The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-01-05
Bank Cashier Seeks to
Escape Disgrace.
Three Banks In City of St.
Paul Close Their Doors.
Dep0sitors Fight to Get to the Pay
ing Tellers' Windows.

Baltimore, Jan. 5.-Richard Cornelius.
cashier. and for AZ years connected with
the National Farmers and Planters
bank. OF which Enoch Pratt was presi-
dent up to the time OF his dcath. was
discovered to be short in hrs accounts to
the amount Of about $50. 900 yesterday.
About 10 o'clock Cornelius was sum-
moned before the board of directors TO
explain the Irregularities that had been
discovered In his accounts. and which
were then under consideration by the
board. Mr.. Cornelius. Il In understood.
claimed that he could make a satisfac-
tory statement, and he vas allowed to
go into another part OF the bank to get a
certain paper. He did not return, and
after the lapse of some time the directors
escertained that ne had lef. the building.
The police we're notified, and yesterday
afternoon. Cornelius dead body was
found In the duck pond at Druid Hiu
park. He Ind committed suicide!
Mr.. Cornelius was one Of the oldest
and best known bank cashiers In Balti-
more. and his acquaintance among
bankers extended throughout the coun-
try. He was OF a cheerful disposition.
and was prominent in religious circles.
and was also largely interested In build
ing associations in this city. During the
life Of the late Enoch Pratt, the philan-
thropist, he was one OF that gentlernan's
most intimate friends. and probably
knew more about Mr.. Pratt's private in
terests than any otner man in Baltimore.
For many years Mr.. Cornelius hal
been one OF the most prominent Method
lists In the city. At his death he was a
local preacher OF the Baltimore confer
ence, president of the City Missionary
and Church Extension society. presi-
dent OF the Emory Grove association,
one of the trustees of the Baltimore an
nual conference and a member of the
official board of Madison Avenue church.
Mr. Cornelius began his career with
the National Farmers and Planters
bank az years ago as messenger boy. and
worked his way up to the position OF
cashier. He was never known to specu-
late. and lived very frugally.
The vice president of the bank. John
A. whitridge. talked freely about the
discovery of the shortage.
I'VE have nothing TO conceal" said
he. THE old gentleman was very care
less In his accounts, and as long ago as
October I asked the national bank ex-
aminer To make very thorough ex-
animation the next time he came TO the
hank. On Saturday he reported to me
that there were discrepancies In our
accounts with the National Mechanics
hank OF New York and the Atlantic Ma
tional bank OF Boston. who are our COR
respondents In those cities. Upon this
David l.. Bartlett. the president, and
myself agreed to meet Mr.. Winchester.
the examiner. at the bank at 7:30 yes
terday morning.
After short conference we requested
Mr.. Cornelius TO give us access to his
books and papers, which he did without
the least hesitancy. saying calmly.
There may be some error here due to
oarelessncss, but there Is nothing
wrong A few moments later he left
the building. Mr.. Cornelius was bonded
for $4,000 by the Employers Liability
Assurance corporation OF London. and
1t is my impression that this amount
Will almost cover the shortare