PREFACE A small volume upon the law of bankruptcy, as exemplified in the Act of 1898, with its amendments, is needed for use by lawyers as a small convenient handbook, for use by students of law in law schools who have not the time to take up the subject in great detail, and for use by laymen to whom this subject is of utmost importance. An attempt has been made to fulfil these needs in the following pages. The text of the National Bankruptcy law is set out in the Appendix. THE LAW OF BANKRUPTCY' CHAPTER 1. THE HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF BANKRUPTCY Sec. 1. Sec. ?. Sec. 3. Sec. 4. Sec. 5. Sec. 6. Sec. 7. Sec. 8. Sec. 9. LEGISLATION. Definition of Bankruptcy. History of bankruptcy law in other countries. The extent of the Federal Power; constitu- First purpose of bankruptcy act to benefit creditors. Second purpose of bankruptcy act to benefit the debtor. Bankruptcy discharges only obligations in the form of money debts. Brief view of proceedings in bankruptcy under present law. CHAPTER 2. THE COURTS AND REFEREE IN BANKRUPTCY. Sec. 10. The courts that have bankruptcy jurisdiction. Sec. 16. Jurisdiction of State Courts. Sec. 17. Summary proceedings in District Court to |