Available by e-mail in a text format, sent out at 3:00am, free:

    http://www.leasingnews.org/addme-mailing-list.htm

 Headlines---

Classified Ads---Asset Management     

    Economic Events This Week

        UAEL Sausalito March 17 Meeting

            Brian Bjella to Form Company with Ken Noyes

Pictures from the Past-1995-Brian Bjella

    Leaves U.S.Bancorp, Manifest Funding Services

        Mike Sheehan joins Z Resource Group as Managing Director

            Weekly Bulletin Board Complaint Report

Classified Ads---Help Wanted

    Alexa Ranks Leasing Association Web Sites

        Ten States in Full Sales/Use Tax Compliance               

            "ELA Sets Business Development Mission to China "

U.S. Bancorp Equip.Finance Account Exec. Thomas Varholak

    News Briefs---

        Sports Briefs---

            "Gimme that Wine"

This Day in American History

########  surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Classified Ads---Asset Management

Asset Management: Austin, TX. 20+ years exper. lease/finance. P & L responsibility, strong credit & collection management, re- marketing& accounting. Computers, construction, auto & transportation. Both commercial/ consumer portfolios. Email: kmalone@austin.rr.com

Asset Management: Bloomfield Township, MI.

15+ yrs experience asset management and credit analyst.

Leadership and training skills. Audited returns, max residual, lease end

and resale negotiator.

E-mail: cmcozzolino@msn.com

Asset Management: Chicago, IL. MBA, 15+ years exp. Long history of success in maximizing residual position through outstanding negotiation skills & lease contract management. Third party re-marketing, forecasting etc... email:jgambla@aol.com

Asset Management: Oxnard-Hollywood Beach, CA.

19 Years w/Equity Analysis/Placement and Residual Forecasting of Computer Assets. Portfolio Manager for Two Major Lessors and Strong Analyst Background w/Leading Information Services Firm.

email: GregoryMLorenz@aol.com

  Full Listing at: http://64.125.68.90/LeasingNews/JobPostings.htm

[Headlines]

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Economic Events This Week

 March 16

Tuesday

Housing Starts: February

 March 17

Wednesday

Consumer Price Index: February

  March 18

Thursday

Leading Indicators: February

Weekly Jobless Claims

  March 19

Friday

 TGIF

[Headlines]

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*** announcement **************************************

**** announcement *****************************************************

[Headlines]

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Brian Bjella to Form Company with Ken Noyes

This is a 50-50 partnership, according to Brian Bjella, who said, " It
has always been a dream of mine, but I never actively pursued anything because I love
working for Manifest. The right opportunity never came around until now, and it is one that I need to follow.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to grow my own company, “he added, “ but it is very difficult for me to leave Manifest - it is a great organization with great people.”

The company will be Grandview Financial, which consists of Quest Resources,
headquartered in New Jersey.  Bjella will remain in Marshall, Minnesota,
where the company will grow, keeping the current staff and operations in New
Jersey.

He states the emphasis is on small ticket leasing, with a niche in one
industry, where they will act as a discounter, broker, lessor, and "all of the
above." They will be going direct and plan no broker business division.

[Headlines]

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Pictures from the Past   1995  ----Brian Bjella

1995 Brian Bjella Manifest Funding Services In April,2002, Brian Bjella  became General Manager of Manifest Funding Services. " For the past four years Brian has helped lead the sales efforts of Manifest as the Executive Director of Sales in the eastern half of the United States. Prior to that, Brian was instrumental in the start-up of’ Stellar Financial Services (currently U.S. Bancorp Portfolio Services) serving as General Manager of that company from 1994 to early 1998."

 [Headlines]

#### Press Release ################################

Brian Bjella Leaves U.S.Bancorp,Manifest Funding Services

It is with great regret that we announce the resignation of Brian Bjella as Senior Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Bancorp, Manifest Funding Services. 

Brian has chosen to continue his leasing career as a fifty percent owner in a small, industry niched leasing company.  He is very excited about this opportunity and we wish him the best in this and all future endeavors.

Brian has been an outstanding leader within our organization for the past eleven years serving as General Manager for Stellar Financial Services (now U.S. Bancorp, Portfolio Services), Director of Sales for Manifest Funding Services and the last two years in his current capacity.  He has excelled in his care for our customers, care for our employees and management of our business.  We will miss his contributions.

