FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION, STATE OF NEW YORK. CHATHAM, N. Y., April 30, 1914. DEAR SIR AND BROTHER. I am enclosing herewith a copy of chapter No. 400, General Municipal Laws of 1914, and I would respectfully ask that you have the kindness to call a special meeting of your company and read the enclosed law to your members. This law, which is one of the most meritorious and humanitarian measures that has ever been passed, was signed by Governor Glynn, April 17, 1914, providing for payment to injured volunteer firemen and pensions to the families of deceased volunteer firemen where death occurs, or injuries resulting in death, due to personal harm sustained while performing and discharging fire duty. Every volunteer fire company of this State should unhesitatingly commend Governor Glynn for signing this bill; also the the Fire Marshal of the State of New York, Mr. Thomas J. Ahern, for interest manifested in having the bill passed, and to Senator John F. Healy, who introduced the bill and whose efforts aided in its passage. The Firemen's Association of the State of New York has for several years been striving to have such a bill passed for the benefit of volunteer firemen, considering that where a man risks his life and his health in defense of property and lives of others that he should receive as much consideration from the broadminded and charitable public as the soldier on the battlefield or the sailor in the navy; therefore it is no more than just that men who are injured or killed while fire-fighting that they or their bereaved families should receive some remuneration. IN No. 28. SENATE FEBRUARY 17, 1914. Report of the Senate Committee on Banks Relative to Private Banking Business. To the Senate of the State of New York: On the 7th day of January, 1914, the following resolution was adopted by the Senate of the State of New York: "Whereas, It appears that a firm of private bankers in the city of New York has suspended payment having deposits aggregating approximately two and one-half million dollars, with many depositors residents of this State, and no information is obtainable as to whether said private bankers are solvent; and "Whereas, It appears that the laws of this State at present fail to regulate and supervise said private bankers, they having given security to the State Comptroller in the sum of $100,000, and by reason of said omission in the law private bankers may transact the banking business without due safeguards to the rights of the public and the depositors; and Whereas, The public interests demand appropriate legislation upon this subject, and as the matters involved are complex and important, 66 Now, Therefore, In order that full and complete information may be obtained as to all the facts relating to the subject and so that the Legislature can take action thereon; be it |