The Washington times., 1912-04-14
.INLOCAL FINANCIAL CIRCLES
By I. A. FLEMINc.

.
In the larger cities, like New York.
Chicago. Philadelphia, and Boston. the
personal element does not out much of
q factor In the upbuilding OF a banking
business. fAa
Convenience Is often the FIRST consid-
GRAFTON. convenience and reputation.
Business men hesitate to make new
connections in their financial affairs.
so that when an account has been go
ing for some years the personal factor
IL TO be more seriously considered.
In cities with population OF the pro-
portions Of Washington the personal
factor is matter OF greater import
ance. With two such distinct business
districts, convenience Is sometimes con-
sldered. but the strong personality Of
some officials will draw business after
them 10 other locations.
There is chance for closer relation
ships here than in New York city,
where the small depoHtor or the bor-
rover in search of modest accommo-
dations never reaches the ear of the
president of a bank, and where the
speaking acquaintance with paying or
receiving teller is confined to exchang-
] ing the time of day or Of standing at
attention while the check Is question
ed of the keeper of the records.
There. can be no question but what
personality counts-that with friend
ships all else being equal, business re-
lations are strengthened A CHEEKY good
morning over the counter is help to
business. A crouch behind the counter
is not an asset for any institution. To
, be able TO add Mr.. Grant or some
taN uff Ifn mn % q
Il Just that much stronger. A man will
20 out of his way to trade with his
! friends.
| In washington friendships sometimes
I, count In reverse ratio. Consideration is
often given to accounts that are OF little
use, that do not pay for the bookkeep-
/ ing necessary TO the records, simply be-
cause some relative or friend has an
/ account OF size that might be lost
should the non-paying depositor fail to
receive consideration. Friendships often
compel bankers to treat with non
business methods customers who have
| failed in their duty, simply because oi
| the faf-reaching acquaintance of the
/ delinquent, bat banking should demand
| its rights without fear or favor.
| Teach the customer that he must meet
banking conditions, and he Will be the
better for 1t.
| Development of personality is an asset
for the man himself as well as for
the. institution. AS his acquaintance
/ IErowss Die becomes more valuable, and
| II he gives out confidence and the i'm.
preston of honesty, with evidences OF
ability and cordiality. he will ind him.
| self able to command larger salary,
| When a man loses the power to make
\ friends and hold friendships, to make
| the most of his intercourse with his
felaoy-man, he is going and going
I ttkNasihng too, has some of the most
| capable, cheerful, loyal young men ir
| the banksng business, men OF large
4 friendships, men whom nothing wil
| stop from being factors of the utmos,
| Importance in the banking business OF
\ the future.
The Commercial National Bank recog'
| nizes the value of personality. 1t has
! recently $ Installed an innoyationLont
that In O. new movement In Its. entirety
sAt every .,window," receiving, paytng
name OF the teller in charge. In like
manner the name Of the president. vice
| presidents, cashier, ETC., are on tht
officials desks. This latter is no nov
The former is an important aid to thu
VfpbuiIding OF friendships-constant con
tact with the receiving teller leads u
the pheery ,;S'Gopd morning, Mr. Smith
'Ii' It has all the appearance of wis,
movement.
A certain local bank president plans {
European trip in the near future. Il
might be we'll for the governors Of tn,
Rank of England to nail II down, elst
it, might be .'lifted." This is not Z
puzzles. TN o@~hwtS sca"
h The past week has been uninterestini
In the local security market with tn,
possible exception OF the last days ses
sion. The halt in the upward trend II
washington Railway and Electric Ia
lasted longer than was expected b!
local operators and interested parties