The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-10-19
The Comptroller Makes a Speech TO
the Congress of Bankers at
Chicago.
Holds the Sherman Law Respon-
sible for Most OF Our FL
nanoial Ills.
Declares That Bakers Arc Net More
sSifsh Than Other People, Partio-
uIariy silver Mtno Owners.

CHICAGO. OCT. 18.-Ths bankers' congress,
arranged by the Worlds fair auxiliasy,
opened at the art institute this morning
with an address Of Welcome by Mayor Har-
Fison, followed by President Rhawn, Of the
American Bankers association. Reports
OF ofheers and other routine business 90.
cupisd some slime. after which Hon. ]. H.
Ecksls. comptroller OF the currency, WAS
introduced and delivered and address.
After briefly reviewing the financial de-
preston through which ths country IL pass
ing and the remarkable skill with
which tho bankers Of the ooun-,
try met unprecedented conditions Comp
trollsr Eckels said complete. permanent /
recovery from existing troubles could
not be expected until our financial laws are
made to accord with those that govern the
worlds trade. and until our currency takes
uniformity and elasticity and our people
are rid Of tho pernicious doctrine that
money which 10 cheap and plenty 10 q
blessing and souvoe of wealth, instead Of
curse nnd cause Of financial panic and
ultimate poverty.
Continuing. the comptroller said: bat
II IL said In bringing about q different set
of financial laws banking interests must
hold aloof. It 10 striking illustration OF
the extent to which un sasonioR passion
and Irsiudice have orept into our politics
that In the present emergency which con
fronts the country bankers are compelled
to hesitate - TO the advisability, from the
standpoint Of prudence. of actively urging
the repeal of tho measure which stands
sonfessedly AZ the source. In the largest
degree. of past disasters and dire menace
to future prosperity.
surely, the BANKING interests Of tn.
| import to warrant respectful hsa ing and
careful consideration without arousing the
passions or preiudiess Of any fair-m nded
| citizen OF the repnblic. Il may be that
bankers are selfish, but not moro so. ven.
ture. than men In other walks Of life.
Surely. not mora so than the silver interests
| which TO- dos invsioh most loudly against
them, and which, with an inconsistency &C
marked that he who runs may read. with
selfish indifference TO publio good, are not
only blocking the wheels Of legislation a,
Washington. but unmiudful OF the voics
of the people and tbs press ~
making q fundamental prineipls Of on
goveIsment--the right Of the majoriay !,
oontrcl.--a Kissing and . by-vord. Sha
their own selfish purposes may ind fFui.
tiou in legislative enactment that will
compel the government 10 be the spsoi Il
patron Of their special product"
The oompsIolle. wen. on 70 say that
rich people only. butare widely distributed.
and that bankers as their ressntativea
| are entrusted with financial mansRemen
| to represent q larger number of people.
more widely scattered, embracing
more Glasses and conditions Of
people and possessed Of greater
| aggregate wealth than any other special
interest in tho country. Therefore they
have a right to be heard In behalf OF theil
clients. to be protected from the influsnsa
Of harmful laws. Tho comptroller closed
with = reference to the wisdom Of existing
banking laws and oautioninR the bankers
against the dangers of loaninq monsy fou
use in purely speculative enterpries.