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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. __)
Filed by the Registrant / /
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant /x/
Check the appropriate box:
/x/ Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential, for Use of the
/ / Definitive Proxy Statement Commission Only (as permitted by
/ / Definitive Additional Materials Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to
Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
BULL & BEAR U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
KARPUS MANAGEMENT, INC. d/b/a/ KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement,
if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: Not
applicable.
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: Not applicable.
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state
how it was determined): Not applicable.
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: Not applicable.
(5) Total fee paid: Not applicable.
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid: Not applicable.
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: Not applicable.
(3) Filing Party: Not applicable.
(4) Date Filed: Not applicable.
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Preliminary Proxy Statement, as Filed November 16, 1998
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
BULL & BEAR U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND, INC.
------------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
OF
KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
------------------------------
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation of
proxies by Karpus Management, Inc. doing business as Karpus Investment
Management ("KIM"), to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Bull &
Bear U.S. Government Securities Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"). After reviewing the
proxy statement, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE BLUE PROXY CARD TO GEORGESON &
COMPANY, INC., WALL STREET PLAZA, NEW YORK, NY 10005. YOUR VOTE IS CRITICAL. KIM
RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR KIM'S PROPOSAL, VOTE AGAINST MANAGEMENT'S NOMINEE
FOR DIRECTOR BY WITHHOLDING AUTHORITY, VOTE AGAINST THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PROPOSED BY MANAGEMENT AND VOTE AGAINST MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSAL TO CHANGE THE
FUND'S NAME.
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The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Fund will be held at the offices
of _____, _____, _____ on _____, 1998 at __.m. (the "Meeting").
KIM is dissatisfied with years of poor investment management of the Fund by
Bull & Bear Advisers, Inc. and poor leadership by the Fund's Board of Directors.
The result of this management and leadership has been poor investment
performance of the Fund.
The most recent example of this poor management and leadership is the
announcement on August 17, 1998 that the Fund intends to invest up to 35% of its
total assets in equity and other securities. KIM, as the largest stockholder of
the Fund, opposes the addition of other security types in the Fund and requests
that the Fund's other stockholders support its efforts.
KIM'S PROPOSAL. The Investment Management Agreement dated September 12, 1996, as
the same may have been amended, extended or restated, between Bull & Bear
Advisers, Inc. and Bull & Bear U. S. Government Securities Fund, Inc., shall be
terminated promptly following the annual meeting of stockholders of the Fund at
which this proposal is approved. KIM urges the stockholders to vote "FOR" KIM's
Proposal.
MANAGEMENT'S NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR. The Fund's Management has nominated Frederick
A. Parker, Jr. as a Class I Director of the Fund. KIM is contesting the
re-election of Mr. Parker and is against the continuation of the Board's
policies. KIM urges the stockholders to send a strong message to Management that
we are dissatisfied with the Board's leadership by "WITHHOLDING AUTHORITY"
Management's for nominee.
MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSED RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS. The Fund's Management has
proposed the ratification of the selection of Tait, Weller & Baker as the
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Fund's independent auditors. KIM urges the stockholders to send a strong message
to Management that we are dissatisfied with the Fund's financial management by
voting "AGAINST" ratification of the Fund's auditors.
MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSED CHANGE OF THE FUND'S NAME. The Fund's Management has
proposed an amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to change the name
of the Fund to Bexil Corporation. KIM urges the stockholders to send a strong
message to Management that we are opposed to the investment of as much as 35% of
the Fund's assets in equity securities and other securities by voting "AGAINST"
the proposed name change.
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation of
proxies by KIM to be used at the Meeting. Stockholders of record at the close of
business on _____, 1998 (the "Record Date") are entitled to be present and to
vote on matters at the Meeting. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each
Fund share held and fractional votes for each fractional Fund share held.
