Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-01-14

crease in deposits. In 1891 there were
SS,3Sl ,940.9T; to-day they are $1,000,
SSOS6, an increase Of 27 per cent. The
gain in loans and discounts is equally
observable.
In 1891 the surplus was $526, 3SS.1S,
whilst to-day it is S903.915.S1. an in
crease of u per cent. The surplus of
1896 as compared with that of 1895
shows an increase of S113.472 II. an
increase Of ia per cent. in one year,
whilst the undivided profits for 1896
We're S50,527 Sc more than in 1895.
The real estate, furniture and fixtures
Srew from S445,952.96 in 1891 TO $685.
SS4.29 IN 1895. an increase IN hye
years Of us rer cent.
/ have gone somewhat into details in
this matter in order. that the greatest
publicity shall be given TO our mar
velOuS increase III this form of sub
stantial development. In no State in
the Union during that time has greater
progress been made, nor can any state
IN the Union show smaller losses as
compared with such gains as have been
made in the State of West Virginia IN
the banking business.
The condition of the National banks
in West Virginia is also very fine; and
whilst the increase in the national sys-
tenn has been one TO excite surprise, il
has not kept pace with that of the State
banks. Whilst our progress has been
wonderful, I very earnestly renew my
former recommendation as TO the
change in the law in reference to the
inspection of banks. Experience has
shown that the Bank Examiner should
have the right 10 examine any bank
nj any time he shall deem it necessary,
and he should be allowed at any time
10 call for q sworn statement of any
bank ~ the close of the business OF any
day 10 be named by him; thus bring
ing our system as near as possible TO
the system of inspection which has
worked so efficiently in reference TO
hue National banks.
agree with this very able and eTti-
cient officer in his recommendation that
the State banks should be required to
keep an available cash reserve OF III
teen per cent. of their total deposits.
Every effort should be made by the law
to cast safeguards around our none
tGTy system.
l wish 20 say that within two years
not q bank has failed within the State
Of West Virginia. and not a dollar has
been lost by a depostor within that
time
DAYS OF GRACE.
In the line OF banking l wish to
make a recommendation which is IA
vorably considered by the banking
world. DAYS of grace have no longer
any meaning or reason and have been
abolished by a number of the best
commercial States in the Union.
hope it Will be the pleasure of the Leg
islaure TO do away with days Of grace,
and thus abolish an archaic custom
which leads 10 annoyance and cOmpi-
cation in banking affairs
THE COMMISSIONER OF LABOR.
No department of the State has eX-
ceeded this in Improvement and eff
cheney. The appropriation was too
small to carry out the work as contem-
plated either by myself or by the Com
missioner of Labor. The last report
was considered TO be especially valu-
able. and has been used as a hand
book in disseminating information con-
corning the State. 1t gave the most
complete and authentic discussion of
the mineral and industrial interests
of the State that has ever been pre-
sented TO the public. The report this
year. as will be seen, is much more
exhaustive and complete than the one
last year. The statement Of prOduc-
ton of coal coke and petroleum has
been made most complete. The CLASH
ficatiOn of the farms, as to size, by
by counties, and the tables showing
the amount of cereals produced, and
the stock raised in each county. strikes
that have occurred by industries and
localities, with cause and results, have
been most carefully compiled. | ask
a most careful investigation of this
department l believe that its power
for good to the State, if carried out
on the lines proposed during this adj
ministratiOn. TO be almost incalculable.
It's authentic. exhaustive and complete
discussion Of the material interests Of
the State and all that pertains 70 the
material development of the State has
been widely circulated. From every
part of the country demands have
come for this report. and universal
commentator has crowned the efforts
of this department. l hope it will be
the pleasure of the Legislature to APP
DrOpriate a sufficient amount TO carry
into active efficiency this most val
liable department OF the State govern
ment
STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
During the life Of this administra-
ton this board has been given a per
manent place in the Capitol building.
It's Office has been kept open just as any
other department of the State govern
ment. It's breadth and scope of work
and the result of its action seem 70
have been very favorably received by
the farmers of the State. IL has in
terested iself IN procuring ali ne in
formal on necessary i'm development OF
the farm interests of this State. II has
been vigorously engaged in indoctrl-
Mating the idea of small farming thus
increasing the value of the land OF our
State and rendering the life of the farm
or easier and more lucrative. The
Farm Reporter. which was only issued
quarterly. is now issued monthly. The
s. Savings Banks. and Trust and Invest
For Year End For Year End