Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-10-26
By i. A. FLEMING.

The relief extended by the Washing
ton Utilities Commission to the Wash
ington Railway and Electric Company,
while only temporary, is generally
looked upon as more or less per-
manent. unless between now and May
I. 1920. there should be a decided
change for the better in the cost of
modify prices. otherwise the utility
commission is likely to repeat the
prescription.
The action has had distinct and
favorable effect on the securities of
Is now points above the low of the
year, while Railway common is 2
points and the preferred IL points
above the low.
All the various issues of bonds have
improved also.
spectacular market during the past
two weeks, resting occasionally and
then squirting for over a 2O-point rise.
1t was listed and traded in heavily on
the New York stock exchange.
Lanston's advance was steady from
6711 to S2k. but it has dropped back
little. a point or so.
During the week Old Dutch Market
preferred broke into the trading list
with a sale of preferred stock at H.
Not Against Merger.
The action of the noteholders' COM
mittee in not considering merger OF
the two street railway systems at
their last meeting does not mean that
they in any way wish to halt mer-
ger.
The majority of the people of the
District of Columbia want and are
entitled TO a united system if Con-
gress can find. with the aid of the
people and the utilities commission,
a way to bring the merger about The
bankers identified with the group OF
noteholders are in no way opposed to
the will of the people. They are
anxious. as We all are, to see how the
new schedule will work out.
In the meantime economy other than
on service is necessary.
Loyal Bank Clerks.
In these days. when shorter hours
are the deSideratum OF la Dor. the
average bank clerk and in some
cases. cashiers, and even higher Of
ficials, should be given credit for
their perfect Willingness to go the
route as decided by their superiors-
1t is but a short time ago. COM
of an earlier closing: practically all
but very few-one or two of the
larger banks-other than in the saw
ings bank groups. were perfectly
willing to pull down the curtains at
2 pm. and 1t seemed to be neces-
sity, as the war work imposed kept
Clerks. telIers and bookkeepers at
their desks long after ordinary labor,
and especially official Washington,
had called II q days work and gone
home.
In the last few weeks the habit has
developed. and will continue to grow.
of opening banks for business at $3.50
am. Il is not possible to open a bank
for business at S:30 and have the
office force on hand at that time. but
they must come earlier and get the
machine in working order. the cash
distributed and the days documents
in order. which practically necessl-
tates an S-to-4-o'clock working day
every day. and frequently to 5, s. 2.
and even later. while the paydays
keep the employees to $50 pm. be-
fore they are ready 70 prepare for
opeainx Of banks ct $50 am. Is
something otssa A-noveffysr-t6 % CLOCK
being the universal hour in big cities
and from 8 o'clock on In smaller
places. Long hours 10 movement
peculiar to this city, where the gov
eminent clerk cuts much figure and
likes TO do q little business before
going to employment-more or. less
frequently.
oficials appreciate this loyalty Of
the bank employees. hence the fire.
duent increase in salaries and the
bonus. coupled with the steady pro-
motion, civil service and merit in
vogue in practically all banks.
Up to High Standard.
Victor B. Deyber, president of the
Washington Chapter. American Insti-
fute OF Banking, and his associates
on the official staff Of the organiza-
tion have prepared a program Of
merit for the season. SO auspfciously
fnaugurated last week.
For the elementary course the lee
lures every Tuesday evening until
May IS. when the season closes. with
the exception of December 80. will
be on topics of vital Importance to
che young bank clerks, and even adj
vanced juniors.
Tracy L. Jeffords and Edwin c.
Dutton of the Washington bar will
conduct the lectures on commercial
law, while DR.. Frank O'Hara, pro-
fessor of economics in the Catholic
University Of America, will lecture on
money and exchange. Bank officials
will discuss subjects frequently, pay
ing special attention to problems as
they develop.
Next Tuesday evening the subjects
treated will be Drafts and Accept
Ances" A large class for Tuesday
and Thursday evenings is assured.
{, New Bank Director Chosen.