Manifest just completed its best year ever in 2003 with record volume and financial performance.  We continue to bring new products and programs to our customers that can help grow our relationship including our Commercial Credit Division, Healthcare Division and Navigator program.   We look forward to a successful 2004.

Over the past seventeen years Manifest has benefited from several great leaders at the General Manager level and what has remained unchanged is our commitment to the Broker / Lessor marketplace.   We strive to be the premier funding source in our industry and for your business.

There are several qualified candidates from within the company who will be interviewed over the next couple of weeks for the Senior Vice President / General Manager position.  Of the utmost importance will be to select someone with the appropriate skill set to carry on Manifest’s culture and philosophy of being Focused on Your Success! 

Brian will officially start with his leasing company April 1st.  Please take the opportunity to wish Brian the best on his new career path. 

Sincerely,

Mike Rizzo                          Brad Peterson                      Paul Meyer

President & CEO                  Director of Sales          Director of Sales

Business Equipment Finance Group

Cindy Fleck                         Tom Landmark                     Becky Lanoue

Director of Marketing                   Director of Operations           Director of Portfolio Management

[Headlines]

### Press Release ###################################

Mike Sheehan joins Z Resource Group as Managing Director

Westborough, MA - Z Resource Group is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Sheehan as Managing Director. Mike will focus his efforts on expanding Z’s presence within the Specialty Finance and Health Care Segments of the firm’s business.

Larry Hartmann, Managing Director of Z Resource Group, related, Mike is a great addition to our growing team. His experience through the years with GE, AT&T Capital, Rockford and American Express arm Mike with valuable perspective to assist our recruiting and consulting practice. Our plans are to leverage his experiences in growing our Houston Office to serve our growing client base. Mike has been on the forefront of developing and profitably operating specialty finance business units operating in highly diversified markets including major healthcare units within large institutional and entrepreneurial mid sized firms. With extensive hands on experience, Mike is well versed in Change Management, Organizational Development, Process Re Engineering and Building High Performance Team’s.  

Mike Sheehan added “The time is right for me to take my 20+ years of experience and apply it within the platform that Z Resource Group is building. Having used Z extensively as a client for many years, my familiarity with the senior team and the strong Z Score product fuels my enthusiasm for the coming years. “ Building high performance teams requires every group to attract and retain the best human capital available within a marketplace, the Z process ( people , tools and process ) has proven to be a difference maker “

About Z Resource Group

Z Resource Group is one of North America’s fastest growing Executive Search, Staffing and Consulting Firms. With 70 employees nationally, Z Resource Group is entering its sixth year of providing value added services to the three key market niches; Financial Services, Health Care and Technology.   Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Z maintains strategic branch offices in New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, Nashville, TN, and Atlanta, GA and in San Jose, CA. The company has experienced triple digit growth in 2003, fueled by two strategic acquisitions coupled with the rollout of the firm’s proprietary ZScore hiring process. ZScore is truly changing how companies hire. For more information, contact Mike Sheehan at 281-361-0138 or msheehan@zrgroup.com

Sites of Reference:

http://www.zrgroup.com

CONTACT:

Mike Sheehan

Phone Number: 281-361-0138

E-mail: msheehan@zrgroup.com

( He had left American Express in January, and when we asked, where he was,

he responded: http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202004/01-23-04.htm )

[Headlines]

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Weekly Bulletin Board Complaint Report:

 Bridge Capital Leasing----A New Twist and Turn

A complaint was posted from Mitch Farber at NetBilling on Thursday, March 11.

It appears on March 8, he and Sarah Farber made an agreement with Bridge Capital

Leasing to:

“ 1) remove the website “bridgecapitalleeasingsucks.com” and any links

to the site;

2) withdraw any and all complaints that may have been provided verbally or/and in writing to any person, agency or institution.

3) Make no further statements verbally or in writing regard this.

“Netbillin, Inc. agrees to provide a written acknowledgment of the forgoing.  Netbilling, Inc. further indemnified and holds harmless Bridge Capital Leasing, Inc. from any actions that may arise from the agreement both now and in the future.

“Upon receive of the signed agreement, Bridge Capital Leaisng, Inc. will issue a check in the amount of $3,161.00 within 48 hours and shall be overnighted to Netbilling, Inc.’s corporate offices.

“In the event Netbilling, Inc. breaches any form of the agreement, Bridge Capital Leasing, Inc. may then proceed against Netbilling, Inc. to recover said funds as damages.”

