Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

ter and enterprise of a city's people as the
number and conditio. of its banking insti-
tutions.
Banks act as the unfailing thermometer
Of the people, and the rise and fall of banks
very often reveal accurately the progress
Or the decrease of business in communities
Banks do not make money when times are
hard, for at that time money becomes tight,
business grows conservative and suspend
opera tons on a large scale; contemplated
expansion or improvements are abandoned.
When the people are prosperous and times
are good people become generous In eXpen-
diture; business is conducted on a liberal
basis and long-con templated moves are ex-
ecuted. At such times banks are patron
lied freely and money is released in large
quantities for use in trade. Banks then
make money.
The banks OF this city are as prosperous
as any in the country, and when 1t is con-
sidered that manufacturing is at pre-
MUM here the business done by the bank
ing institutions of the national capital en-
Joy a remarkable prosperity.
The history of Riggs Bank reaches back
many years and forms an interesting story
in connection with tne banking institutions
OF the capital city.
Riggs Bank has a ways stood well to the
fore in the list of financial institutions of
the District. and the history of business
activity in Washington is closely associated
with the history OF this bank.
Some of the oldest business houses In
Washington have grown with the growth of
this institution. and the correlation of bust
ness prosperity and banking growth is thus
For over forty years the old bank was a
landmark at the corner of 18th street and
Pennsylvania avenue where 1t received the
patronage of the leading people or the city
A few years ago the bank was moved to
It's present magnificent modern building, i'm
mediately above its old home.
The new home of the Riggs National
Bank IS an imposing structure, and is one
OF the foremost examples of the modern
bank building. 1t is practically a single
room. covering an entire lot "a BY 1876 feet
and proportionate In height. The building is
thoroughly firoproof and is built with mon
umental solidty.
The front OF the building IS faced with
Ionic columns forty feet in height placed
between broad surfaces, and the whole
crowned by an imposing pediment of gran
tie richly carved.
The bank is furnished with all the latest
improved methods and appliances for the
facilitating of business.
One Of the unique advantages offered pa
irons is a glass parttioned ladies room,
fitted with desk and chairs. in which
feminine depositors may attend to their
affairs without coming out into the bank
proper.
The Interior OF the bank Is treated with
q high plain base. carrying wall decora-
ton OF pilasters OF engaged columns twenty
eight feet In height. The room mas been
decorated by Mr. Garnsey, who was for sew
eral years a resident of Washington while
in charge OF the decoration of the Library
OF Congress. The soft grays and Bluffs of
1strian marble and Caen stone, enriched
with gold and color. form harmonious
background TO the counter screen of warm
PavoneZza marble and goid-colored bronze.
In the center OF the rear OF this counter
screen is bronze and plate glass door.
framed in Pavonezza. over which is seen
the vault, placed squarely in the middle OF
the room and treated fundamentally as a
small temple 1t will carry on Its face a
bronze clock In open metal work.
To the left of the entrance to the bank
the presidents room is screened off. the
corresponding space on the right forming
a reception room for ladies.
In the rear OF the building Is the direc-
tors room, wainscoted In oak.
In the basement are the heating plant
locker. book vault and an almost unim-
tied storage space.
An iron stairway six feet square, placed
leads from the basement TO the roof and
gives access to the space above the ceiling
and 10 the skylights.
Altogether the building Is a monument to
the officers of Riggs. Nothing adds much
10 business as pleasant environment. The
present building makes the transaction OF
business with this bank pleasure.
This is now regarded as one OF the model
convenient and equipped with every facility
for the conduct of a great banking business.
The officers of The bank as follows:
Charles c. Glover, president; Thomas Hyde.
vice president Arthur T. Brice cashier,
and William ]. Flather, assistant cashier
Riggs has been Familiarity termed THE
Eub-Trea sury" Here come daily the lead
ing statesmen. diplomats and society WON
On of the city
Mr. Charles c. Glover the president, en-
tered the employ OF Riggs 6 Co. young
clerk and advanced step by step. under
the guidance of that famous old financier
George w. Riggs. In 1873 he was asked tC
become a partner in the banking Arm OF
Riggs & Co. This move was fortunate
me. both for the Riggs Bank and for Mr.