The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1891-06-09
WANAMAKER TALKS
The POstmaster-G Generals a Will
ing Witness.
NO DEALING WITH BARDsLEY,
He Was Not an Officer Of the Keystone
Bank.

Before the Failure He Had a Million and
Quarter on Deposit-Ho Never Bor-
rowod Personally from the Bank-The
President Says Federal Omcers Must
Explain Their transactions.
PHILADELPHIA, June o. - Postmaster
General Wanamaker appeared before the
subcommittee of Councils, that is inves-
tigating the affairs of ex-City Treasurer
Bardsley, during the day, The knowl-
edge that he would appear gave addi-
tional interest to the proceedings
Mr. Wanamaker being late in arriving at
the committee room, the intervening time
was occupied in questioning Bank Ex-
aminer Drew. While Mr. Drew was tes-
tifying Mr.. Wanamaker arrived, accom-
panied by his son and brother.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Drews testi-
timouy Mr. Wauamaker stepped forward
with roll of manuscript in his hand
and stated that he had prepared and PRO
posed to read statement in answer to
all the allegations which have connected
his name with the Keystone Bank, and
giving complete account Of his transac-
tions with that institution.
Before he began his reading Mr.. Wana-
maker expressed Il hope that the commit
tee would ask him any questions they de-
sired.
The reading and subsequent question
ing occupied an hour, during which time
Mr.. Wanamaker remained standing
When he had finished many persons
stepped forward and shook his hand,
MIR. Wanamaker said he had never been
an officer of the Keystone Bank, but was
simply depositor Although his conf
dence in the bank was shaken at the
time of the run, he continued to make
deposits, and in the five months previous
to the failure placed million and a
quarter there.
"T am as anxious" said Mr. Wana-
maker land have as much interest as
any other to prevent our city treasury
from losing the funds provided by tax
payers.
"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 upon the bank,
which, for convenience, were kept in a
separate account. 1t was substantially
one account under two heads. Mrs.
Wanamaker's account could not be over
drawn while the firm account had bal
ance to its credit Under these circum-
stances the account was not overdrawn
when the bank closed, according to our
books, which show balance in our favor.
'It is true that there was an item that
the bank charged against our account at
its last settlement q month or so before
it failed of about $1,000, which no one at
our Office knew anything about, and
which we refuse to recognize until it is
explained If they are right a1d we are
wrong there would be a small balance
against us.
81 never borrowed personally from the
bank, except on the one occasion above
stated, The paper appearing in my per-
sonal account was paper received in the
course Of business, with which l settled
Mr.. Lucas indebtedness to me by reason
Of his having failed to keep his agreement.
This was paper received from our custom
ers in the usual course Of business for
goods sold and delivered.
"Nor did the bank nor any of the
officers ever make any Contribution or
donation to me of any kind at any time.
1neVer had business transaction with
Mr.. Bardsley individually, OF as city treas
urer nor with any one representing him
In either capacity. Neither had my firm,
except that he had small accounts for
merchandise at the store payable month
ly. l never subscribed any money for
his benefit at any time"
Mr. Wanamaker further said that he
had an agreement with the late John O.
Lucas to buy Reading stock. "The agree
ment between us was verbal, that Mr..
Lucas was to personally supply certain
sums of money as called for them, and
deposit the same to my personal account
in the Keystone Bank In accordance with
that agreement from time to time /