This along with a copy of the check was faxed to Leasing News late Friday afternoon

by Paul Behechti, President of Bridge, with this note:

“Because Netbilling, Inc has breached this agreement, a stop payment has been issues (sic) on the check overnighted Netbilling.

“A fax is being sent to Netbilling, Inc. to advise them of the current situation and their breach of the agreement.”

Leasing News was not notified by Bridge Capital, after several daily emails and telephone calls.   However, we did hear from  Mr. Farber:

“They sent us a contract for a refund which I signed and told Paul that we
would take the necessary steps once the check was received. I left the
country for 5 days and came back to your email and a letter from him saying
we breached.

“ I left a message for him today and will tell him once we get a
check and it is cashed, we will take down the site, and ask you to tell your
readers the issue has been resolved. That is fair, correct? Why would I take
the steps based on another promise by them? Is it not fair for me to wait
until the check is deemed as good?”

Thanks, Mitch
====================================
NETBILLING, Inc. dba NETBILLING SERVICES - USA
mitch@netbilling.com
Toll Free within the U.S.A. (888)357-8166
Outside the U.S.A.  (661)252-2456
http://www.netbilling.com
====================================

Now what really tops the entire story:

Netbilling Provides A Complete Transaction Processing Solution And So Much More...
Credit Card & Check Processing
Membership Site Management Systems
E-commerce Shopping Solutions
24/7365 Call Service Center for you & your customers

                               http://www.netbilling.com

  Netbilling is in the business of transferring money between buyer and seller.

------Another Strange But True in this Soap Opera called Leasing:

January 13,2004 We ran this “interesting” dilemma:

Have a very interesting one involving $300,000, from the lessee, a well-respected broker, and attorney regarding a $300,000 California sale/leaseback.  They claim the lease was never consummated, meaning no money was giving to the lessee; in fact, no money was given when the contract was signed ( a condition of the process, the applicant/broker claim).  The late Terminal Leasing* in New York evidently sold the signed lease contract to a major bank, who received payments for two years ( most likely from Terminal) and is suing the lessee for lack of performance, meaning defaulting on the lease.  The major bank claims a “hell and high water” clause that the lease was signed, consideration (money for the contract) was not necessary, venue in New York City, and the lessee is responsible for making the payments. They are suing in Manhattan Federal court. The lessee/applicant disputes the brokers role in the transaction and claims if they lose, the company with 33 employees will be out of business. Leasing News advised that after a search Terminal Leasing was not licensed in the State of California.  We have asked the lessee/applicant for permission to contact the major bank’s attorney to get their side of the story so we can print it.

*Terminal Marketing, NY,NY (5/2001) Announcement all assets for sale by creditors on May 31, 2001 at 2:00 p.m (3/2001) Brokers report deals not being funded, commissions not paid, appears out of money.

Today, Tom Johansen finds himself in a similar situation, and is seeking reader’s help

in advice:

“About 3 Years ago I had a client that I placed a transaction for with Crocker Capital.  The deal was for approximately $33,000.00.  Crocker Capital did business with Terminal Marketing and placed the deal there.  You probably know where I am going with this now.  Anyway, the deal never was funded by Crocker or Terminal.  Crocker had issued PO's to the 2 vendors in order to get the equipment delivered but the vendors were never paid.  Crocker told me at the time that Terminal was having problems and they had numerous deal over at Terminal that were waiting for funding.  This went on for a couple of months.

“ The Vendors and Client were fed up at this point and wanted to cancel the deals and pick up the equipment.  I talked to Crocker and they sent the client and vendors a letter stating that they were canceling the PO's and the Lease and the Client was free to seek financing elsewhere.

“ I ended up placing the deal with another source and everything went smoothly with the new source and the deal was funded and closed and everyone was happy and I even did an additional deal for the client later that year.

“ Now is when the fun starts happening.  Crocker had assigned the deal to Terminal and Terminal assigned to Wells Fargo.  I got a call from my clients attorney stating that because of a "Hell or High-water" Clause in the Lease Agreement Wells Fargo has every right now to collect on this Lease.  How is this possible when neither Crocker or Terminal funded the vendor? 

“The attorney that called me told me that Crocker had no legal right to Terminate the Lease when it had already assigned the Lease to Terminal and that the assignment from Crocker to Terminal states that Crocker received the Funds from Terminal.  I knew the guys at Crocker very well and I do not think this is the case.  For a lease to be valid don't both Lessor and Lessee have to perform on the Lease?  Since the vendors were never paid how is that Lease Valid?

