New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-01
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL
CONTROLLER ECKELs's RECORD.
IT IS TO BE JUDGED BY ITS RESULTS RArhh'
THAN by THE BANKERS ENDORSEMENTS.

CONTROLLER ECKELss RECORD
TT rs TO BE JUDGED BY ITS RESULTS RATHER
THAN BY THE BANKERS ENDORSEMENTS
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir. The criticism on Mr. Eckels, Controller OF 'he
Currency in your issue Of yesterday does gross anu
II ia 10 be hoped unntentlona' injustice 10 an "'e.
n,,ns,akins and exceptionally capable official An
Intimate and extended knowledge Of the operao0"
Of his department enables the writer to state
First-That Mr.. Eckes gives constant perso''ai NJ
tcntion to the multi,udlnous duties OF MS oi'oe ""'
reou,res from the able subordnates who serve III
his department the same wachful application 10
their work.
Second-That In holding the officers ana dilec'o.s
OF Natidhai banks TO strict accountability III INC a"
minlsration OF their trusts his requirements nave
been much more severe and enectuai IMAM "'0'S VI
any OF his predecessors in office.
Third-That he has revised and greatly improVeu
methods OF bank examinations. and requires from MS
corps Of examiners the most watchinl anu cc''oo''
vigilance and faithful attention as well TO the minor
departments OF bookkeeping and the internal ma
chnery as 10 the character and value OF assets anu
the often Difficult. proof OF the liabilities OF the IN
stitutions under supervision. That his views are
valued and his speeches and published articles
sought by the Clearing House associations. bankers
conventions and influential financial bodies throus"-
out the length and breadth OF the land Is an en-
pha,ic Endorsement OF his demonstrated capacity
The office of Controller OF the Currency involving
as /, does the general supervision OF more than five
thousand banks Of widely diversified and varying In
very highest quick. acute INTELLIGENCE and Is pSsi-
ton Of the greatest responsbiity Inc co1 Ky mas mas
portant office able gentlemen who. without excsp-
The present Controller called upon TO face burdens
and responsibilities far greater than nave la,ien 10
se S' CONSTITUTIONS sE success as well in the prompt
justice OF his numerous decisions relating 70 weak
sS-lik adminstrat general
tanning TO his position Would II not be an aitoge,ner
should seek 10 retain the services Of Mt Eckels in
the place he so ably and aGGsP1aIbiy Is psrRvER
New.York Jan. 20, 1897.
The Tribune has no disposition to do injustice
to Controller Eckels and would resent as readily
az any of his friends the imputation that his
official duties had been neglected because he had
been politically active In a good cause. The fact
is that the acts OF omission or improper leniency.
OF" which some complaining. occurred before
the political activity of the Controller began.
Testimony Of bankers that he has been the most
careful and thorough Controller ever known has
to he compared with facts The proof of the pud-
ding Is In the eating. The number OF failures dur
ing Mr. Eckels's term Of office has been unusual:
the number within the last two months quite un-
usual. and not explained by any widespread dis
aster in business. and in an unpleasant number
Of cases the failures appear to have been due to
violations Of law which had been continued Tor
months or years.
II the Controllers methods Of examination
have been superior to those OF his predecessors
as his friends affirm how is 1t that these pro-
longed violations Of law were not detected? In
some cases it is known. in fact stated by the
Controller himself that fragrant violation Of law
was reported to him, but he did not require it to
be corrected Until some explains why he
did not men will continue to ask whether the
Controllers examination offers any safety. and
whether he does. in fact. administer his Office
without fear or favor for the protection OF the
public. little evidence on that point would be
worth more than carloads Of Endorsements from
bankers That he has administered his office to
their satisfaction is not apparently denied.-Ed)