The Washington herald., 1907-07-06
ROBERTS CONFIRMSIT
Will Quit Mint for Chicago
Bank Presidency.
NOT IN A HURRY TO LEAVE
He VIII Give COrtelyOu HIS Own
Time In Which TO Select New
DirectOr-Says He Considers APP
pOintment in the Line of Promo
tion and Is Well Pleased.

George f. Roberts, Director Of the Mint,
at his home last night personally con-
frmed the announcement that he had ac-
cepted a position in Chicago as president
Of the Commercial National Bank. 10 nh
the vacancy caused by the death Of
James II. Eckels.
Mr.. Roberts returned 10 Washington
last evening from New York. having gone
to that city from Chicago, where he went
last week for an interview with the di-
rectors Of the Commercial National Bank.
Mr.. Roberts said he was courteously re-
ceived by the directors, and that the ne
gotiatlons between them and himself had
not taken more than few hours. and
were of the most satisfactory kind. He
said that upon his arrival at home last
night he found awaiting him the official
announcement that his appointment as
president had been confirmed at a meet
ing OF the full board Of directors
Gives COrteIyou Ample Time.
Mr.. Roberts stated that he would seek
a conference with the Secretary Of the
Treasury Immediately with reference TO
his retirement as director OF the mint.
He said he would accede TO the wishes Of
the Secretary as TO the time his resigna-
tion should take effect He thought there
would be no special need of haste in
severing his connection with the Treas
ury Department. unless the Secretary so
desired Mr.. Roberts could not say when
he would present his resignation. He said
he had no intimation OF who would sue
ceed him
About the time Mr., Roberts reached
Chicago a proposed merger Of the Com
mercial National Bank and the Cont
mental National Bank had reached a
elimination 1t was found impossible for
the two banks to reach agreement as TO
the financial talue Of the assets Of each.
and after q prolonged session Of the dl-
rectors I'm Joint meeting, the merger was
called off, and Mr.. Roberts states that
it win probably not be revived again. at
least for the present
Mr.. Roberts said that the Commercial
National Bank in Chicago, although one
of the younger banks Of the Western
city, is strong financially and in an ex-
cellent condition.
Considers IL a Promotion.
While Mr.. Roberts has become greatly
attached 10 Washington. and viii sever
his official connection here with genuine
regret, he looks forward with pleasure TO
his new position. He considers the offer
he has accepted in the light Of a pro
motion. so 10 speak, and believes firmly
that the new duties will not only be con-
genial. but viii afford him opportunity
% mingle once more I'm the business
affairs of the world I'm a way that viii
rebound to his advantage
It is interesting in this connection that
the offer Of a position in Chicago is the
second one 10 be sent from the same in
stitution TO an official connected with the
Treasury Department The late James II.
Eckels was for several years Comptroller
of the Currency in the Mckinley admin
istration. before he was called 20 Chi
cago Ia look after the affairs Of the Com
mercial Bank Now Mr. Roberts is
called 90 the same position from the
Treasury.
school for FinHncicrs.
Indeed, it IS a common practice for
financial institutions 20 look 10 the Treas
ury Department for capable fnanciers.
Frank Vanderlip was allowed 10 remain
as one Of the Assistant Secretaries of the
Treasury but a little while before he was
called upon to take charge Of a large
financial institution IN New York. Lyman
J. Gage was also put in a similar insti-
tuition, graduating from the office Of Sec
retary of the Treasury. Secretary Shaw
recently followed his footsteps, and Nil
ton Allies was taken fresh from the
Treasury across the street, in this city
to become vice president Of the Riggs
National Bank.
Mr.. Roberts became director Of the
mint at the beginning Of the Mckinley
administration and has served with dis
tinCtion i'm that position Before his ap-
pointment he was publisher and editor Of
a well-known newspaper In Iowa.