“My Clients Attorney told me that Wells has offered a settlement of $15,000 which he thinks I should pay along with Crocker on the basis of Fraud. They are basically threatening me with a lawsuit stating that a settlement will never be this cheap again.  He thinks I should bare some of the responsibility for what had happened. 

“How can I be held responsible for this?  I did get a letter from Crocker canceling the Lease for the Client and Got Crocker's permission to seek financing elsewhere.  Crocker is out of Business and Terminal is out of Business.  I want to help the client in every way I can but am not going to be strong-armed into anything.

“ Any advice?”

TJOHANSEN@aol.com

(Leasing News advised him to see if he could counter the settlement of $15,000; and

if it did not take, then to ask to pay the money at $1,000 a month, plus get a “hold harmless” agreement from all parties.  The difficulty in this situation is very similar

to what happened at Textron with Metrolease, CMC and RW Professional with

various vendors ( some were sold three times.)

In many cases, the equipment was delivered, which may be viewed in this instance,

even with another leasing company, but the main point that the lender’s have is

that payments were made.  In some cases, by the lessee and the seller of the paper,

like a Ponzi plan, they had the full money up-front and were making payments, thinking

they could stay ahead of the game.  In these instances, the leases were executed as

money was advanced, and as important, money was received.  The holder of the “note”

doesn’t know who did what, why, and with the “reps and warrants” and involvement

with all parties, $15,000 settlement is a good business decision, particularly if they

will give you terms.  Pay the $2.00.   What do other reader’s suggest? editor )

[Headlines] 

Classified Ads---Help Wanted

Accounting

Accounting: PricewaterhouseCoopers seeks individuals with experience in commercial equipment leasing to help clients improve their leasing businesses by designing, developing, and implementing solutions to accounting & operational issues. Email: anthony.g.anderson@us.pwc.com About the Company: PricewaterhouseCoopers, New York, NY.

Credit and Documentation Administrator

Sales Representatives

Senior Sales Executive

[Headlines]

________________________________________________________________________

Alexa Ranks Leasing Association Web Sites

Note: The Business Leasing News website is the specific web address, and not

the address of the law offices, which would result in a rating of the entire

site, in addition to the newsletter itself.

It should also be noted that several of the web sites have their "list

serve" posted via their site, meaning their e-mails are counted as a visit

to the site, whereas they are "list serve" communication.

These comparison are compiled by Leasing News using Alexa and should be

viewed as a "sampling," rather than actual count from the website itself.

 The Alexa tool bar works on most browsers. They are partnered with Google.

You may download their free tool bar

To learn more about how the rankings work:

http://pages.alexa.com/prod_serv/%20quicktour_new.html

A graph and analysis of the last three months are available.

This is the first time since June, 2003, that Leasing News has fallen

to second place.

Traffic Rank for leasingnews.org: 105,146 ( down 34,899)

Speed:  Very Fast (95% of sites are slower), Avg Load Time: .4 Seconds

(what's this?)

Other sites that link to this site:  33

Popups: None

Online Since:  19-May-2000

 ( Note: the lower the number, the higher you are on the list.  It is based

on all web sites.  Leasing is only a very small part of the various sites

such as Yahoo, MSN, Google, etc. )

 [Headlines]

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Ten States in Full Sales/Use Tax Compliance

The Equipment Leasing Association (ELA) has released a study by Ernst & Young analyzing state compliance with leasing provisions of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Act (SSUTA).  The analysis classifies degree of compliance for the 20 states that adopted a version of the SSUTA by March 12, 2004 therein establishing a benchmark for all states to gain conformity. A copy of the study results can be accessed clicking on Streamlined Sales Tax Compliance Study at: http://www.elaonline.com/GovtRelations/State/

The 10 states found by Ernst & Young to be in full compliance with leasing provisions were Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia.

  To determine degrees of compliance for the remaining 10 states, researchers went beyond examining legislation.  State tax agency and legislative staffs were contacted in some states for clarification of the law and information on actual and proposed rules and regulations for implementing a state’s SSUTA laws.

 A prospective status was given 6 states as expected to achieve compliance by adopting rules or regulations as indicated by state officials.  They are Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming.

Two of three states listed in an uncertain column, Kansas and Ohio, were found currently in compliance with the leasing provisions of the SSUTA.  However, there is significant legislative debate over postponing or eliminating the destination-sourcing rule for local sales taxes.  For this reason, these two states are listed in the “uncertain compliance” column.  Washington State is also listed in the uncertain compliance column because the legislature is considering a bill that would adopt the SSUTA sourcing language. Designating 3 states as being uncertain acknowledges that state legislative revisions are a continuous and at times ambiguous process. 