Stockholders of the Fund will vote as a single class and will vote separately on
each proposal. Shares represented by executed and unrevoked proxies will be
voted in accordance with the specifications made thereon. If no instructions are
given on KIM's blue proxy card, such shares will be voted FOR KIM's Proposal,
authority will be WITHHELD from Management's proposed nominee for Director, such
shares will be voted AGAINST the proposed ratification of auditors, such shares
will be voted AGAINST the proposed change of the Fund's name, and such shares
will be voted on any other matter that may properly come before the Meeting. If
the enclosed form of proxy is executed and returned, it nevertheless may be
revoked by another proxy, or by letter or telegram directed to the Fund, or to
KIM c/o Georgeson & Company, Inc., Wall Street Plaza, New York, NY 10005 (fax
no. 212-440-9955), which must indicate the stockholder's name. To be
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effective, such revocation must be received prior to the Meeting. In addition,
any stockholder who attends the Meeting in person may vote by ballot at the
Meeting, thereby canceling any proxy previously given. As of the Record Date,
the Fund had _____ shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
It is estimated that definitive proxy materials will be mailed to
stockholders of record on or about _____, 1998. The Fund's principal executive
offices are located at 11 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10005. Copies of the
Fund's most recent Annual and Semi-Annual Reports are available without charge
upon written request to the Fund at its principal office or by calling toll-free
1-888-847-4200. Bull & Bear Advisers, Inc. (the "Investment Manger"), located at
the Fund's principal office, is the Fund's investment manager. KIM is located at
14A Tobey Village Office Park, Pittsford, NY 14534 and any correspondence to KIM
should be directed to this address.
Explanation of KIM's Proposal
KIM is proposing the termination of the Investment Management Agreement of
the Investment Manager with the Fund due to what KIM believes to be inferior
investment performance and uncontrolled expenses. KIM believes that the Fund has
generated inadequate investment returns for stockholders. At a Special Meeting
of the Stockholders of the Fund held on September 19, 1996, Fund Management
recommended the conversion of the Fund from an open-end format to closed-end
format. The stockholders subsequently approved this and the Fund began trading
in closed-end format on the American Stock Exchange on October 4, 1996. The
conversion of the Fund ultimately resulted in the shares trading at a discount
to net asset value. As of October 16, 1998, the Fund's shares traded at a 9.11%
discount to its current net asset value. This means
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that shares sold in the market on this date were worth 9.11% less than if the
Fund had remained an open-end fund.
The net asset value of the Fund has seriously under-performed appropriate
market indices. As computed on Bloomberg Analytics, the simple price
appreciation or depreciation (net change in price) of the NAV of the Fund, which
does not include dividends being reinvested, from February 7, 1997 (this is the
first reported NAV to Bloomberg) to October 30, 1998 equaled -.08% annual
equivalent. (Annual equivalent is the annual representation of a securities
yield, which pays interest more than once a year.)
According to Lipper Analytics, Inc., as reported in "The Wall Street
Journal," July 6, 1998 "Quarterly Closed-Ends Funds Review," BBG was identified
as one of the worst performing bond funds in its investment category, based on
net asset value return for the 1 year period ended June 30, 1998.
The Fund's net asset value return (with dividends being re-invested in the
security) from June 30, 1997 to June 30, 1998 was reported to be 5.40%, which
was the last place performance out of 118 closed-end bond funds in "The Wall
Street Journal Quarterly Closed-End Funds Review," published on July 6, 1998.
(This included categories of U.S. Government Bond Funds, U.S. Mortgage Bond
Funds, Investment Grade Bond Funds, Loan Participation Funds, High Yield Bond
Funds, and Other Domestic Taxable Bond Funds.)
From October 4, 1996 through and including October 30, 1998, the trading
price of shares of the Fund, have experienced an 8.05% price decline. During
such period, the total return of the Fund including dividends being reinvested
in shares equaled an annual equivalent of 3.1522%,
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while the Merrill Lynch 1-10 Year U. S. Government Note and Bond Index generated
an annualized return of 8.661%.
The 8% distribution policy adopted by the Fund is eroding the net asset
value of the Fund. The 8% distribution policy pays dividends to the stockholders
equal to 2% of the net asset value of the Fund on a quarterly basis, whether or
not the Fund earns 2%. This dividend is comprised of any interest and dividends
received and, if these are less than 2%, then the balance is return of
principal. The Fund is giving stockholders their own money back, which KIM
believes gives the illusion of profitable operations. As of June 30, 1998, the
Fund had returned to holders $0.42 per share in distributions from paid in
capital, i.e., the stockholders' own money.
Management has announced that it intends to invest up to 35% of the Fund's
total assets in equity and other securities. KIM opposes the addition of equity
and other securities. If the Fund's Board implements its announced intention to
invest in equity and other securities, stockholders should not entrust the
Investment Manager to implement such policy, as the Investment Manager has
achieved dismal investment results in this area also. According to the Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., published in "The Wall Street Journal" of August 28,
1998, all three of the mutual funds managed by Bull & Bear Group, Inc. (the
parent of the Investment Manager) that contain stocks and other investments
performed in the bottom 20% for 1 year, 3 year and 5 year periods of time.
