New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-06-19
HALF OF SATURDAY TO BE FREE.
PROGRESS OF THE EARLY CLOSING PLAN.
CAN THE BANKS BE CLOSED AT NooN-NEw con-
vERTs COMING IN.

CAN THE BANKS BE CLOSED AT NooN-NEw con-
vERTs COMING IN.
The adoption of the early closing system by all
branches of business in this city is only question
large number of firms tn the movement-so many
indeed, that it is impossible to record them an
scattered as they are over ork ana han
The prospect of the banks closing at noon mas Deeh
q matter of considerable discussion IN the large
down town stores during the last few days Many
contend that such a step on the part OF these II-
stitutions would do more to aid the reform IMAM
Can the banks close before 3 o'clock on Saturdays
Are the hours for opening and closing xed ny
utary law or custom These questions were asked
Sc, eral bankers aud bank presidents yesterday ny
a TRIBUNE reporter. 49, ~,
President Baldwin OF the Fourth National Bank.
said should be happy to aid III making Saturday
afternoon a half holiday. but | do not think the
banks close earlier than they do, unless so au-
thorizc by legislative enactment 49,.
You do not think concerted action in this matter
on the part of the hanks would be sufficient
"There may be something in that. but have not
given the subject sufficient Thought 10 express any
further opinion in the matter"
"The banks cannot close before 8 O'clock Nc sald
d" without permission from the Legislature. Many
of us would like to observe Good Friday aud other
such sem-holIdays, but we cannot do so. SATURDAY
afternoon will have to be made legal hdlf-hoiday
before it can be observed by the banks"
al think our hours are fixed by law, said John Jay
Knox president of the Bank OF the Republic and
avail" .. >,
"lf you will promise not to mention my name"
said the president of one OF the largest broadway
banks I'll talk with y0u freely on the matter.
There is not to my knowledge. and have been IN
this business thirty years, any Congressional
or LEGISLATIVE as TO ~ha sn nGrs
know it is quite general but not entirely so. The
Boston banks close at 2 o'clock and the cashier OF
Salem bank told me, the other day. that they
closed there at 100 every day: In some places
the banks close from II to /. The days on which
we must be open are fixed by law, ont not the
hours. Neither thew specified in the constitu-
ton of the Clearing House Associate Yet not
withstanding this fact many of the most important
restrictions contained in that document are based
upon the banks observance of the existing custom
of opening at 10 and closing at o'clock. Certain
things have TO he done by or O'clock. which, oil
course could not be done were the banks closed he
Clearing House laws will have to bc completely
changed should the banks agree TO close at noon on
Saturdays. Really. don't see how we can get
along W tn much less time than we have at present:
which custom and not the statutes has gwen MS"
Nearly all of the Williams burg dry-goods stores
have agreed to shorten their hours of business
II. Waach's Sons. the shirt aud underwear man.
ufacturing house, offers TO close at o'clock on Sat
urdays. if other similar establishments Will Follow
their example.
The photographer are not behind in this matter.
Sarony closed his gallery last saturday at o'clock
and Pearsal of Brooklyn. announces that he will do
tile same during July and August.
j. ID. Walton a CO.. the fancy dry-goods men,
Eighth-ave. and Fifty -6rst-st. Will close during
July and August at r. during the week.
O'clock on Saturday evenings and will not open on
Mondays till o'clock.
A coal clerk writes " Why do not the coal dealers
close their offices at o'clock during Iune July aud
Augnst-the dull season We are willing to work.
W thOut extra compensation. on all legal HOLIDAYS
when business is brisk. Is II any more than fair 10
ask this in return especially when 1t can be done
without loss'f
W. H. H. Rogers printed wrapping paper of
New-York and Brooklyn, will close at p. H.. on
Police Commissioner John McClave has started a
boom for Saturday half-boliday to employees
among the dealers in lumber workers in wood and
of furniture tine West side OF the
ciiy paper, which he has signed ADD caused 10
be circulated with success among his business ac-
uuaintances contains agreement To close places
of business at noon on each Saturday during July
and August
The Hoard of Education has joined in the half
holiday movement and the offices of the school
department will he closed at on Saturdays
until October.