Texas was the one state found to be out of compliance with no foreseeable prospect for gaining conformity.  Texas did not follow the majority of states in adopting the specific language for definitions and other features of the SSUTA.  Instead, the comptroller is given the power to adopt rules and regulations that are consistent with the Act.

Of specific concern to equipment lessors was the failure of Texas to adopt the leasing definitions or sourcing provisions.  The legislature actually specified that the sourcing rules for sales of tangible personal property under local sales taxes would not be based on the destination of sales as required.  House Bill 2425 applies the SSUTA to the state sales tax but retains the existing law sourcing rules for municipal and county sales tax. Without specific language for key sections of the SSUTA Texas cannot be listed as in conformity.     

Dennis Brown

dbrown@elamail.com

Equipment Leasing Association

http://www.elaonline.com/GovtRelations/State/Streamometer/

[Headlines]

"ELA Sets Business Development Mission to China "

          ELT News

The Equipment Leasing Association announces a one week Business Development Mission to China beginning October 31 in Beijing, continuing to Shanghai and concluding in Hong Kong. Mission members could depart China on November 8 or stay on for other business activities.

According to ELA President Michael Fleming, ELA is working out the final itinerary with the U.S. Embassy and Commerce Department. “This will be a comprehensive business mission,” said Fleming. “Clearly China is going to provide a large market opportunity for our members.” It is widely anticipated that beginning in 2007, foreign entities can establish financial companies in China. Already some U.S. companies are in China doing business through joint ventures. Fleming said that the importance of the next two years is gaining knowledge of the markets, practices and law as well as building the important contacts with government and industry.

The Mission has 7 objectives:

*Meet and exchange information about leasing and finance markets in China with Chinese leasing companies and banks.

*Meet and exchange information about leasing and finance markets in China with Chinese equipment manufacturer and distribution executives.

*Meet and exchange information about commercial markets in China with the appropriate Chinese officials.

*Meet and exchange information with U.S. Government commercial representatives in China.

*Become familiar with the current laws, regulations and practices related to equipment leasing and finance.

*Become familiar with the current laws, regulations and practices related to foreign companies doing business in China and with Chinese companies.

*Become familiar with successful business strategies and practices for doing business in China.

Participation in the Mission will be limited based on when a member’s application to be on the mission is received. ELA also intends to maintain a balanced delegation to insure that most delegation companies are principals.

Interest parties should contact Ginger Koch in the ELA Executive Offices for an application beginning March 15. gkoch@elamail.com. The cost of the Mission will determined in the next six weeks as all logistic and social arrangements are finalized. To view a copy of the tentative itinerary, please visit

http://www.elaonline.com/international/membersonly/chinabusdev

[Headlines]

### Press Release #####################################

U.S. BANCORP EQUIPMENT FINANCE NAMES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ERIE, Pa. – U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance has named Thomas Varholak as an account executive for its machine tool finance group operating from Erie, Pa.

Varholak is a native of Pennsylvania and previously worked for TCF Leasing, CitiCapital and LCA, a division of Associates. He has worked in the financial services industry since 1980, and began with U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance on March 4.

“We are excited to have a well respected professional like Tom on board with U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance. Tom has consistently proven himself in the marketplace and we look forward to having him as part of our team,” said Philip Meyer, regional vice president of U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance.

Varholak holds a bachelors degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and he has also studied at the Duquesne University Law School, Duquesne University Graduate School of Business and University of Buffalo Advanced Commercial Lending. He serves as chairman of the McKean Township Zoning Hearing Board and his family currently resides in Erie.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with assets of $189 billion, is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,243 banking offices and 4,425 ATMs in 24 states and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.

