The Coconino weekly sun., 1894-04-12
GOVERNMENT SAVINGS BANKS.
A Plea in the Interest of the Small Wage
 Farmers.

A Plea In the Interest of the Small Wage Farmers.
 It is one thing to preach saving, economy, prudence and the like to the masses of the people, and quite another which to care for the savings that they might have been so fortunate as to ac- cumulate. There have been many changes in the methods of boarding since the days of the teapot and the old stocking. But it may be questioned if this system has been to any great extent improved upon. Savings banks have in times past ruined many peo- pie, and it is not strange that some have become timid and skeptical in re- gard to them
 It is quite time that the government took up some form of savings institu- tions that will benefit people of small means In Great Britain the postal savings institutions have been of un- speakable benefit to the poor. Over four hundred millions of dollars have been cared for ia this way.
 When one stops to think where most of this might have gone but for the beneficial care of a government insti- tuition, the idea is suggested that it might not be amiss for the United States to provide some equally safe means for caring for the mites of widows and orphans and the industri- ous and provident poor. Many man and woman would put their pennies and quarters into government bank who would never think of depositing in a private bank. There is something pleasant about being in touch with the government and of putting ones savings into the hands of Uncle | Sam Private banks, however solid | they may be, are exposed to dangers | that postal banks are not subject | to. To feel that the money put away was assafe as the government would be an incentive that would draw from the pockets of many a hard work ing person whatever surplus they could spare, and this would form a nucleus for a little fund that would rapidly grow to worthy proportions People are bound to use money that they have on hand and as long as they can feel no positive assurance of its safety they will keep it by them and finally spend | it rather than trust it in other hands. | Then it is gone and there is nothing to show for it.
 There are many things that the gov ernment might do for the individual, but this seems to be the most important l of all immediate necessities. Why the public treasury should not be the de- posting place of small as well as large holders of wealth is question that nc intelligent person seems to be able to answer satisfactorily. The present movement in favor of something ot this sort will be watched with great interest There are certain classes ot persons who will bitterly oppose it; among these are the rumsellerS and the purveyor to all of the evil passions that beset humanity. If people can save their earnings and feel confident that they are ready on call, there will be much less to pour into the cotfers oi sin. If there were no other reason for urging the establishment of such banks this would be sufficient, but when one comes to realize the i'm portance of this movement as factor in the education of children and the possibility of cultivating a taste for putting away against a rainy day, il will be admitted that the moral and educational effect of such a proceeding will be of infinite advantage to the young as well as the old Y. Ledger.