The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1879-08-09
nANKERs' CONVENTION.
Yesterdays Proceedings The Position OF
the Hank Officers,

| thb htluA OtuttFas
SARATOGA, August Sat the Bankers
Convention to-day L. Halsey Williams
cashier Of the Fifth National Bank oi
Pittsburgh, delivered an address, in which
he stated the changes made by the
new revenue act Of Pennsylvania, in the
taxation Of banks, with a history Of the
origin, progress and success Of the efforts
to attain new legislation. Reflections on
Congressman by Mr.. Williams called forth
protests IRON different members OF the
convention.
Mr.. Fleming, Of Allegheny, Pa, remark.
ed that the six.mill tax on the capital
stock Of banks in that State was reduced
to four mills by the consent Of the bank
ers. He wished the Executive Council
would adopt some general plan to bring
the grievances Of the banks before Con.
gress. The facts rightly presented to the
average Congressman will bring relief de-
spite the prejudice against the National
Banks. When the matter is fairly brought
before them they will give US justice. They
certainly cannot get away from 1t II in.
telligenly presented. He asked that no
more reflections be made on Congress.
men or anybody else. Molasses catches
more flies than vinegar. We want to
make friends, not enemies. A commit.
tee should be appointed from the great
commercial centres, and Western men
should be consulted, for from the West
comes power. Brevity in documents
should also be studied.
Mr.. Nelson, OF Salina, spoke against the
two cents on checks and ten per cent tax
on circulation. He wanted the laws i'm.
posing the tax repealed. The banks
should concentrate their forces and ad.
vance like an army il they would secure
relief. He deprecated any antagonism OF
National to State banks and wished no
more reflections on Congressman, as he
had some intention ol becoming one him
self.
Mr.. Hayes, OF Michigan, asked: Is it
lawful to tax banks and exempt railroads,
mills and churches? The only products
OF manufacturing interests taxed are lux.
uries. The report Of the Comptroller OF
the Currency shows that the income OF his
office from banks is $4,000, 900 more than
the expenses. Instead OF going to Con-
gross and opposing Congressman, we
should educate the country up to the fact
that banks are benefit to the laboring
classes.
Another member said: Although much
has been argued against Congress, Con.
gressmen generally speak the thoughts of
the people.
Logan Il. Root of Arkansas, wished to |
impress upon members the value OF |
brief and pointed arguments, and offered |
resolution authorizing the Executive
Council to prepare and circulate among
the people such extracts from.the paper Of
Comptroller Knox, as would show the
small profits and onerous taxation OF
banks, was adopted.
A paper by II. L. Lamb, Superintend-
ent Of the New York banks, on savings
banks and their dangers, was then read.
Mr.. Handy, OF Cleveland, gave many in
teresting "reminiscences OF banking and
bankers, nearly all antedating railroads
and telegraphs.
Honorary members and rules were
made, votes OF thanks to the officers and |
speakers passed and the Convention ad.
iourned sine die.