Exhibit 17.1 September 26, 1996 Bruce E. Mathias Secretary Jack Carl/312-Futures, Inc. 200 West Adams Street Suite 1500 Chicago, IL 60606 Dear Mr. Mathias, This letter will re-confirm that I have resigned as an officer and director of Jack Carl/312-Futures, Inc. any and all of its subsidiaries and/or any and all of its affiliates as of the close of business July 1, 1996. Sincerely, /S/ BURTON J. MEYER Burton J. Meyer 142