Fitzgerald enterprise., 1906-09-18
The Exchange National Bank Of Fitzgerald.


none is more interesting than her banking his
tory.
In this paper we are publishing compara-
tive statement showing one years growth of
this splendid institution. The advertisement is
merely simple statement in figures of its re-
sources and liabilities, now and of year ago.
All banks are required to publish from time to
time sworn statements for the information and
protection of stockholders and depostors. In
this instance the figures are more eloquent
than words. They tell not only the story of pro-
gress but indicate the solidty and strength as
strong as Gibraltar" of the Exchange National.
With practically half million dollars of re.
sources, this bank challenges the admiration of
those who have seen it grow in few years
from twenty five thousand dollar state bank
to one OF the solidest and strongest National
Banks in the state. The showing made inspires
confidence in every business man.
Although the cotton season has scarcely open
ed and the farmers refuse to sell on account OF
the low price of the staple, the bank has S32O,OOO
on deposit, against half that amount year ago
when cotton was selling rapidly at good price.
The development of this bank from the day
it was organized as the Bowen Banking Compa-
ny to the present date is mere like Alladin
lamp story than stern history. It's most graft
flying growth and pros porous administration
has been under the regime of Cashier E.
W. Stetson who came here from the American
National, of Macon in May, 1904. Altho quite
young man Mr.. Stetson has already established
reputation as one of the most successful bank
ers in South Georgia andhas made the Exchange
National the pride of its stockholders and
patrons.
With the backing he has had in the banks
very strong board of directors namely, R. V.
Bowen; Marion Dixon; James B. Clements;
William r. Bower; E. F. Chambess; B. T.
James; W. T. Paulk; L. O. Tisdel, J. J. Dormi-
ny; H. M. Warren; ]. d. MCLAUGHLIN; E. W.
Stetson.
1t would appear that success was easy, but the
wonderful growth in strength and patronage
of the Exchange National is due largely to the
energy and genius of Cashier Eugene W. Stetson.
In view of the startling frequency of late of
most revolving crimes by black 6ends in vari-
Gus parts of the south, the expression of such
emphatic and commendab1e sentiments by
member of the negro race as follows is worthy
of more than passing notice. The same is an
extract from letter from G. A. Ballard, ne
gro teacher of Jacksonville, Florida, and was pub
lished in the Atlanta Constitution:
II believe that the law-abding white man is
going to stick by and protect the faithful and
1aw-abiding negro. He has done so in the past;
believe he will do so in the future. Let us
trust him.
Il not posing as a race leader. I am
only a humble teacher. l am graduate of
Clark University of Atlanta, school which at
tended for ten years. While there was under
the instruction of both white and coored teach
ers and not one of them ever taught social
equality or domination. They taught me
righteous principles; they taught me that hon
esty is the best policy''a ignorance and crime
reproach to any people These principles
have been trying to impress upon the hearts
and minds of all the negro children who come
under for instruction, and shall continue
as long as I remain Ia the school room, so help
me God.
But that class of brutes who are assault
ing women are that class who never go to church
who never attend school for any length of time,
who never read the newspapers, who have never
heard such sermon as Rev. Proctor preached
last Sunday night, who have never heard such
advice as Booker Washington gave to his people
| last night. They are the unreached Let
| every law-abiding person do his duty in seeing
that they are reached;.that the young be given
| proper instructions, and the hardened crimi-
nails be put where they will not affect human
society.N