couple have separated for more serious reasons. Mrs. Oddle was formerly Clara Belle McDonald, wife of Richard McDonald of San Francisco, whose connection with the sensational failure of the Pacific bank