KIM believes that it is in the best interest of the Fund to seek another
manager and adviser that ranks in the top quartile of fixed income managers by
nationally recognized services. KIM would like the new manager to be responsive
to recommendations, such as to open-end the Fund, to merge the Fund with another
fund of similar characteristics or to initiate share repurchase programs and
tender offers.
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The approval of KIM's Proposal requires the affirmative vote of either of
(a) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding voting securities or (b) if the
holders of more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding voting securities are present
or represented by proxy at the Meeting, 67% of such voting securities present.
KIM RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS TERMINATE THE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
AGREEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE FUND.
VOTE "FOR" KIM'S PROPOSAL.
Explanation of KIM's Opposition to Management's Nominee for Director
KIM urges a strong message to Management that poor leadership and
investment performance are not acceptable.
As noted above, Lipper Analytics, Inc. has identified BBG as one of the
worst performing bond funds in its investment category, based on net asset value
return for the 1 year period ended June 30, 1998. The Fund's net asset value has
continued to erode in the first nine months of 1998 (ended September 25, 1998)
with a total return of 5.89%. The Lehman Aggregate Index (an appropriate
benchmark to measure performance) had a total return of 8.32% for the same time
period. This comparison is a clear indication of the Fund's poor performance.
KIM believes that this inferior return should no longer be acceptable to
stockholders.
KIM believes that the present Board of Directors has acted to entrench
itself and the Investment Manager. In September of 1997 the Fund issued a
preliminary proxy statement to convert the Fund to a more risky balanced
approach. KIM voiced its concerns and disapproval, which resulted in the
November 1997 proxy contest to elect five members to the Board of
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Directors. KIM lost this contest by a narrow margin (261,665.53-262,816.53 for
BBG's nominees to 205,281.64 for KIM's nominees).
KIM has continuously informed the individual Board of Directors of its many
concerns involving the Fund, which included performance and expense issues. No
positive response has been received.
The Board of Directors of the Fund has amended the By-Laws twice, as of
November 24, 1997 and June 23, 1998, in ways that KIM believes make stockholder
proposals and director nominations unnecessarily difficult (e.g., requiring a
notice to the Fund within a specified time period substantially in advance of a
meeting and requiring detailed information about a proposed nominee and the
proposing stockholder). For example, the June 23, 1998, amendment was first made
available to the public on August 25, 1998. The deadline for preparing the
technical notice necessary to make a stockholder proposal or nominate a director
was September 21, 1998.
These amendments to the By-Laws are consistent with the Board's earlier
approval of an amendment to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, requiring the
approval of 80% of all of the Fund's outstanding shares to approve a stockholder
proposal that does not have Board approval (the "80% Provision"). Although the
Board of Directors has the power and the authority to take these entrenching
actions, KIM believes that such actions are contrary to the interests of the
stockholders. KIM believes that the Fund's Management is using its power and the
stockholders' money to try to silence the voices of the stockholders and to
further entrench itself. These actions should not be tolerated by the
stockholders.
KIM's Proposal does not have to comply with the onerous 80% Provision only
because the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires that the
Fund's advisory contract be subject to cancellation by a simple majority of
stockholders. Thanks to Federal law, the Fund's
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Management has been unable to further entrench the Investment Manager. Also, as
Management's nominee and other proposals were approved by the Board, KIM is
allowed to oppose them at its own expense without being blocked by Management's
80% Provision.
The election of Management's nominee requires the affirmative vote of a
plurality of the votes cast at the meeting. KIM believes that Management is
engaged in anti-democratic bullying tactics. Although KIM does not expect that
Management's nominee will be defeated by withholding authority to vote for him,
join KIM in standing against the only nominee for Director that Management wants
you to see.
"WITHHOLD AUTHORITY" WITH RESPECT TO MANAGEMENT'S
NOMINEE FOR DIRECTORS.
Explanation of KIM's Opposition to Management's Proposed
Ratification of the Selection of Independent Auditors.
KIM objects to the high level of the Fund's expenses. The Fund has one of
the highest expense ratios in the industry (5.77%). According to "The Thomas J.
