The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-05
WILLIAMS IS HIGHLY. COMPLIMENTARY IN DISCUSSING HARDING
Richmond Financier De. lighted at Appointment of Birmingham Banker on
 Federal Reserve Board

Berkely Williams, a prominent banker of Richmond and Baltimore, vice pres ident of the Alabama company and brother of John Skelton Williams. comp troller of the currency, was here yester- day. He was enthusiastic when informed that W. P. c. Harding of this city had been selected as a member of the federal reserve board. He was extremely com plimentary in discussing the qualifica- tions of MT. Harding. When 1t was ru- mored that MT. Harding had been of fered the place, MT. Williams wired his brother in Washington for confirmation of the report. It is presumed that the comptroller of the currency affirmed it.
 That is great news" exclaimed Mir Williams "I am certainly glad of it. can say without any fear or successful refutation that MT Harding is considered the premier financial man of this re- gional reserve district He is also con sidered one of the biggest bankers in this country by men who know talent when they come in contact with it.. When one takes into consideration the fact that only the biggest men in American finan- cial circles have been considered for a
 
 the signal honor that has been conferred upon the Birmingham banker. I know that only the most astute financiers have been under consideration. To select MT. Harding or any of the seven to be- come members of a board of seven to have charge of the financial system of all America is one of the greatest hon ors that can come to a man in finan- cial circles.
 T have always held MT. Harding in the highest esteem, and have always con- sidered him one of the best informed financial men of the entire south. I am extremely glad that he has been selected for place on that board, and sincerely trust that he will accept. It Is such a great chance to serve this nation in a most important place.
 T can imagine nothing more flat tering for Birmingham than to have one of her bankers signalled out for such an honor as this. 1 can scarcely imagine a city that will not be rec ognized over the country as one of un- usual importance that has a man whom the administration believes competent to fill such an important post. l con gratulate MT. Harding sincerely and the city of Birmingham and this state. for the honor is great for the latter" MT. Williams, who only spent few hours here, was en route from Rich mond to southern points on an inspec- tion tour. He stopped off to see liar " w. Coffin and W. E. Leak @, the two vice presidents of the Alabama com pany in charge of local operations. They talked over the affairs of the company and looked over some of the nearby properties. MT. Williams last night was a guest of the two vice presidents at dinner, which was served them at the press club,
 This Is great club,' said MT. Will Hams 1T cannot remember visiting one that is located in a more delightful place. Its furnishings are easily the most magnificent that I have seen am highly pleased that had the op- portunity of visiting here. The dining s room is one of the prettiest that I have run across in sometime. The view from the promenade is wonderful es- pecially at night. Birmingham Is to be congratulated upon this accomplish ment as we'll as upon it's progress and MT. Hardings wonderful honor''
 MT. Williams was accompanied to the city by Francis I. Johnson, well known coal operator of West Virginia. They were not here on any special mission. MT. Williams said that while business was holding its own and was not discouraging he was not in a po- sition to announce the authorization of any extensive appropriations for the local properties just at this time