The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-13
A TERRIBLE AFFAIR.


The Troubles of E1Hk Result in the Sui-
eide of Its President and Cashier.
New Brunswick dispatch: The ex-
element over the double suicide of the
president and cashier of the National bank
OF New Jersey has become intense. A
statement furnished by the officials in June
OF the current year showed a paid up capt.
tai Of $3.50, COO; surplus, $125, 600; undi-
vided profits, $7S, 1870. There has been
nothing in the public history of the bank
since that date to cause any uneasiness to
the stockholders The suicide of the presi-
dent strengthens the evidence of great
frauds and creates unbounded astonish-
ment. President Runyon was over sixty
years old, and leaves wife and four chill
dren. he had been president of the bank
for FIVE years. Over one million dollars
were stolen by Hill. Napoleon Runyon,
the president, was implicated in the theft of
Hill and expected to be arrested when he
took his life. The city is wild and crowds
blockade Church street, where the bank
stands. Acting Cashier Campbell is ex-
pected to be arrested for completely in the
conspiracy. Millionaires are trembling and
more than two suicides are predicted. The
mob threatened to break open the bank aud
roll, depositor, cut his throat on account
of losses.
There Is great excitement in the city.
Bank Examiner Shelly has discovered de-
felt of over s., 900, 900 in the surplus cash
and securities. The town is wild, and men
rush frantically to the doors of the National
bank, only to be told that the business Of
that institution is suspended for the pres
emit. The VOORHEES, estate is partially ruined.
Cashier Hill WAS left as custodian OF this
4 Al. l. IL rrff tnar do
away with, all over $40 900 was taken here.
In the G. B. Adrian estate over $50, 900
was gone President Runyon, who COM
mitted suicide, has $50, 600 in government
bonds. Hill hal negotiated for the sale OF
these and consumated some before his death.
A clerk of the bank, who had been reported
dead, was found alive at 40 p. m. Run
yon knew nothing of HIPS doings, trusting
him implicitly. The crash in Wall street in
May last took the bulk Of HIPS steaings. |
Runyon, though quite popular, was ignor-
ant Of financial matters and was willing |
tool IN the hands of a designing cashier. |
At 9:45 a. m. President Runyon drove up to
the bank In carriage. He was accom-
panied by his two young daughters.
''Good by, papa" said Julia, the ED
Runyon descended to the pavement. 81
hope all will be well.' CT you do not |
see me before night" he responded,
t'tell mamma | will stick to the bank"
Twenty minutes later he sent Chief Fitz-
gerald, who is in charge of the bank, for a
copy Of the morning paper, in which the
story was told Of his completely In the
banks downfall. Securing the paper he
went into the room occupied by the organ
dzing directors and began to read. A DEATH
ly pallor spread over his face and, passing
his handkerchief over his brow, he threw
the paper into the lap of Director Stoddard
and, excusing himself, went into the toilet
room Of the bank. A minute later fall
was heard. The directors rushed to the
closet and discovered the body Of Runyon
wound in the throat. Determined on sui
eide, he had cut his wrists deeply, blood
squirting against the wall and ceiling. The
thousands of people outside were Mortified.
sShall we raid the bankf' was the ques-
ton which agitated the depositors. Farm
ers from the country Joined the throng and
shouted for their money. The police with
difficulty quieted the disturbance. At 1:20
one of the directors, John Letson, was re-
ported dead. An investigation revealed the
count Of the strain upon his nerves. He
was heavy stakeholder and had deposited
trust funds.
NV Godi'' exclaimed Director Stoddard,
ssthe whole city will go. The city debt is
now nearly So, 600, 900 and the bank holds
der and we have their capital"
Martin A. Howell, who withdrew IS d.
redtor eight years ago, said: 81 saw it was
coming. Charley Hill was too liberal. The
republican party went to him as Its banker
for funds. BE doubtless took the bank sur
plus to aid his friends. Knowing the con-
dition of affairs, quietly Withdrew
"Why did you not let the public know
your suspicionsp'
'sI was advised not to do So"
"By whom?'
'By DIRECTOR"
The effect on the town is crushing. The
widest excitement prevails. The streets
are thronged with country depostors and
there are fears of raid on the bank. Hun
dreds Of special policemen were sworn in by
The mayor to surround the bank property.
Acting Cashier Campbell says: 81 have
had fears of the present result for six
months, bnt kept my mouth closed. 1
feared expulsion by the directors"