Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-01-06
EVANGELICAL AND OTHERWISE

I advent of the new year. most of the
activity OF yesterday at the banks be-
ing In the receiving of coupons 70,
collection. aside from the daily rou.
tine Junior bank officials welcome
me opportunity to take much needed
rest and prepare for the work ahead
for there viii be no permanent let mn
Washington Gas Company.
The next dividend on the stock of tho
Washington Gas Company is PAYABLE
IN FEBRUARY and will be declared In a
snort time. There has been some nm
easiness on the part of shareho]ders
over the possibility of the directors
passing the dividend for the ouartar
In the event of the utilities Commission
responding unfavorably to the rannas,
for additional compensation II -
Understood, however, that the dividend
VIII be paid on the reduced scale Of
the last declaration
Why Liberty Bonds Are Weak,
The National City Bank in its January
circular charges the present weakness in
.ne market Tor liberty bonds to heavy
9Versupscrtptions made with deliberate
determination to dispose of the bonds at
crate loss. iio
This spirit was engendered in the de-
nm fa
asked and expected by the government
ana even to exceed expectations
Durlng the campaign the idea was adj
Vanced in Washington to have a number
oi prominent business men subscribe for
a large block of bonds to increase Wash
lngton's proud record even If neeessa ry
to take a small loss.
The National City Bank emphasizes the
point that there should be better under.
standing regarding subscriptions on the
next liberty loan, and urges investors to
take and hold the bonds, at least unttI
after the war--longer If possible
The following is from the circular:
Mhether the government can raise
another loan at per cent when the la ST
issue is selling in the open market at
several points below par is a question.
and 1t is pointed out by the bank that
a relatively small aggregate of sales
heavily. AS regards the suggestion
that somebody should support the mar
ket for liberty bonds, 1t is stated that
there should be no obstacle to a free
market Remedies against undue lioui-
datfon In the bonds are suggested as
follows:
1t would be an admirable move for
the subscription committee in each To-
caltty to give some attention to the sub
scriptions which cannot be carried
In the same locality. This would relieve
the New York market of offerings from
all parts of the country.
Another practice which, although
doubtless well intended, works out un-
desirable results is that inaugurated by
merchants of advertising to receive lib
erty bonds in exchange for merchan-
disc. If trade can be attracted in this
manner a merchant probably can af-
ford to sell the bonds at discount The
government. however. does not want its
bonds sold below the the issue price It
is embarrassed and injured by every
such sale"
Financial Notes.
Joseph T Talbert, a vice president of
the National City Bank. formerly of
the Commercial National Bank of Chi
cago is to retire in the near future.
New York Central system showed net
after taxes of s5,754,057 in November.
compared with $9.034.550 for the same
month of 1915.
All national banks and many trust
companies and savings institutions
will elect directors and officers during
the present week
New York Stock Exchange seats are
now quoted at $4,000. two member
ships selling at that figure last week,
an advance of $1,000 over the last
previous sale.
The Farm Loan Board rAcomnnonda