The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-25
SIMPLY LOCKED UP THE BANK.
room FOLKS IN cHIC4GO STUMBLED
our OF OYER $50 600.

It WINS Private Coucerr. and Nobody Knows
Anything About tho Rank ers-A Plan to
Enable the Denver Banks 10 Rcsume-
Mr.. Huston's Bank In Indiana smsrends-
A Great tsiut OF silver Coin in Chicago.
CHICAGO July 2I.-Bradford 4 Church. Dear
born Gtrect bankers, have closed their doors
and they have not bothered Comptroller Eek
els or tho courts with the details Their
whereabouts arc not known. Between 100000
and $4,000 OF poor peoples money liz gone.
A year and half ago f ID. and ]. L. Brad
ford. brothers. became interested In tho Chi
caGo-Tolieston Land Investment Company.
This evidently proved profitable enterprise.
for in six months they sold out their interest
and started private bank.
Tho first thing thcy did uftor having their
sign painted was to distribute several thou
sand small iron banks among the poor people
OF Chicago The bnnks could be opened only by
the Bradfords. From day to day he who was
unfortunate enough 10 possess one OF tho little
chests dropped In his pennies and nickels. and
when he had It filled he would bring II to the
bank. where the contents were carefully re-
moved and credited to the derostor. Tho
business was conducted on the principle that
IL n man has credit he does not need money.
The deposltors at the bank had any
amount OF credit in That Institution. but IN TO
date they have failed to get any cash. Those
who were favored with the little iron chests
poured in their money SO rapidly that L. d.
Bradford was enabled TO retire from the bank
ing business In March. and George Church
was admitted rs junior partner In the concern.
business prospered for tho firm. but not for
depostors. About month ago tho bank
moved to 81 Quincy street Frank V. Homer.
tho cashier. was left in charge and he. It
l. presumed, got all the money Bradford 4
Church failed TO secure. 1t 10 Just ono
week ago since he lockel the door
and failed to return and open 1t. Not even a
notice o! any kind was posted on tho door.
What is on tho other side Of the door is mys-
terry. as the rent Of tho Office is paid IN 10 Aug
J. and the owner Of the building cannot take
possession before that time
After the institution moved. depositors who
called to draw money were informed that they
w"ud have to give thirty days notice. Where
Bradford y Church cnmn from no ono seems
on small plan, and all OF their deIositors we're
poor people and children. 1t IL estimated by
people familiar with the firms affairs that the
possibly S3O.O0O. The cashiers name is not
In the city directory. and no one seems to know
i. Stewart. one Of the derositors. said he
had 50 in tho institution. and that when he
wanted to withdraw it. about n month ago; lie
days notice. He gave notice and. when the
time expired. he called and founG the institu-
ton closed. Other depositors tell the same tale.
notice WAS posted to-day In the United
States Sub. TREASURY, to the effect that silver
would not be received. During tho day many
employees OF banks brought In sacka Of the
white metal to get currency in exchange hut
they mad to shoulder their loads and go again
rs they came.
There Is more silver lying around uncounted
behind the rails Of tho Sub treasury than the
force can handle -On every shelf and In piles
on the floor. canvas sacks iil!ed with dollars
ard other coins are stacked Ut until there IL
hardly room to get about.
We nre unable to handle the big amount Of
silver We have IN hand" sal, one Of tho Of
fcials. and until il can lie nil counted and
checked up We will noe receive any moro over