The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-05-30

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fngton. tho United States marshal re-
ceiver OF the land office. postmaster at
Topeka and the federal courts. The
treasurer Of Shawnee county the CITY
OF topeka and the board Of education
are also depositors in this bank.
Policy OF Progress.
The Merchants National, while cling
ing fast to all the old fashioned meth
DDS that insure the safety and per-
manency Of the institution. at the same
time keeps fully abreast of all progress
slve banking methods that tend to the
convenience of its patrons. Besides
paying interest on all time deposits It
sells drafts payable at par In any city
In the United States, and also sells for
eign drafts available in all the prin-
cipal cities OF the world. 1t transfers
money by telegraph, buys and sells
government bonds and has safety de-
posit boxes for rent.
Growth of the Bank.
The growth of this bank has been in
keeping with its methods and the char
acter Of the men in charge of its busi-
ness since its organization, which is to
say that it has been steady, safe,
strong, and yet at the same time the
conservatism that insured safety has
been tempered with energy, business
capacity and foresight to the extent
that the bank has been kept up with
the times and its volume OF business
increased to marked extent every
single year of its long career. After
ten years of business its deposits total
ed 1891. o65.22 in 1908. with capitalism
plus and undivided profits of $113. s1s.26.
In 1900 its deposits were a half million,
while in 1908 its deposits are $1.55s. ss6.61
and its capital. surplus and profits
$1S2, 42S. sc. -.ssss
Increased Facilities.
Eight years ago the bank had five
men behind it's counters and their work
was divided into two departments. Now
it has eleven employees and four sep
arate departments of work. 1t still ad-
heres rigidly to the old fashioned plan
of the officers consulting the directors
in regard to every business matter and
venture of importance.
Thus the judgment and experience OF
a half dozen or more men of large and
varied interests are called to the aid
of the men at the helm to set a course
for the ship in the financial sea.
Safety Devices.
Funds of the institution and its de-
positors are protected by the bes'
known burglar proof safes and vaults
lined by the American Bank Protec.
ton Co.'S steel plates and burglar
alarm system. In addition to this
the bank carries $150,o0O burglary in
surance placed in substantial lnsur
ance companies.
Stock Owned by Topeka Men.
At the time of the organization o
this bank in 1888 fully so per cent o
the stock was held by nonresidents
among whom were a number OF wei
| known directors or officers Of the Atch
ison, Topeka & Santa Fe Ry. Co.: MI
b. p. Cheney, Mr.. Joseph Nickerson
| Mr. VIM. B. Strong, Mr.. Geo. R. Peel
| and I. T. Burr. During the past tel
years nearly the entire holding of non
| residents has been acquired by Tope
ka shareholders, making the Mer
chants National bank essentially
| Topeka Institution. The following is
list of the present shareholders:
Robert Pierce.
| W. A. L. Thompson.
| w. W.. Manspeaker.
| c. B. Smith.
| Mrs. c. B. Smith
| Alberta T.. Alexander.
| Alberta T. Alexander, Gdn.
Chas. H. Weller.
F. w. Freeman.
| H. L. Hail.
| L. F. Weller.
J. S. Parks.
| F. p MacLennan.
H. r. Nickerson.
| G. NJ Freeman.
H. P. Dillon.
B. F. Harris. Jr.
F. M Bonebrake.
Geo. Neil.
E. L. Copeland.
The directors own more than 70 pc
| cent Of the stock in the bank
Prophetic Prediction.
The officers and directors Of the Mer
/ chants National naturally feel prou
of the grand record the bank has mad
and will celebrate its twentieth birth
day next Thursday in a spirit of elatio
over the past and high confidence i
the future. 1t is likely that they wi
indulge in some speculation as to tn
progress of Topeka during the mex
20 years and the standing of the ban
4 at the expiration Of the term of it ;
year charter that will begin its term {