Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-09-13
COL. ROBERT ]. LOWRY
ADDRESSED BANKERS
Well Known Albanian Re-
Sponded to Speech of Wei
come at Detroit
Especial Dispatch to The JOurnaLl

at the bankers convention yesterday
recalled that it was in Detroit fifteen
years ago that he surrendered the presi-
dency of the association.
He insisted that the nations bankers
were interested not alone in their in
dividual prosperity, but in the general
welfare of the county; that they had
declared for sound money when most
Of the politicians of the country were
talking about free silver and bimetal-
ism. He declared in favor Of bigger
navy, for the upbuilding Of a merchant
marine and for improving our consular
service.
Colonel Lowry's speech follows:
I'VE appreciate your words of cor
dial welcome more than 1 have words
at my command to express. However
we expected this before we came here
that is. those of us who have enjoy
ed your hospitality in years past and
those Of us who have not been here
before will know hereafter what De-
trOit hospitality means
LOOKING BACK.
Looking back through memory's eye,
not bedimmed by the fifteen years which
have elapsed. / see two magnificent
steamboats, linked together, filled with
the most tasteful viands TO eat, the
most exhilarating liquids to drink and
the most beautiful and attractive ladies
TO admire, for all of which your great
city enjoys a merited fame; which was
most enjoyable treat to all OF us VINO
had the opportunity and pleasure to
attend the 1897 convention Of the asso-
citation here. / recall also that magnin-
cent luncheon given by Walker Brothers
across the river in Canada, on that
beautiful green plot of four or nve
acres; a most inspiring and enjoyable
occasion. With that distinctly In my
mind, who could wonder that L say
that those of us who have been here
before know what Detroit can DO Wheh
she gets on the job@
In this city fifteen years ago / laid
down my commission as president or
this association, to which office the as
ISOLATION had been good enough to elect
me the previous year In st. Louis. II
was indeed gratifying TO see the good
work that had been done beginning TO
show results, for it win be remember
ed that our association declared Tor
sound money when we were Emporium
ed by all political parties to CONSIDER
the free coinage of silver, bimetalism
laration in 1896 il was here, in 1897,
that good results began to show, and IN
the subsequent years the history or
the country has indicated the judgment
of the association on that question.
PREDICTS PROSPERITY.
las bankers. we are patriots, and are
interested in everything that interests
our country. Our vacations are such
that we could not be otherwise than pa
triots. Integrity is the cornerstone up
on which the superstructure Of our bus
mess and our association stands. We
have asked for no special laws, but we
favor general laws which are applicable
for the good of the people of the whole
country. for we stand for the growth
and upIift Of the nation, and we are
only successful individually when the
whole country enjoys prosperity.
aside from our interest in home de-
velopment and progress, we stand Tor
the better ment of our consular service
abroad, for the building up Of strong
American merchant marine and the
strengthening of our navy. Much has
been done along these lines, but 1 rear
not as much as should have been done,
for this great country should have all
the prestige on the high seas and In
foreign lands which its wonderful
growth. industry and intelligence at
home should warrant.
ST will not take more of your time,
as there are other gentlemen TO follow
me who can entertain you better out
let me in closing tender to you the
greetings OF the beautiful southland,
r. home of sentiment as we'll as in
duxtrv: the land which cherishes It's
history and tradition, but is alive TO
the opportunities for twentieth cen
turv progress. Our crops are just now
being gathered, and are much better
tban we had expected. Our people are
hopeful and happy, and extend TO you
All a cordial invitation TO come down
south in Dixie whenever you nave the
opportunity. 1 thank you.
National conventions Of the trust COM
NAMES savings banks, clearing house and
go sscretaries' sections of the Ameri-
can BANKERS association cleared up much
routine business at their opening ses-
sIons today and then listened 10 ad-
dresses. George NJ Reynolds, Of Chi
cago. discussing the Money Trust IN
ourv." was the first speaker at the trust
company's convention.
TODAY'S BUSINESS.
Success of the governments postal saw
ings bank system as viewed by Theodore
I, Weed. director of the system, was
the principal address delivered to the
savings bank section. Mr.. Weed said the
federal savings bank system, instead or
competing with other financial organiza-
lions, has proved 10 be a help, encourag-
ing thrift on the part of various classes
who never had been customers Of any
bank.
The director saw in the governments
savings system a mode of education for
many persons who might be expected to
become, for the first time, regular depos-
tors in banks not operated by the gov
eminent.
Sol Wexter, of New Orleans, speaking
TO the clearing house section, discussed
the functions of the modern clearing
house"
ST. PAUL SELECTED.
The National Association OF Supervisors
of State Banks concluded their conven-
ton today with the selection of St. Paul
for the 1913 meeting and election of off,
GERS. It was decided not to meet in con-
nection with the American Bankers as
ISOLATION in the future.
The new officers are:
r. NJ. Scammon, Concord, n. H., was
elected president and B. L. Gill; Austin,
Tex, second vice president.