Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-02-22

AS shlpbulldlng center, Wilmington /
has always been conspicuous in quality
and quantity, and also as a pioneer
"From 1881 TO 1908. 52S vessels, aggre- |
eating $4,000 tons, were committed to
the waters from the ways of Whining
tons shipyards During these years the
growth in this industry has been very
steady, that in 1908, 10000 tons, exceed
ing al previous years but one lls9S, |
when 100000 tons were recordedl. In
1906, Wilmington stood third among the
steel shipbuilding ports Of the Atlantic
Coast, being surpassed only by Philndel-
phia and Newport News. II exceeded the
combined tonnage built on the entire Pa
cifc Coast.
"rhe harbor is what the citv makes
it. Left to ITSELF it will become an in
significant creek; properly improved and
maintained, IL will carry three times its
present commerce Work hard and TO-
gether for the harhor's interests. and
thus you viii improve your commerce,
enliveu you industries, and do honor TO
the best harbor IN this, your State Of
Delaware"
Wilmington's Industrial Interests.
Francis ] du Pont spoke on "Wilmine-
tons Industrial interests" lie told Of
the great prospects that Wilmington has
in the industrial field, with the great rail
road facilities.
Banking Interests.
John S. Rossell spoke on 'Wilminq.
toms Banking Interests" He said:
Along the line Of Wilminpton's
growth from borough 10 city, we SEQ the
development of a magnificent banking
system that today is the pride and the
strong support of our people. Great as
has been our success in the building of
industrial enterprises, in the extension
OF our trade, and in the undertakings
that have contributed TO the welfare Of
the community, none will deny that much
of this success has been due 10 the pen-
erous cooperation of the banks and
other financial institutions of the citv.
and that without this cooperation the
advance movement would have been seri
ously retarded. Wilmington's banking
interests have been always closely asso-
ciated with the highest and best en-
deavors of our citizens.
Our banks and trust companies are
distinctively popular organizations, EN-
bracing within their membership, and
among their patrons, representatives of
all classes. Merchants and manufact-
urers, physicians and lawyers, and men
having special qualifications in other
callings have been selected to direct the
active management
/ "A policy OF progressive administration
mas been evolved, based upon conservat-
Ism and strict accountability, that offers
encouragement in every legitimate effort
ana guarantees fair dealing and the full
est protection. Always assured of a
cordial welcome, wherever they may pre-
fer TO place their financial interests. the
people have readily availed themselves Of
the splendid facilities offered for the con-
duct Of their business. There are few in.
dividuals who are not at some time
brought into close communication with
the banker or trust official. The farmer.
the merchant and the manufacturer finds
IL Of the utmost Importance 10 appeal 10
one or the other for advice or assistance
i believe | can say without fear of con.
tradiction, that no one, however humble.
has sought the assistance Of the oficinls
of any bank or trust company in VIII
mington and failed 10 receive proper and
courteous attention
Recent statements show that the
banks and trust companies hold on de
posit nearly Sl9,000,0OO, made up in part
OF current funds, used in ordinary trans
actions, and including a largo sum set
aside as savings out of surplus earnings.
| NO higher testimonial of popular con
hdence could he given, and no better evi-
dence of the thrift and material progress
of our citizens.
"Ihe loans and investments exceed
S22,OOO.OO0 and with the large cash re-
serve of more than $1,000 600. constitute
n solid resistance to possible shrinkage
OF values and encroachment upon the
credits of the depositors.
"Ihe real estate holdings. with which
are classed the office buildings and eouip.
ment, are valued at over 100000. and
add 90 the security offered by the hand.
some aggregate OF loans, investments and
cash reserve.
Perhaps no statement Of figures 80
fully attests the strength of our finan-
cial system as that showing the total
capital surplus and profits, which now
amount to nearly S0,5OOOOO.
I'VE have banks OF deposit and dis.
count, savings banks and trust companies
Offering TO the public a varied service.
under the most favorable auspices and al
very small cost
"There is, rs there should be. a cener.
ous rivalry between these different insti
buttons, each putting forth its best Of.
forts 70 secure a share Of patronage. and
at the same time observing strictly the
rules of perfect propriety, and adherinp
hrmly to the methods Of honorable
straightforward business relations.
1T rs a significant fact. in the fnan.
cial history Of Wilmington. that no fail.
ure ar dcialcaton has ever in tho slight.
est degree affected the credit Of any in.
stitnhon and. in the most trouhlesome
times. all have shown a strength and
solidity equal 70 the occasion. And vet
no enterprise undertaken in Wilmington
has been allowed 10 suffer for want Of
deserved support.
"We have developed the highest skin
in banking and in the administration of
trusts IN all their intricate details.
"lhe reputation of our inanciers is not
strictly local. The good work done in
Wilmington has extended beyond the
limits Of Delaware. Occasionally our
brethren in great New York have found
it 10 their advantage 10 call on us 10
work out some Of their most difficult
problems. Our banks and trust COM
panies are known throughout this coun-
try and the business connections Of a
number have extended across the waters
to Europe.
"New York and Chicago. London and
Paris. may proudly boast Of their pre-
eminence as world powers in finance. but
Wilmington. within her own proper
sphere. CONSCIOUS ol her own strength.
and asking mo- invors, bows 10 none"
Board Of Trade.
Josiah Marvel spoke on "rhe VIII
miugton Board of Trade The Board of