The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-16
Sixteenth Annual Con- vention Commenced. ADDRESSES NOTABLE
 FOR PUBLIC INTEREST Attendance Largest in Soeiety's
 History. Reports of Omcers and Committees Yesterday-Messrs. McGrath, of Philadelphia, and ScuddeH
 of New York Speak
 William B. Ridgeiy Talks Todays

The Alabama Bankers Association yesterday completed just one half of its sixteenth nd greatest annuala ses- sion, greatest in attendance, in in terest to itself and to the public that is both it's benefactor and its bene- fciary.
 Beginning with its first gath ering, an informal coming together of mem bers in the New Exchange Hotel where members registered their names and their counting houses aliases. then through the formal session at the Ma testice Theatre where official reports and speeches of notable excellence were made; an afternoon of addresses of such splendid merit as to make them of national importance, and nocturnal smoker whose clouds Jf fragrance could not conceal the fires of commercial genius, make for the pecuniary persons day of delight and profit. and for their guests time of pleasureable education.
 The bankers seemed to have come to the city in a spirit of good cheer and they made friends of each other and Of the people who stand on the near side of the wickets and either put in money or more fortunately perhaps, are able to' take 1t out and spend 1t on the first poor person they meet. They had the spirit of the handlers of "Other Peo- ple's Money" but the spirit was soften cd into the glow of geniality by their very palpable desire to handle it With nroft to the other people as we'll as to themselves and their discussion or monetary matters was marked with the ever recurrept idea that they were not onlv workers for themselves but hold era of a popular trust to which they would ever remain loyal and faithful.
 Notable among the addresses of the rnorninK was that of Alfred J. McGrath, vice president of the Western National Rank of Philadelphia. who talked on oueratfon-Resential. among Banks. Mr. McGrath, in the language or the sporting writer. batted for William F: Rfdeely in the ninth; Mir. Ridgley did not arrive until last night and there fore will not deliver his formal ad- .dress until today. It may be said of Mir McGrath that unlike some or the mighty Caseys that are expected to drar the game out of the deep hole and strike out he lined out drive that hrouhRt the bleachers to their feet.
 In the afternoon George E. Allen, aacvatary of the American Institute of RanlxInE in New York, made a magni- 6cent address on "Our Opinions and Others.H and s. D. Scudder, assistant to inc president of the International BankinE Corporation of New York, treated international Banking" in a manner that was both schoiariy and practical. and speeches of the members of the Issociation. E. J. Buck. of Mobile, nrasIdent of the Association, besides being a pleasing chairman. made a re- port of vital importance, ana Secre- tary- Treasurer McLane Ttlton's annual report was he. Addresses Of welcome hy Charles F. Moitz and Robet F. Lig- or. and the response by John II. Frye of Rinin ngham, were admirable
 Among the reports ot the group vic. presidents, that of M. L. Robert son. of Cullman, was remarkaoe m us lucid description of conditions or the nora Particularly for it's information of ths attitude of bankers towards the prohlem of lending money on cot' ton securities.
 The Morning Session.
 After President Buck had called the convention to order. Rev. E. E. Cobbs, rector of St. Johns Episcopal Church. delivered the invocation. ,.,.z
 Speaking for the city MT mo'i'N
 Y aYn the name of Mayor Teague ana the citizens of Montgomery l olo yUa yUa hearty welcome tourSsIves to oaT es'g at home piness and hospitality.
 T understand that you Alabama bankers represent in capital and sur plus over twenty-fi five million dollars. joan account of fifty nine millions ana a deposit account of over slxty-one capital bas been materially increased by your guests. What world of mon ey to contemplate! We welcome this greet biaa iptiux wtS St us sare {oreHer ana nope
 aThis. your sixteenth annual meet ing, is said to be the largest and most represe conventton of bankers ever held in this State. The speakers, and the subjects of their papers, indl- cate the importance of this gathering. and if we make run on you, 1t IS that we may become enriched by your wisdon and your practicality rather than in the nature of 'hold-up.' You, gentlemen, by your policies control the progress and the prosperity of the
 aSy; s.Wt welcome you to a city rich in its intelligence, its healthfulness and its thrift to people actlVe Tn social find no mushroom growth, but a solid, substa ntial prosperity. We present to YOU beautiful and heatlhtul surround ings made radiant by handsome women ana chivalrous men. an atmosphere brIstling with hospitality and good cheer Whilst you remain with us We will keep the arm or proteeaii99h ttnlno tuta91no city, we have a magnificent and alert police who will take good care of you if you get into trouble.
 in beginning this address of wei come, I felt, as I did on former oc- casions when ushered into the august nresence of my own banker. like un- Covering my head. scraping my feet, and lowing to the men who furnish Iosns' Now I have taken courage ana ask you for nothing but your promise to enjoy yourselves whilst with us to accept of that hospitality wnlch we 1ps 1nn we, We receive you with friendly countenance-ask what you will except money, and it is yours. We promise hut little but will do much to make your stay pleasant. Pray with us that. Better is the little gotten in the fear of God. than great treasure and trou- lie therewithT We don't want you 10 have trouble, SO If you have mucn treasure we will relieve you of 1t. You nanA nnk carry if hack to your homeR