Herzfeld 1997-1998 Encyclopedia of Closed-End Funds," the Fund had the 4th
highest expense ratio of any fund in Bond Fund Category for the year ended June
30, 1997.
The Fund's legal expenses alone, for the 12-month period ended June 30,
1998, were $319,621, according to the Fund's Annual Report as of June 30, 1998.
KIM believes that, if the Fund retains new independent auditors, the Board
of Directors would be less likely to approve expenses that are in the interest
of Management, rather than the stockholders, such as entrenching amendments to
the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws,
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expensive state court litigation against stockholders to avoid producing a
stockholder list, expensive Federal court litigation against stockholders to
assert alleged rights to nominal financial recoveries and expensive proxy fights
to elect Management's nominees for Director, including the solicitation of
proxies by Federal Express and the soliciting of telephonic proxies. Also, KIM
believes that new auditors will encourage Management to furnish additional
timely information to stockholders, such as with respect to investments in
equity and other securities and the Fund's legal and related expenses that
benefit Management.
The ratification or rejection of Management's proposed selection of
independent auditors will be determined by a majority of the votes cast on such
proposal.
Join KIM in sending a message to Management that stockholders are
dissatisfied with the Fund's financial management.
VOTE "AGAINST" THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF THE FUND'S AUDITORS.
Explanation of KIM's Opposition to Management's Proposed Amendment
to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to Change the Fund's Name.
KIM does not believe that Management should invest up to 35% of the total
assets of the Fund in equity and other securities. KIM believes that Management
has consistently recommended changes to the Fund that have been to the detriment
of the stockholders. This is the same Management that recommended converting the
Fund to closed-end format, which resulted in the shares selling at a discount to
the net asset value. Without changing the Fund's fundamental policy of investing
in securities backed by the full faith credit of the United States, direct
obligations of the United States, Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds and obligations
of certain
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agencies, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, Management
intends to invest up to 35% of the assets of the Fund in equity and other
securities without the approval of the stockholders. KIM believes the addition
of equity and other securities to the fund is a policy that will not benefit the
stockholders.
Management has proposed a new name for the Fund in conjunction with its
intention to invest up to 35% of the Fund's total assets in equity and other
securities. Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. Join KIM in sending a
message to Management that stockholders want to keep the Fund's current name.
VOTE "AGAINST" AMENDING THE FUND'S ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO CHANGE THE FUND'S NAME.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIM and the following advisory clients for whom it acts as investment
adviser will bear the cost of soliciting proxies: Acra-Local 725 Pension Trust
of Dade, Amalgamated Transit Union Local #1342, Cardinal American Corporation,
Jeffrey I Cooper, Elderwood Affiliates, Inc. Retirement Plan, Seymour Fisher
Marital Tr., Fish Furniture Profit Sharing Tr., Hugh V. Foley, M.D., IRA
Rollover, The William and Estelle Golub Foundation, Inc., Hammer Lithograph
Corp. Deferred Profit Sharing, Peter Russo, Trustee U/W William Henderson FBO F.
Elizabeth, City of Hialeah Police Pension Fd., InterMetro Ind. Corp. Salaried
Employees Pension Trust, James E. Morris IRA Rollover, Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.
Retirement Plan, Painters Local 150 Annuity Fund, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local
138 Pension Fund, Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, Inc., Sheet Metal Workers
Local 46 Annuity Fund., Sheet Metal Workers Local 46 Pension Fund,
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YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County-Board Designated Fd., YWCA of Rochester &
Monroe CountyEndowment Fund, R. M. Blumenberg MD, M.L. Gelfand MD, P.A. Skudder
MD Retirement Plan, John W. Brown Jr. IRA Rollover, Gateway-Longview Inc. Asset
Management, Golub Corporation Employees Retirement Plan, Bull Bros. Inc.
Employees Profit Sharing Plan, James Vazzanna, Patricia Vazanna & Michael Ray as
Trustees for Andrew J. Kirch Charitable Remainder Trust U/Paragraph 7th of Will
R. Edward Lodico IRA Rollover, Ronald and Judith Newman, and Siewert Equipment
Co. Inc. Deferred Profit Sharing Plan.
