The Washington times., 1912-04-28
IN LOCAL FINANCIAL CIRCLES
By I. A. FLEMING.


The masters work is always well
done; brain and hands working to.
gether bring out results that appear
marvellous, and yet when one knows the
methods and comparative ease with
which these wonders have been
achieved, II seems as II one might have
taken the initiative with just as good
results.
When Field completed his plans for
laying the Atlantic cable, all the world
scoffed, yet the workmen who carried
out his ideas. who assisted the master, did
not encounter so very much trouble, yet
the results were gigantic. Today
cable is laid across the Atlantic with
out word appearing In any newspaper
anent the once wonderful feat.
Skilled surgeons, moving with assur-
ance. knowing that they are masters.
make incisions within a breath of the
vital spots; perform wonderful opera
tions with such apparent ease that the
layman marvels and all because they
have acquired the master touch.
When Edison showed his wonderful
incandescent lamp to the assembled
electricians they marvelled that they,
too, had not found the secret of the
carbon and the vacuum
Master ability, knowing how, Is not
an easy thing to acquire. 1t takes the
midnight oil in quantities, steady appli-
cations. ana constant study, backed up
by faith, but once obtained II stands as
priceless possession.
\ man should make an honest effort
to stand at the head of his calling, his
avocation, his profession and keep on
making II, even though the recognition
accorded him Is not the full measure
of his ideas. And in being ambitious, in
seeking to perfect yourself in your
chosen line, be natural, be yourself and
fill the duties assigned to you, whether
of minor or first importance to the best
of your ability.
BE your cal self whether you are at
the mead of the procession, midway or
bringing up the rear ranks Courteous
confident, and certain of recognition.
The man sitting nonchantly behind a
fOur-f1uSh and betting his stack OIL
chips. may fool his fellow-players, but
he knows that he Is a four-husher-one
can not fool oneself.
II you are the real thing; II you have
the actual ability, you know IL, ana
the man at the head knows it-you can
not fool yourself and you can not tool
the master.
And now the Congressional probers
are out after information concerning the
ba mixing business. Another investiga- =
ton, another chasing of the will O. the
wisp, to result as have the scores of in
vestigations up to date-in developing
nothing.
The Committee on Banking and Cur
rencv has sent requests to 10000 banks
asking detailed information on various
phases of business and relations with
nth In
Here is what the lawmakers want to
know:
Balance sheet showing business condi-
tion April 80
Stocks. bonds and other securities
owned, date acquired. price paid and
price carried on books.
Securities purchased from officers of
the bank.
Loans to financial institutions and to
individuals. secured in whole or part by
stocks of financial institutions.
Amount due to or from other banks.
Officers, directors and shareholders
and the amount of holdings of stock of
each.
Miscellaneous resources and liabilities.
Names of other banks which may oc-
cupy the same building.
What other financial institutions are
affiliated with the bank and the manner
in which their stock is held.
Whether any other banks have been
absorbed by the first bank.
Ard this information Will be given
broadcast TO the world if the banks
make reply. ami there is nothing 10
force them 10. unless, the 3O.GOO presi-
dents OF other officials are SUMMONED
and paid 20 tell the story, as We're tn :
witnesses in tie investigation OF the
Steel Corporation.
Scores and scores of hanks have been
absorbed by othe-' banks III the interest
Of stronger and better institutions. EN-
amplrs are not necessary. but the Con-
tinrntal-Commercia!. of Chicago, is
.tronPer than wcra the Hibernian she
Bankels National, the Commercial. the
Continental. or any one of the several
hanks that go to make this great insti-
tuition. The First National. of Chicago
both rocks of GibraIter in the financial
world. is stronger than the Metropolis
tan. the Fidelity Trust the Union Ma
lional or any of the banks that it alb
sorbcd.
1t is needless to cite instances in this
city they speak for themselves.
II the House Investigating committee
wants to help the 500 called Money
trust" it will dig deep and publish all
inforE,a alton for the benefit of the big
banks the financial giants of New York
and Chicago, that they may know Just
how the smaller institutions OF the
rIhAAINIAI NrRTEMENrc