The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-20
ANNUAL BANQUET 0F BANKING INSTITUTE AT SOUTHERN CLUB
Ex-Governor O'NeaI and w. H. Kettig to Be Principal Speakers-Hilty Gives
 Interview on Institute

Former Governor Emmet ONeal and W. H. Kettig will be the principal speak CTS at the annual banquet of the Bir- rningham chapter of the American Insti- ute of Banking at the Southern club Thursday evening at 6:30 o'clock. Cover nor O'NeaI will speak on "Preparedness,' and Mir Kettig, who is member of the board of directors of the regional reserve bank at Atlanta, will discuss the work ngs of the new banking system.
 The address of Governor O'Neal on "Preparedness'' was recently given in Washington and in other eastern cities and attracted much favorable attention. MT. Kettig is a recognized authority on banking matters and local bankers are looking forward with interest to his ad- dress.
 c. P. Hilty of the First National bank will act as toastmaster and w. D. Rob- ertson of the same institution. who is president of the organization, will give a brief outline of the work of this sec tion of the American Bankers associa- tion.
 MT. Hilty, who is one of the most ac- tive members of the local chapter, gave the following interview on the activities
 
 GROWTH OF INSTITUTE
 'It is interesting to note the beginning and growth of the institute,'' said MT. Hilty. Pounded 15 years ago, small child nurtured by the American Bank CTS association, it has grown until now there are 1S,000 members This is indeed a remarkable growth, when weN consider the purpose of the organization and its restrictions. Unlike lodges for the pro- motion of sociability and insurance; un- like labor unions, organized for the pro- lection of it's members, the American h. stitute of Banking stands for education It's mission lies in the education of the bank man to full understanding of his duties and his relationship with the com. munity. A
 '"The bank man of today is living in his age When he dies someone else must accept the responsibilities of conducting affairs with the least possible annoyance to business The credit fabric must noI be impaired by handling of clumsy hands. We have come to an age where bankers are dealers in credits rather than lenders of money and credit like reputation, is hard to acquire and easily destroyed. NEED OF TRAINED MEN Therefore, for the financing and hand ling of our businesses trained men are desired, and right here the American In stitute of Banking fills the breach. The bank men of the country are studying through the institute, banking and allied subjects. Only bank men are eligible to membership. These young bankers meet weekly or oftener and study textbooks on wealth. banking, negotiable instru- ments and so forth, furnished by the in- stitute headquarters in New York. Al the conclusion of the years work an ex- animation is held exactly as in a school and certificates awarded. The holder of a certificate is in demand, because he is worth more to the community by req son of his increased knowiedge.A ''Ie experiences a new vision in his chosen field. Instead of being a cog in 1 machine, counting money perhaps or posting checks. he becomes really part of the banks success or failure He feels a new incentive. on account of awak- ened interest and feels that banking is not mere drudgery. One would imagine that counting money could not become drudgery, but it is so. Of course, one has to be painfully exact and no spu- rious bills are to be accepted, but 1t is drudgery. without an interest beyond and above being entertained. The institute takes a teller out of his cage (figuratively speaking) and takes him through the en- tire bank He will understand the prin- ciples of bookkeeping, collections. loans etc. he will. in short. be a we'll rounded banker.
 BIRMINGHAM CHAPTER "The Birmingham chapter had it's being