The Cairo bulletin., 1910-10-27
ADDRESS or r. r. HARRIS.
Urges Bankers to Demand inspection
of Private Banks as Matter
of protaetinn

~ has been the practice as ! under
stand ii, for the Chairman OF the
executive connellyto make a report at
the close OF his term, but with the
advent of our paid secretary. whose
records and reports are so complete,
there is, with the reports Of the
president and special committees. lit
tie lett for the chairman TO report.
IF This function is 4 be eurtailed.
and the chairman is toa be something
more than a presiding officer, then
another function might he developed.
1t occurs to me that this associa.
ton not alone can. but should be! a
power in the business and commerce. al
life sGf the State.
1t has DONE, It seems to me, aside
|fr9u the personal things itself, all
tAf little hi the general uplift. Aside
from the things supposedly for us
purely personal welfare. it has heen
content with this annual social meet
ing and the listening TO a few good
addresses, usually on pertinent per
soaal subjects
II this association is TO Justify its
organization and continuance, it
shorli, as see 1t, strive to be an
active, energetic, helpful. progressive
force. having for its purpose the ac-
eomplishment of real ami tang bic
needs, not for itself alone, but for the
whole state.
We haunt been leaders IN anything
so far as | can learn. not even in
straight organization work, for we
nave reluctantly followed other states
in group work. paid secretary, ansur-
ance and protection, and not at all
in progressive legislation.
II we are to do something mo e
than VIC have done, it shorld be the
faction OF some of your executive Of.
ficers 10 II AXE the suggestion, and for
you to determine as t. the me t OF
the suggestion.
There are three thoughts that APP
pear to dominate, in all the recent
Western State Bankers Association
meetings, as those OF you who ne se
read their leading addresses have
doubtless noted.
aAstt That, as of. necessity, the
baker occupies a more or less com-
handing Position i1 his community,
mis- voice should always be on the.
side which fs not alone for the up
bdilding of his community from the
money-making Side. but for progress
along all | mes OF public welfa g,
The otner two points really cone
within the first, aud the banker who
mas the proper vision of his calling
is working for them. They are;
~r lst. An active, aggressive 2 deire
to promote better agr cultural Smetn-
DDS and conditions.
End. To protect AMI promotS the
bubble credit and confidence, with the
snunlest and safest banking md, hods
POSSIBLE.
~ DO not believe chat anyone can he.
a good business man, who is Hot. at
the Same time. a good c'tizen In all
nat the term implies.
We are always to remember that
principles are Infinitely greater than
| dollars, and will be, wnile the world
lives.
e. As prominent citizens, to whom
much is given and OF whom much is
to be expected. we should be alert as
helpful citizens, conservationists if
YOU will, not necessarily as pol IT,
clans or office holders, but seeing
tnat competent men are elected to
public positions, that public monies
are properly raised and efficiently
sApeRaed, and helping to expose the
| Tafter and incompetent,
Even in our own business we are
not taking the strong stand we should
or Mr w J.. Burns, our Association
detective. tells US thar one OF TIE
hardest things he has to contend with
n searching out bank forgers and
iefaulters. Is the dispos ton OF the
banker to Quit the case rather than
give II publicity, or, on the otn&
hand, to drop the matter If he gets
his money back.
There shsnld be strong. uneora
promising stand and fight against All
thieves and g~rafters, whether from
our OWE or public funds. that 1t may
be known we will stop at no reason
able efforts and expense. 10 RIA the