The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-11-02
Bank officials.

city.
Bank Officials.
It is too true that there has sprung up a
degree OF neglect and faithlessness among
the custodians of money that excites unea-
siness among capitalists. The illustrations
are numerous going to show the truth OF
this. The most remarkable case OF late is
that OF the Bank of Glasgow. The division
of the capital Of the bank amongst the direc-
tors and their friends is astounding. That
such faithIessncss should be displayed IN
Scotland, OF all countries, is fact that bursts
upon the world as unexampled. The direc-
tors and officers of that bank are to have 4
trial for felony. Several Of those connected
with the bank have run away, and 1t may
be that the worst men have escaped.
The late event of the robbery OF the
Manhattan Savings Bank is not calculated
to increase faith in bank officials. The
whole history OF that robbery was sug-
gestive of thoughts which went directly to
the point OF suspicion OF the people inside
the bank. The janitor held the key to the
yaluablcs in the safe, and why? Time will
unfold.
The sage directors were slow. They
looked wise, and talked, and set themselves
down and offered reward; and there
rested. Nothing has been found out that IS
made known, and the robbers have had
much time wherein to cover up their tracks
and get we'll away.
There is much that is suspicious about
that whole affair, and that will assist to
arouse the moneyed men to distrust of the
custodians OF money, and lead probably TO
an increase of the safeguards and pro-
tectiyes against official faithlessness or ne
glect.
Inconsiderate and thoughtless persons
may be Indifferent to the losses OF the
wealthy. and think that they don't suffer
for their misfortunes. They are greatly
mistaken. Losses like these excite alarm
and epgendcr carefulness and caution
that restrain enterprise and embarrass in
dustry. 1t is not only the depositors in the
Manhattan Savings Bank that will be alarm
ed and led to change their mode OF dispo-
sing OF their money, but people generally
who have money to deposit will be induced
nv apprehension to discontinue usages
which resulted in benefiting trade and en-
terprise, and thus assist in increasing dis
trust and diminishing the help that has
been extended to business and enterprise.
Theft, burglary, and faithlessness are old
enough, and vii! continue as long as there
are wealth and dishonesty. Calamisies OF
war and disasters increase rosuery and
crimes OF all sorts, and Of course perils and
danger to property and life. Order and
good government increase the protection
and diminish the dangers to both, and thus
give peace and safety to communities. We
are getting too familiar with both causes
and effects in these matters, and no country
could be more blessed than this by measures
that would increase public integrity and
order.
That crime and faithlessness cannot cease
in the world until the economy OF civiliza-
ton is reyolutionized is true, but there may
be great improvement from notifications
In the customs Of society. There is great
evil in the extravaganza and conventional
isms of life. There is deficiency in the
watchfulness and vigilance kept upon peo-
pie who hold positions OF trust. There is
great want OF examination and account
ability. The rules applied in the matter
are loose and slipshod. No man earning q
subsistence as clerk or living upon fidu-
ciary occupation ought to be able to live
extrayagantly, and when he does, people
may distrust him. Brought up promptly TO
proper accountability, such persons would
often be rescued themselves from infamy
and punishment and vast sums saved to
depositors or coDfding men OF business.
There is too much OF gaiety, dash, ana
productivity in theworld OF business ana
commerce. thought to be greatly reformed.
Old merchants and bankers aresapt to grow
tso fond OF ease and too fond OF luxury.
They. relapse into listlessness, and things
controlled by them 60 to loose ends. Fond
and wealthy parents. by the weaknesses OF
their affections, foo often pave the way TO
the ruin of their sons and the conclusion OF
their own lives in poverty.
These things impair the peace OF society,
and greatly help to disturb that order and
good faith which lis the best protection to
property and virtue Of community.