The herald., 1898-04-12
congratulation that the bills to modify the
rules Of the civil service act were defeated.
RAILKOADS AND STEAMSHIPS


rules Of the civil service act were defeated.
RAILROADS AND STEAMSHIPS
AN invitation was received In February
from the Bakersfield board Of trade asking
members to visit Bakersfield upon the oc-
casion of the celebration Of the completion
of the Valley road, which will probably oc-
cur about the middle Of the present month
l hope large delegation Of Los Angeles
business men will attend. The expenditure
of a little time and money on affairs such
as this would tend very largely to build up
our growing business relations with neigh
boring cities.
'At the same time the question of build
ing up a trade with Central and South
American Republics and Mexico, by get
ting steamers from ports in those countries
to stop at one of our ports on their way to
San Francisco, was considered by our COM
mittee on transportation, which, after care
full investigation, found that the present
prospects and those of the immediate fu-
trust that the matter has only been de-
ferred, and that 1t will be again taken UP
as soon as conditions warrant the same.
TELEGRAPH TOLLS
1.-THE efforts to increase the membership
and congratulate those to whom this sue
cess is due. Fifty new members have been
added this year. Every member of the
board should consider himself committee
of one for the purpose Of increasing Its
membership. I trust that the board will
continue to be tower of strength to the
mercantile interests Of the country and to
those dealers who, while honest, may be
tamn0ra rlv m rra al !, for 70 In,
their business relations, and at the same
time a terror to all who, disregarding the
laws. written and unwritten, which should
obtain in all their transactions, endeavor
to injure or defraud their creditors.
'Tho directors suggested at the same
time to the two telegraph companies the
justice and advisabilitiy of furnishing
patrons better facilities for transacting
business by increasing the number Of words
allowed in message at one rate from ten
to twenty words.
1--WE can heartily congratulate each other
upon the progress made in the San Pedro
harbor matter. After so many delays and
disappointments, there is no little satisfac-
tion in the prospect Of seeing work begun
ut an early date. The thanks of our people
are due to those who have labored SO faith
AeAAy " bAii6 dpOuL tuio 6uCCSSSs
BUSINESS METHODS
1T has been extremely gratifying to me
to observe. during the past year. the strong
efforts that have been made both by the
officers and members of the board to pre-
vent fraudulent settlements and bring dis
honest debtors to Justice. We often hear
criticisms upon tn ease with which dishon-
est debtors make a profitable failure, set
tling up their affairs upon the basis of
small cash compromise and, probably, con-
tinuing in business. Such a condition of
affairs should not exist, and 1t is the duty
of this board and of every member of the
same to make strong effort to induce
change. When debtor appears before his
creditors, asking for their consideration, he
should be required to make full state
ment Of his affairs. II this statement shows
that he has simply been unfortunate, he
should, and, am sure, would, receive all
possible assistance. If. on the other hand,
the creditors have reason to believe that
he has attempted or committed fraud, the
question, What will we realize upon our
claims?' should be the last one considered.
His affairs should be wound up and action
taken to prevent his continuing in the ranks
of competitive merchants. To do this Is not
only wise policy for yourselves, it is duty
that you absolutely owe to your honest
customers. l refer to this at length be-
cause 1t is a matter Of the gravest import
ance, and bespeak for 1t your earnest con-
sideration.'
FINANCIAL MATTERS
The report of John s. Thayer, treasurer,
showing the receipts and disbursements for
the year ending April /. 1885, was received.
The report was as follows: Balance on
hand April /, 1897, $225s91; receipts from
secretary. s27.s1s.2o; disbursed by warrant,
s26,SS7.2S; balance on hand April /, 1898,
$S6S4S3.
The secretary, Gregory Perkins, jr., re-
ported, in brief, that the total membership
at present is 131. During the year 1472 cases
were reported. LOG cases recorded, GIG claims
filed, 1878 3.3S3.s9 of liability recorded, "a
creditors meetings held, committee meet
ing held, while SO cases were actually set
tied, SO still pending. and closed without
action. OF the SO cases settled, were by
compromise. by extension. by attach
ment and execution, 2 by assignment or bill
of sale, by insolvency proceedings, II total
loss. The average percentage of settlements
was 44.9. The dividends paid through the
office to creditors of estates amounted to
s23, ,062.12.
The report of q. T. Dunning, attorney
for the board, showed the amount of busi-
ness transacted by the law department dur
ing the year. The greater proportion of
these cases involved the upsetting of
fraudulent transfers. Mr.. Dunning made
the suggestion that there be a reformation
in the elasticity of the credit system, or
lack of system in vogue here. Scientific
principles should be applied to the basis of
the woes that culminate in the law depart
ment. If the board would employ an eff
cient credit man. 1t would be found that our
cases would not only be fewer in number,
but the net result to creditors would be
far greater and the credit and efficiency of
the organization enhanced in many ways"
The new directors will probably meet to-
day to organize and elect officers
HER LATCHKEY EXPERIENCE
Adventure That Befel Her the First
Time She Used It