Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1891-06-13
wANAMAkER,s STORY.
Rhe Postmaster Generals Statement Be
fore the Investigating Committee In tho
Keystone National Bank Failure.

WE Postmaster Generals Statement Be
fore the Investigating Committee In tho
Keystone National Bank Failure.
PHILADELPHIA, June 9.-Postmaster
General Wanamaker appeared before
the subcommittee of councils that is
investigating the affairs of ex-City
Treasurer Bardsley yesterday. The
knowledge that he would appear gave
additional interest to the proceedings
Mr.. Wanamaler being late in arriving
at the committee room, the intervening
time was occupied in questioning Bank
Examiner Drew. While Mr.. Drew was
testifying Mr.. WanamalSer arrived, ac-
companied by his son and brother.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Drew's tes-
timony Mr.. WanamalSer stepped for
ward with a roll of manuscript in his
hand and stated that he had prepared
and proposed to read statement in an
swer to all the allegations which have
connected his name with the Keystone
bank and give complete account of his
transactions with that institution. Be-
fore he began his reading Mr.. Wana-
maker expressed hope that the commit
tee would ask him any question they de-
ollSu. lC ASauiliS anu
questioning occupied an hour, during
which time Mr. Wanamaller remained
standing. When he had finished many
persons stepped forward and shook his
hand.
Mr.. Wanamaker's statement was as
follows:
am glad to have the proper oppor-
tunity to give such information as 1
possess in the matter under investiga-
ton. / have noticed the comments of
the newspapers, and am not in the
habit of running after gossip, but hold
myself ready to furnish at call what
ever 1 had of interest to your commit
tee and the public. l am as anxious
and have as much interest as any other
to prevent our city treasury from losing
the funds provided by taxpayers. In
order to cover every point that had
come to my notice, from any source
whatever, and that there may be know
question as to what l state, l reduce to
writing what l have to say and will
hand copy of it to your committee for
record, if you request. l may add that
what here submit is practically what
1 have freely stated to many persons at
various times during the last few
weeks. .... ..
have been a depositor only, never
was an incorporation or director. l never
owned share of stock. l held until
recently 2,515 shares as collateral.
The firm of John Wanamaker, con-
sisting of three persons, had an account
with the Keystone bank. On this ac-
count the checks of the firm were drawn.
The firm account, by arrangement with
the bank, was made responsible for
Mrs. Wanamaker's checks on the bank,
which for convenience were kept in a
separate account. 1t was substantially
one account under two heads.
never knew of any Irregularities in
the keystone bank until after the run,
when Mr. Lucas indebtedness was
made known to the directors, as l was
informed, and that his estate intended
to reimburse the bank, which l sup
pose, and was informed it had ample
means to do So At later period wa:
told by Mr.. Marsh, the president, fol
the first time, that he feared some o
the stock L held as collateral was no
properly issued.
had no knowle dge that the baRl
was going to close when it did. Th'
first knew of it was when it was mad
public by telegraph from Philadelphi;
after the doors were shut.
In brief, was depositor, but not al
! officer of the bank. l did not know thu
, bank would fail, nor did l delay o
touch in any way the appointment of
receiver. .t... .
am absolutely ignorant of any trans
action with Mr.. Bardsley within or with
: out the bank, Instead of the bank los
ing penny, have only been its profit
D able customer.