Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-03-13

Bank of Montpelier.

Mr. EDITOR The distribution of the stock
of the Montpelier Bank still occupies the atten-
ton Of sobcr-minded and rejecting men, All
such as are interested in sustaining sound pa
per currency must deplore any action tending
to bring the business of Banking into disrepute
with the people, or which shall in any degree
endanger the strength and permanency of the
system This is a matter of general interest,
and it is legitimate and proper to iscussitpub-
licly. When Bank men-men interested and
engaged in the honorable business Of Banking,
from any considerations discharge their duties
and obligations to the public in such manner
as to impair the public confidence in Banking
generally, they do such wrong and injury as
to merit being pointed out and held up to the
public gaze
1t is now very generally conceded that Bank
men not only counsellcd, but actually controlled,
the award of the stock of the Montpelier Bank.
OF course the public will judge these men by
their acts If they have fixed the standard Of
honor by which they are to be judged, can they
complain if the public adopt that Standard
Honor in Banking is now about the same as
honor in Railroading, Look at the Railroads
AT one time the men engaged in these noble en-
terprises were looked upon as on the high road
to honor and distinction. But soon the start
ling frauds of such men as Schuyler and Crane,
and the monstrous populations and vianes of
hosts of others, brought the system and the men
connected with it into ruin and disgrace.
May it not be with the Banks, as it has been
with the Railroads. When avarce and selfish
ness shall usurp the place of honor and magma
nimity in Banking, is it to be supposed the pub
lie will blindly continue to repose confidence in
the system! By no means. Railroads and
Banks will alike find their level.
Suppose the same Vaccinations and agencies
that have controlled action thus far in the mat.
ter of the Montpelier Bank are continued, and
the Bank should be organized. Will it not lack
what is most essential to successful Banking
Will it have the PUBLIC CONFIDENCE! With
out this, the Bank may issue its paper promises
to pay with the injunction to circulate and fill
the earth, in vain. Without this the coun-
terfeit presentment" becomes mere paper
worthless paper The Managers of the Bank
may add security upon security, bond upon
bond, with "precious store of shining gold Tin
their vault; yet if in the public estimation they
are wanting the most incompatible honor and
integrity, they will find Banking difficult bus
mess.
Men who have in all the varied relations and
transactions of their whole lives evinced the
most scrupulous honor and integrity are hardly
to be trusted as Bankers Men treat their
Bankers as they treat no other class. They give
them their money to keep having full faith in
their honor. They take their promises to pay
as money, having confidence in them, basee
mainly upon the reputation, the honor, and thu
integrity of the men who issue them, and art
responsible for them.
What say, fellow-citzens When the Banl
shall issue its paper money, can you take it AM
put it in your pocket, and go to bed with thu
perfect confidence that it will be good in tn
morning! Think of it-talk with your neigh
Dor about it-and bring in your verdict. Sa,,
to the men who have adopted this suicida
course that you will remember these things. LIE
them understand that the day of retribution i
as sure as time passes. CONSERVATIVE.