Franklin Smoke
Barrister Station,
Notary
Paris Ont. Jan'y 23 1903
Dear Sir :-
Mr. J.H. Adams of this town, against whom you have a small a/c,
is in financial difficulties. His trouble came originally from the fact
that he started business two years ago with practically no capital. Then
last winter he was laid up for several months with pneumonia, which meant
of course a severe loss to the business, although Mr. Adams looked after
things remarkably well and worked hard. Just now Mr. Adams is again con-
-fined to his bed with lung trouble but hopes to be out again in a few days.
A couple of his creditors have sued and got judgment and executions are
now in the bailiff's hands. His total liabilities are between $400 and
$500. If matters are pressed there will be nothing left for the creditors
Mr. Adams is loath to ask for a compromise, but I am satisfied it is the
best thing for him to do for all parties concerned. If this can be arrang-
-ed, I think Mr. Adams can arrange with a personal friend to relieve him in
connection with the judgments which are already against him, and thus en-
-able him to devote all his energies to carrying out the terms of the com-
-promise - provided of course a satisfactory compromise can be effected.
None of two creditors' claims are large, the $400 or $500 of liabilities
being divided among probably 20 creditors. I wont suggest 50c on the dol-
-lar as a basis. I really think this is the best he can do. He says he
thinks he could pay about $20 a month, and, if the creditors will agree,
how would it do for him to pay this amount into my hands or into the hands
of say the Clerk of the Division Court or some other representative person
for distribution ratably among his creditors from time to time until the
50c is paid? The claims being small the loss to each creditor will not be
great, and I hope you will see your way to approve of a compromise on this
basis.
Hoping to hear from you by return mail,
I remain,
Yours truly,
Franklin Smoke
[illegible]
