Evening star., 1896-09-22
Twenty-Second Yearly Meeting Of
the Association.
ANNUAL ADDRESS BY TIE PRESIDENT
The Organizations Attitude on
Monetary Questions.
LOCAL BANKS REPRESENTED


sembled in the Olympic Theater today the
representatives Of more wealth than ever
before came together in this city at one
time. 1t was the first session OF the
twenty-second annual convention Of the
American Bankers Association. Delegates
were present from all parts Of the country.
representing the most prominent banking
institutions whose capital is at least 81 &c.,
100000.
The convention will be in session three
days, during which time there will be
general discussion of the reports OF the
various committees pertaining to banking
The first days session was taken up with
matters of a routine nature. Tomorrow
there will be a call of states, when brief
statements will be made by delegates of
the general condition of banking in their
various localities. Following this will be
a discussion of at least twenty practical
banking questions.
Thursday, the last day. officers for the
ensuing year will be elected and installed.
The remainder of the day will be given up
to the discussion of clearing house ques-
tions.
Elaborate arrangements have been made
for the reception and entertainment of the
visiting bankers. The entire northern por-
ton of the Planters Hotel parlor floor has
been fitted up as the associations conven-
ton headquarters. In addition the St. Louis
MONDAY, University, Mercantile Country
to the delegates and their wives, the badge
of the association emitting its wearer 10
a membership privilege.
President PuIIen's Address.
President Pullen addressed the ASSOCIATION
as follows with reference to the pending
discussion Of the money question::
I'VE have assembled here on this occa-
sion. coming from the north and the south,
from the east and the west. but we are not
divided geographically or by sectional diff
ferences.
I'VE are proud, even In these troubIous
times, to call ourselves American citi-
Zens.'
Il assume that it is the purpose of each
and every member of this association to be
honest in all the relations of life. even po-
litical A man who is politically dishonest
is unworthy of confidence in business.
Nations are made up of individuals, and
national honesty should be as precious to
each individual his personal hones'y.
Honesty is the corner stone of good
character in the individual and the nation
alike.
The American Bankers Association,
during its twenty-five years history has
stood for honesty-individua honesty, Off
cal honesty, national honesty.
1T has always stood for honest money
for an honest dollar, worth one nundrei
cents, and accepted such in all the
markets Of the world.
In the past il has boldly. unhesitatireiy
views-it has issued its declarations n
print and scattered them broadcast al
over the land.
I'VE should occupy the same position to-
day, and far from desiring to modify our
p.st record. We should confirm and re-
iterate it with emphasis.
In times of prevailing business dcpres
sion, widespread discomfort and general un-
rest, the various clements among the pco-
pie that in prosperity cannot combine their
forces readily coalesce.
dishonest money, because ii is dishon-
est. attracts the disordery. lawless and
revolutionary elementS-the socialist, the
pCpulist and the anarchist.
THE issue today is not exclusively hor-
est money but the very existence of gov
ernment and the preservation of law, life
ard liberty are at stake
Banks. especially national banks, have
been assa.lei by the vituperations of isnor-
arce and passion.
the banks rallied to the support Of the
government in the darkest hour OF IT'S his
tory. and supplied the money necessary to
defend its honor and life.
Through the natio1al hank system. sub
seGuentiy established, market was Open
el for United States bonds, yielding the
money necessary for the prosecution OF the
war for the preservation Of our Union. and
a currency provided that has never been
eNcelIed for safety, universal acceptance
al par and immediate redemption.
! Nine y-three per cent of the business CT
this country is transacted by checks and
other negotiable Instruments.
"Elminate banking facilities. national
banks and their circulation, and substitute
d,shonest money as the vehicle of t'ade.
ard financial chaos would speedily result.
Cotton and cereals could not he pro-
duced-if produced, could not he ma. Satc'i-
transportation would be paralyZed. ire
| wheels of industry would cease to reVDlVe,
| enterprise and development be checked ard
the whole land plunged into ruin aud
misery.
Many sincerely believe, it is true. and
| pity it is true that the free ana unlimited
coinage of silver at the ratio of III to
! ard the payment of existing obligations,
| public and personal. In that metal wou!!
| he for the highest good of the country.
| We respect their sincerity in honestly ad-
vccating dishonesty, but regret their hal
| lucination the subject, and are sorry
| to see them in such disreputable company.
THE question has finally been referred
to the ballot box for settlement.
I'VE live in a land that has been and is
| the recipient of the divine blessing. We
| live in a land of civil and religious liberty
| full OF churches, free ohcols and open
Ribles-and we cherish implicit faith in the
! honesty of the American people. in theil
| common sense, their ready discriminate!
between right and wrong. truth and false
hood, in their faithful performance Of eN-
isting contracts in their respect for the
| law. in their unselfish devotion to theil
| country, their loyalty to her highest in
| terests and their willingness to sacrifice
| their lives rather than suffer her honor to
| be furnished by dishonesty.
| There is God who presides over the
| destinies of nations. Let us do our duty
ard then trust Him in the present crisis
| of our beloved country, for the preserva.
| ton of its honor and liberty inseparable
| for, as Burke said: What is liberty with
| out wisdom and without virtue? Such lib
| erty is the greatest of all possible evils
| for it is vice and folly and Madness with
| out tuition and without restraint
| From liberty without honor virtue
| from dishonesty, from lawlessness, from
| anarchy and ruin, good Lord, deliver u.s.
| Local Banks Represented.
| The following banks and bankers il
| Washington are members of the associa
| ton: Central National, Columbia National
Farmers and Mechanics National, Lincoln
| National, National Bank of the Republic
| National Bank of Washington, National
| Capital National Metropolitan, Ohio Ma
| tional, Riggs National, Second National
| Traders National, West End National
! Washington Loan and Trust Company
| Bell & Co.. Corson & Mccartney, Crane
| Paris & Co., Lewis Johnson & Co, ant
| William H. Slater. Mr.. George H. B
| White, cashier of National metropolitan
Bank, is vice president of the association
| for the District of Columbia.