The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-06-09
SOME ABLE PAPERS READ
THE PRFiSI DENTS ADDRESS
PRESENTED.
THE ASSOCIATION IN FIVE CONDITION
Report Of The Sec etary and Treasurer. An In
teres'ing Report from Mr. Joseph G.
Brown, Delegate TO National
Convention at Denver.

1t was a busy day with the Bankers
yesterday.
They met Il: II O'Clock and remained in
business session until 80. At $3.50 they
met again to adjourn at $50.
The adjournment was from the Sen
ate chamber. where the business meet
ings were held, to the elegant residence
of Mr.. Charles II. Bclvin, where an old
fashioned Sorthcrn barbecue was serv-
ed on the lawn.
Then last night at the Marlborough
there was a musical and reception,
followed by Il german at the Capital
Club. both complimentary to visitors by
the Raleigh bankers.
SO you see it was busy day for the
members of the association. but they
were equal to the task Being used to
Tong hours and hard work. they did not
seem TO mind the long hours of Mingled
work and pleasure.
The business meeting yesterday was
a most interesting one and those who
failed to avail themselves of the cordial
invitation extended to all to attend it.,
have cause to regret their negligence.
The papers read were, as a rule, short,
bright and wonderfully interesting, both
to banker and to layman. All of them
We're able, thoughtful and carefully
prepared. They will he published JIM
pamphlet form by the association and
should have a wide circulation.
The convention was called to order by
President Blair and the roll of menu
bers was called by Secretary Miller
Thirty-fye members responded.
Owing to the fact that the minutes
of the last meeting have been printed
and distributed among the members
the reading of them was, on motion
dispensed with
First ON the program for the day was
the address by the president of the as
ISOLATION, Mr.. w A. Blair. of Winston
1t was-san admirable address, short
but comprehensive; hopeful in tone, lofty
III sentiment: eloquent and witty. The
association received it with enthusiastic
applause.
Mr.. Blair said:
PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
Fellow Members of the North Caro-
lira Bankers Association. Ladies' and
!, Gentlemen:
If time hangs heavily upon ones
hands let him put his name to a ninety
day paper and he will soon realize how
RAPIDLY the moments fly 1t seems but
few weeks since our last annual meet
ing. and, behold. another one is here.
Another year has passed away. A
Year OF stirring events. and. for us, of
hard work. a year in which PEACE has
been declared and yet, war still contin-
ues. y year of trusts. \ year of ma
terlal prosperity and growth, full of
promise. hore and encouragement for
our beloved State. A year in which
sectlonalism mas disappeared, and at
the close of which we can truly say
there is now no North no South. but
one united and powerful nation, strong
and great. 1t is we'll for us to turn
away from the daily routine of our full
and busy lives and TO come together in
these annual assemblies. Apart from
the lnfOrna ton gained and from the
advantages in Il professional way, it is
We'll for us to meet face to face. to
clasp each others hands, to make and re-
new friendships and acquaintance, to
forget our business cares and to feel
the great throbbing pulse of humanity
beat in common currents through the
channels of our being. AS iron sharp
eneth, so man sharpeneth the coun-
tenance Of his friend 1t is well for MS
to be here. 1t is well for us to be in
Raleigh. the capital of our State, the
City of Oaks" the home of fair wo-
men and brave men. Here are model
banks and model bankers. Here are
warm hearts and friendly hands Here
laws are enacted, we sometimes think,
with special reference to our noble call
ing, and here, too. | might incidentally
mention, is the insane asylum and the
Ienitentiary home for the aged and
intrm and an asylum for the blind 1t
is we'll for It's to be in Raleigh. | am
glad to meet our members, our visitors
and our friends, and trust you may
find something Of interest in our pro-
ceedings and that YOU will attend our
sessions and feel welcome and at home.
Bankers are not always the frightful
creature that they are sometimes pic
tured during Il political campaign, al
though in looking over our delegates
you may be inclined to say that appear
ances are against us. Banks are not
simply mathematical mills in which in
terest is figured into petit larceny
Banks are not necessary or unnecessary
evils. They are necessary instruments
and most important agencies of COM
merce and material development. So
long as they are law abiding. and our
banks surely are, they are entitled to
the protection of the law and to the
respect and good will of the citizens.
Our business is an honorable one, and
as legitimate as any of the varied pur-
suits of men. Our association has been
organized for the help, protection and
encouragement of banks. bankers and
every business interest of the State. We
do not attempt to dictate TO our mem
bers or to anybody else. We make no
binding laws. Under THESE wise provis-
ions and arrangements the association
has prospered during the year, and |
congratulate you upon that fact.
The membership has been greatly IN
creased as YOU will see from the report
of our worthy secretary The proter-