The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-05-17
THE BUILDING AND LOAN COM
 MISSIONER.

AiAe'h'LN'4NiAiN'
 There Are Candidates in the Field-The
 Grave Duties and Responsibilities
 Which the Position Involves.
 The certainty of the creation of state building and loan commission has brought the matter prominently before the different associations in the state.
 There seems to be plenty of material to drawn upon. Among the names mentioned as possible candidates is that of Mir c. F. Southard of this city.
 The following letter to a friend at South Manchester outline the responsi- bility and work of the commissioner if the office is finally created:
 My Dear Finlay:
 Replying to your kind favor of the 18th inst referring to an endorsement by an influential gentleman of South Manchester of my name as candidate for the appointment of building and loan commissioner let me say
 Neither the honor of such an ap- pointment nor the salary has the least attraction for me. The first is but an empty sentiment, the latter is so nomi- lldi LIldL d lIldI dpdblt OL lilllIlS5 lLiS position should be able to command it in other less responsible fields of labor.
 The duties connected with the full filment of the position will demand studious concentration, persistent in- vestigation, absolute freedom from bias, uryielding obedience to right financial principles, calm judicial judgment and dignified courtesy
 These qualifications combined with a general knowledge of building and loan methods, it seems to me, will make the commissionership the effective engine which the bill contemplates in it's crea- tion of the position.
 The acceptance of such a position would bring with it no mean responsi- bility.
 This responsibility would mean the careful scrutiny of financial system which has for it's aim the encourage ment of thrift; the protection of the hard earned savings of thousands; the defence of hundreds of homes built with the savings of these institutions; the safeguard to citizens against every un- worthy scheme masquerading in the guise of cooperative finance, seeking to obtain the savings of the masses for selfish ends; the pointing out of unsafe methods which now entail hardship and failure; the saving of the uninformed and unwary from saddling themselves with various usurious mortgages, which cripple and discourage the most heroic seekers after homes; and finally 1t means the protection of the good name of the commonwealth from the stain of unsafe financial legislation
 These are responsibilities which no thoughtful conscientious man will lightly undertake.
 With this conception of the duties of the position, l feel I can frankly say that In permitting my name to be asso- ciated with the position, it has not been with the idea that it would be mere matter of honor or profit.
 By a strange combination of circum- stances I was forced to master the building and loan problems and for several years as you know, preached the gospel of home owning. I came to regard the subject with love and rever- ence, and as special work in life to follow.
 The one ambition I would have in connection with such an appointment would be the opportunity it would give, aside from the prosecution of the duties entailed. of planting these thrift socie- ties in every part of the state where it might be done with safety and advan- tage.
 I can conceive of no nobler purpose in life than that of trying to help ones fellows to the attainment of a. home and thrifty habits through their own efforts. This, l conceive, the commits sioner might do without prejudice to his office or injury to the welfare of the state.
 The planting of properly organized mutual building and loan associations results in the multiplication of homes. the creation of saving bank depositors taxpayers and general wealth for the state.
 They compel the individual to help himself, aid himself. financially, intel lectually and morally; do not detract one whit from his independence, but rather make him an ideal citizen and a blessing to himself and others.
 These are the only reasons which have led me to even consider myself as available for the commissionership. I haven't the slightest idea of being men, tioned in the matter. If I am ever to do any more work in this field the work will no doubt seek me out
 Thanking you for your kindly interest in the matter, am faithfully yours.
 CHARLES F. SOUTHARD.