The evening times., 1911-07-22

AAOseAs PdocAu6 OA tnelI way very rat
man with gray hair. He is standing
at the street corner, with a small tin
cup in his hand, and is still laughing.
He will refuse to die so long as Sam
Ives insists upon remaining alive
Near him middle aged woman, with
marks Of beauty lingering, still, in
her face, is turning out sweet little
melody from wheezy hand organ.
She deserves q better fate, az Enid
Grey. remembering the railway acci-
dent. will tell you. The lovers may
not know who the poor couple are,
although their names are quite prom
inent in these pages.
Before leaving for their home, of
course the bride and groom will visit
Arlington Cemetery, and as they are
strolling solemnly to the north of the
old Lee place. commonly called a
mansion, their attention will be at
tracted to tall granite monument on
| which is this inscription: arthur
Grey, Editor Altruist and Philanthro-
pist."
But" cries the dear reader, who
may have grown weary of these
touching allusions, you have not told
us of the fate of President Bannister,
nor for what his administration was
most notable" Thank you kindly for
the suggestion.
Well, Page Bannister, having de-
clared he would not seek a second
term, and meaning what he said. re-
tired to his farm in the west. Here
he is learning the language of nature,
as it is spoken to him from the freshly
turned soil. And the one enduring
event Of his administration with
which he is more delighted than all
others is really worth telling about.
Soon after his Inauguration three
"Napoleons of finance" so called,
came from New York to see the new
chief executive. They were accomp-
anied by the astute Roberts. No mat
ter what their business was; it was
enough If it were only social call
SO they said to the reporters. At any
rate, it was not a matter that concern
ed the public that brought them there;
and that is why this volume should
deal with the subject-in order that
the real facts may be made known.
"By your permission, Mr.. Presi-
dent" began Roberts, "let me say that
we have called to discuss with you
the very serious business conditions
OF the country. AS you are aware. of
course, financial circles are much dis
turbed; there is feeling of ominous
uncertainty, a lack of confidence"
In whom, sir?" interrupted the
president, rather pointedly.
There is apprehension, an atmo-
sphere of distruct-unrest we're bet-
ter, perhaps" remarked one of the
hnanciers, who appeared to feel that
Roberts had not put the case in it's
best light. Money is going into hid
ing. Mr.. President; bankers are nerv-
Gus; credits are contracting as never
before. In truth. there is every indi-
cation OF panic. l regret to saw IT,
And my clients here" added Rob
erts, who are always watchful of the
nations welfare, have worked out
plan to prevent the impending crash.
Ihey need-indeed, they beg your as
sistance."
Here the consolidators' lawyer
paused to give the President an op-
portunity to pledge his cooperation in
forestalling the panic, for of course he
would not refuse to lend aid in saving
the business interests" of the country
from ruin, in these piping times Of
peace, too!
You will pardon me, gentlemen.
but l do not quite understand in what
way l may be Of service. You have
described the business situation as
you see it, but have not explained in
regard to the remedy"
In few words Mr.. President" re-
piled Roberts, "the First Mortgage |
Bank, finding itself in possession, un-
expectedly, of course, of a controlling
interest in the securities of the South
ern SCOT company, has decided to
foreclose upon the plant. II this is
done the SCOT company will be obliged
to suspend operations. thousands of
workingmen will be thrown out of
land the panic will be on.
1t will then be necessary to recognize
it in some. fashion. Now, my clients,
who represent the Northern Spike
company, can head off the dark and
disaster BY taking over the
SCOT property. But, should they do
so, thus restoring confidence in the
business world, they feel they ought
not to be subjected to prosecution by
the Government"
What would happen If did not ap-
prove of your plan?" inquired the
President, his eyes flashing with in
dignation.
"The First Mortgage Bank, fear,
would foreclose, the SCOT company
would be compelled to shut down,
other big banks. becoming nervous,
would contract their loans. and the
little banks everywhere would take
fright; some of them might see fit to
payments. Liquidation in all h
lines Of business would necessarily
follow. l almost shudder to think of
the awful consequences. Mr.. Presi-
dent"
Roberts was now almost in tears.
He could not have been more frank,
n will he 0haorvnd vhan ha ta1LaA