In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally,
by telephone or by other means, and such clients may pay persons holding Fund
shares in their names or those of their nominees for their expenses in sending
soliciting materials to their principals. Solicitations may be made by regular
employees of KIM. In addition, KIM has retained Georgeson & Company, Inc., Wall
Street Plaza, New York, NY 10005 to solicit proxies on behalf of KIM for a fee
estimated at $20,000 plus expenses. Additional costs and expenditures, including
fees for attorneys, printing and mailing are anticipated to be approximately
$_____. Authorizations to execute proxies may be obtained by telephonic
instructions in accordance with procedures designed to authenticate the
stockholder's identity. In all cases where a telephonic proxy is solicited, the
stockholder will be asked to provide his or her address, social security number
(in the case of an individual) or taxpayer identification number (in the case of
an entity) or other identifying information and the number of shares owned and
to confirm that the stockholder has received the Fund's Proxy Statement and
proxy card in the mail. Within 48 hours of receiving a stockholder's telephonic
voting instructions and prior to the Meeting, a confirmation will be sent to the
stockholder to ensure that the vote has been taken in accordance with the
stockholder's instructions and to provide a telephone number to call immediately
if the stockholder's instructions are not correctly reflected
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in the confirmation. Stockholders requiring further information with respect to
telephonic voting instructions or the proxy generally should contact Georgeson &
Co., Inc. toll-free at 1-800-223-2064. KIM intends to seek reimbursement from
the Fund to itself and its advisory clients for some or all of their costs of
solicitation.
If a proxy is properly executed and returned accompanied by instructions to
withhold authority to vote, represents a broker "non-vote" (that is, a proxy
from a broker or nominee indicating that such person has not received
instructions from the beneficial owner or other person entitled to vote shares
of the Fund on a particular matter with respect to which the broker or nominee
does not have discretionary power) or is marked with an abstention (collectively
"abstentions") the Fund's shares represented thereby will be considered to be
present at the Meeting for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum for
the transaction of business. Under Maryland law, abstentions do not constitute a
vote "for" or "against" a matter and will be disregarded in determining "votes
cast" on an issue. Abstention, however, will have the affect of a "no" vote for
the propose of obtaining requisite approvals for the ratification of the
selection of auditors and for amending the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to
change the Fund's name.
Generally, abstentions have the effect of a "no" vote with respect to
requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and such action will
constitute the presence of such shares for purposes of determining a quorum.
KIM's Proposal and each of Management's proposals, including the nominee
for the Board of Directors are the subject of a proxy contest between KIM and
the Fund's Management. Accordingly, KIM believes that brokers may not vote or
submit proxies with respect to any of such matters, unless they are so
instructed by the beneficial owners or other persons authorized to vote their
shares. If a broker believes that it is permitted to vote or submit proxies on
specific matters
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without such instructions, KIM believes that such broker should exercise its
discretion not to vote and not to submit any proxies. KIM believes that the
stockholders alone should cast or withhold votes on the entire proxy.
A quorum for the Meeting is constituted by the presence in person or by
priority of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund
entitled to vote at the Meeting. If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, or
if a quorum is present but sufficient votes to approve any of the proposals are
not received, the persons names as proxies may propose one or more adjournments
of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. In determining whether
to adjourn the meeting the following factors may be considered: the nature of
the proposals that are the subject of the Meeting, the percentage of votes
actually cast, the percentage of negative votes cast, the nature of any further
solicitation, and the information to be provided to stockholders with respect to
the reasons for the solicitation. Any adjournment will require the affirmative
vote of a majority of those shares affected by the adjournment that are
represented at the meeting in person or by proxy. A stockholder vote may be
taken for one or more of the proposals in this Proxy Statement prior to any
adjournment, if sufficient votes have been received for approval.
Litigation
In an action pending before the United States District Court, Southern
District, New York, the Fund's Management has alleged that KIM has damaged the
Fund's trading market and violated Section 16 (b) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and Rule 106-5 under such Act. KIM has repeatedly and vigorously denied
these allegations and is defending this action vigorously. KIM believes that its
activities have helped to support the market price of the Fund and have in no
manner damaged the Fund's trading market. On the other hand, Management has
demanded that
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KIM sell all of its shares of the Fund during a six month period, without regard
to the severe damage to the Fund's market that such sales could cause.
KIM believes that Management is using this action to force KIM to incur
additional expenses, to harass KIM's clients and to discourage KIM from pursuing
its rights as a stockholder on behalf of its clients.
