Evening journal., 1914-07-01
NatIonaI and slale Banks.


Savings Banks;
Surplus and Profits ....S1,653,2 ,2S1.89
Deposits ...............l2 .l2,OzO,0lb.4o
Resources ...........13 13, ,673, 1884
The Organization of the Clearing
House Association in Wilmington In
1887 was rendered necessary by the
steady increase in the volume OF busi-
ness passing through the Banks and
Trust Companies and by the import
ance of closer association and greater
unity of action by all Financial In
stitutions. The Association has
proved itself Of great benefit to the
city in dealing with questions reiat-
ing to these Institutions as a whole
and in determining a general policy
that all could follow with assurance
OF harmonious action. It has un-
ouestionably been a power for great
good in the city and is entitled to a
large measure OF credit for the soli-
darity and stability shown in local
financial affairs.
The records OF the Clearing House
present a remarkable illustration Of
the growth of business passing
through financial channels in Will
mington. During the first year, the
total checks cleared amounted to
S35. .OO5 los. For the year ending
April. 1904, this splendid aggregate,
which, at the time gave great salts
faction and encouragement TO our
bankers. had increased to S6l ,S25,796,
an increase of over S26,000,0O These
figures would seem in themselves 70
be sufficient to create the most san
guine expectati, ms and TO satisfy the
desires Of the most progressive
spirit, but the increase has gone on
steadily, until for the year ending
April, 1914, the clearings amounted
to SOS, ,917. $50, an increase during that
period of over S37 100000, or more
than the whole amount for the first
year. This foreshadows a gratifying
future for bankers in Wilmington and
ia perhaps the strongest evidence
that can be offered Of the general
prosperity of the city and its steady
and substantial development
The establishment Of the Federal
Reserve System IN Delaware cannot
fail TO have most beneficial effect,
uniting as it will Delaware Bankers
with the nationwide plan that will
assemble under joint control large
country. and will utilize these re-
sources in such manner as TO con-
serve the credit of the nation. IL Is
gratifying to know that our National
Banks have already entered the Sys-
TEN, and it is 20 be hoped that many,
If not all, of our State Banks and
Trust Companies will, at the proper
time. become members. It is very
fortunate circumstance that Delaware
has been placed in the District com
prising part Of Pennsylvania and all
OF New Jersey. with the Reserve
Bank in our neighboring City Of
Philadelphia.
The reorganization of the State
Bankers Association, which was hap
pily brought about last year, will, un-
doubtediy, prove of lasting benefit.
It is already we'll assured that the
Association will be a permanency,
and that its annual meetings Will be
occasions of great helpfulness to the
Bankers of the State. Delaware now
occupies a position of importance
equal TO other States of the Union in
this respect, a. d it is not too much
to expect that with closer association
and a better understanding all
around. whatever may be required TO
advance the interest of the Banks
and Trust Companies will be more
easily accomplished in the future
than in the past.
Another factor Of potent influence
in Delaware, having friendly rela-
tions with our financial institutions,
is the Chamber of Commerce. The
activity of this Body is stimulating
TO business in every branch, and gives
promise of healthy development along
All lines of individual endeavor. IL
has brought together in a strictly CO
besive force Bankers, Merchants,
Manufacturers. Farmers and Pro-
fessional Men, and its capacity for