# # #

Sites of Reference:

http://www.usbank.com

CONTACT:

Teri Charest

U.S. Bancorp

Phone Number: (612) 303-0732

Fax Number: (612) 303-0735

E-mail: teri.charest@usbank.com

[Headlines]

### Press Release ################################

News Briefs---

Greenspan Shifts View on Deficits

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/16/business/16FED.html

Fed likely to remain patient in keeping key interest rate at 45-year low

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20040315-1405-fed-interestrates.html

Fed relies on info from local boards

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/fed/2004-03-15-fed-boards_x.htm

Industrial production surges 0.7% in February

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/fed/2004-03-15-industrial-output_x.htm?POE=MONISVA

Banks in Merger Settle Fund Case

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/16/business/16FUND.html

Survey: More Companies to Hire in 2Q

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61983-2004Mar16.html

Tyco Defense Begins Closing Argument

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/16/business/16tyco.html

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2004/03/15/tyco_defense_
closings_for_l_dennis_kozlowski_begin/

Boosting Home Values Through Projects

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61935-2004Mar16.html

$1 million bill leads to arrest at Wal-Mart

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/South/03/09/million.dollar.bill.ap/index.html

[Headlines]

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Sports Briefs---

Garcia pleads guilty to drunken driving

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/8192053.htm

Compromise might preempt Owens arbitration decision

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7177607

Lions taking a look at Hearst to fill running back hole

http://www.mlive.com/lions/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1079349102164480.xml

[Headlines]

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“Gimme that Wine”

Attorneys Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Interstate Wine-Shipping

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily/News/0,1145,2381,00.html

Record sauvignon blanc crop for NZ

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/15/1079199139100.html

New Wines, New Faces: Nicholson Ranch -- In Clear View for Chardonnay

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Daily/News/0,1145,2379,00.html

[Headlines]

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This Day in American History

Traditional arrival date for the long-billed curlew at the Umatilla (Oregon) National Wildlife Refuge. More than 500 of the long-billed curlews have been reported at this location during their nesting season.

http://www.animaltrial.com/curlewbird.html

http://www.imperial.cc.ca.us/birds/curlew.htm

http://www.4to40.com/earth/geography/htm/birdsindex.asp?counter=34

      1739-Birthday of George Clymer, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and of the US Constitution. Born at Philadelphia, PA and died there Jan 24, 1813. British troops advancing on Philadelphia detoured for the purpose of vandalizing Clymer's home in Chester County about 25 miles outside the city. His wife and children hid nearby in the woods.  He was considered the smartest and most respected of the signers, except for Benjamin Franklin.

http://www.georgeclymer.com/

http://www.colonialhall.com/clymer/clymer.php

http://www.constitution.org/img/found017.htm

       1751-Birthday of James Madison. 4th president of the US (March 4,1809—March  3,1817), born at Port Conway, Virginia, 1751. He was president when British forces invaded Washington, DC, requiring Madison and other high officials to flee while the British burned the Capitol, the president’s residence and most other public buildings (August  24—25,1814). Died at Montpelier, VA, June 28, 1836.

 (second part of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar16.html )

     1802-U.S. Military Academy founded.  President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the US Military Academy to train officers for the army.  The college is located at West Point, NY, on the site of the oldest continuously occupied military post in America.  Women were admitted to West Point in 1976.  The academy’s motto is “ Duty, Honor, County.”

 For more info: www.usma.edu.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/mar16.html

     1822-John Pope Birthday, a Union general in the Civil War, was born at Louisville, KY, graduated from West Point in 1842 and fought under General Zachary Taylor in the Mexican War. During the Civil War President Abraham Lincoln put Pope in charge of the Army of Virginia.  He led the Union forces at the second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862) to a disastrous defeat, losing about 15,000 troops. He was immediately relieved of his command and sent to Minnesota to handle rioting Sioux Indians. Pope continued to deal with Indian matters until 1883 and eventually espoused the goal of assimilation into white culture. Pope was a well-informed commander with a real understanding of and empathy for the problems of the Indians as well as the nearby white settlements. He died at Ohio at age 70, Sept 23, 1892.

http://www.civilwarhome.com/popebio.htm

http://www.picturehistory.com/find/p/16700/mcms.html

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cwpb/04300/04352v.jpg

http://memory.loc.gov/pnp/cwp/4a40000/4a40100/4a40126u.tif

      1827- the first black newspaper went to press in the U.S., “Freedom’s Journal,” on Varick Street,

New York, NY.  The paper was founded by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish.

     1843-a great northeast snowstorm swept from the Gulf of Mexico to Maine. Natchez, Tennessee received 4 inches and Shelbyville, Tennessee received 21 inches. Philadelphia and New York City each received 12 inches, and Concord, New Hampshire recorded 8 inches.

1892-birthday of music union boss James C. Petrillo

http://www.wttw.com/chicagostories/petrillo.html

http://www.bartleby.com/63/67/7867.html

   1862- Battle at Pound Gap KY (near Virginia): Confederates separate