Management refused to provide a list of stockholders to KIM, alleging
improper purposes. KIM believes that, as a stockholder of more than 5% of the
Fund for more than six months, KIM was entitled to such list under Maryland law.
KIM commenced an action in Maryland to obtain the stockholder list and inspect
of the books and records of the Fund. Despite an estimated litigation cost of
$5-10,000, KIM and the Accounts spent more than $45,000 to attempt to protect
their rights. Expecting that continuing such action would cost at least another
$30,000, KIM proposed and both parties agreed to a stipulation of voluntary
dismissal with prejudice.
The Board of Directors of the Fund has approved the Fund's legal expenses
of $319,621 for the year ended June 30, 1998, according to the Fund's Annual
Report as of June 30, 1998. KIM believes that the Fund's legal expenses have
substantially increased since such date and that such amounts are outrageous.
Advance Notice Provision of the Fund
Pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Fund's By-Laws, as amended June 23, 1998
KIM's Proposal is submitted to the Fund for action by the stockholders of the
Fund at the Meeting. This submission conforms to the provisions of Section 10.C.
of the Investment Management Agreement dated September 12, 1996, between the
Fund and Bull & Bear Advisers, Inc. (the "Agreement"), pursuant to Section 15
(a) (3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
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Cede & Co., the nominee of Depository Trust Co. ("DTC") brought this
proposal on behalf of its principals, Citibank, N.A. and Chase Manhattan Bank,
who have represented to Cede & Co. that they intend, through their customer,
KIM, to appear in person or by proxy at the Meeting of the Fund to bring KIM's
Proposal before the meeting.
VOTE "FOR" KIM'S PROPOSAL, "WITHHOLD AUTHORITY" WITH RESPECT TO
MANAGEMENT'S NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR, AND VOTE "AGAINST" MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSALS TO
RATIFY THE SELECTION OF AUDITORS AND TO CHANGE THE FUND'S NAME.
PLEASE VOTE THE BLUE PROXY CARD. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WISH TO
DISCUSS ANY ISSUES WHICH MAY BE OF CONCERN TO YOU, WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT
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KIM. PLEASE CALL 800-646-4005 ANYTIME BETWEEN 8:30 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN VOTING YOUR SHARES, PLEASE CONTACT OUR PROXY
SOLICITOR, GEORGESON & CO., INC. AT 800-223-2064
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KARPUS MANAGEMENT, INC. d/b/a
KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
14 A Tobey Village Office Park
Pittsford, New York 14534
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ('KIM')
The undersigned hereby appoints George W. Karpus and Joel Negrin, as Proxies,
each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes each of
them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of common
stock of Bull & Bear U.S. Government Securities Fund, Inc. outstanding in the
name of the undersigned on _____, 1998, at the meeting of stockholders to be
held on _____, 1998 or any adjournment(s) thereof. IF NO DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN,
THE PROXIES WILL VOTE "FOR" KIM'S PROPOSAL, "WITHHOLD AUTHORITY" WITH RESPECT TO
MANAGEMENT'S NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR, "AGAINST" MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE
SELECTION OF THE FUND'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, "AGAINST" MANAGEMENT'S PROPOSAL TO
CHANGE THE FUND' S NAME AND IN THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY
PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTIONS CARD PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
KIM RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" K1M'S PROPOSAL TO TERMINATE THE INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
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The Investment Management Agreement dated September 12, 1996, as the same may
have been amended, extended or restated, between Bull & Bear Advisers, Inc. and
Bull & Bear U.S. Government Securities Fund, Inc., shall be terminated promptly
following the annual meeting of stockholders of the Fund at which this proposal
is approved.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
KIM recommends that you "WITHHOLD AUTHORITY" to elect Management's nominee,
Frederic A. Parker, Jr., to send a clear message that changes are needed and
that you contest the leadership of the Fund's Management.
[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
KIM recommends a vote "AGAINST" the ratifications of the selection of Tait,
Weller & Baker as the Fund's independent auditors.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
KIM recommends a vote "AGAINST" the amendment of the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation to change the Fund's name to Bexil Corporation.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
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Stockholder gives KIM discretion to vote on any other matter that may properly
come before the meeting.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
Remember - The last proxy you sign, date and submit will be the proxy that
counts for your vote. Make sure that you are voting the way you wish.
__________________________
Signature
__________________________
Signature, if held jointly
Dated: __________, 1998
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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