Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-05-06
STATE FINANCIERS
Continued from page

better we can understand each other, and
the more we will be one united body with
one subject in view--the growth and de-
velopment of the entire State OF Della
! ware.
Mr.. Rosscll responded and presented
his report.
RESPONSE TO GREETINGS.
Mr.. Rossoll, in responding, said in
part:
"AIr. Mayor, Gentlemen, Frien ds, All
This is, indeed, a very happy occasion
and all the more so because of the very
gracious words of welcome which we
have heard from the chief executive of
our metropolis.
1 The heart of Delaware beats ever
true. and ii is not too much to say that
Delawareans are really very fond of one
another. Their loyalty to the State, their
devotion TO the interests of their fellow
citizens, and their high purpose to dis
charge every duty with the strictest fidel-
ity, cement them firmly in an enduring
brotherhood that shows its force evcry-
where In the State.
No man ls worthy to be called a
Delawarean who cherishes or promotes a
spirit of antagonism toward his brother
or who would excite the hostility of one
section of the State against another. If
there arc any such in the State, | am
happy to say | do not know them. Quito
10 the contrary, in the large circle of ac-
quaintanccs | have formed, | have found
responsive cordiallty, perfectly sincere and
expressive Of genuine loyalty Of heart and
mind.
The bankers of Wilmington today are
showing in practical and substantial way
their high regard for their brothers in other
sections of the State, and those who have
come from Lower Delaware, and those " no
are here from other parts, | know feel
deeply the words of welcome Of our honor
ed mayor
Permit me TO say, however, that our
work has only fairly begun. Much has
been accomplished, but much more re-
mains to be done. In the course of our
proceedings today many topics that we
have, perhaps, heretofore not regarded as
part Of our business, or have felt we did
not have the time to consider, will be
presented | can best bring these mat
ters to your attention by referring to the
report of the executive committee which
presently will be read. and to ask that YOU
make special note Of the important topics
proposed by that committee. and of the
subjects presented in the reports Of the
other committees as they are submitted
The able addresses which we will have
the pleasure of hearing during this meet
ing will doubtless suggest 10 us. also a
line of action that We will be most willing
to follow.
SOME TIMELY sU GGEsToNs.
Allow me to present a few practical
suggestions in harmony with the declared
PURPOSES of our association
REPORT or PRESIDENT.
Mr. Rosscll, in his report as president,
said in par;
'It is. in my opinion. entirely allow
able, to claim that Delaware has one OF
the best State bankers associations in the
country. We are doing more constructive
work than many other larger bodies and
we are making an impression upon the
banking fraternity so favorable as to win
for our State and for ourselves the adj
miration and respect Of even those who in
times gone by didn't seem To know that
Delaware was on the map. This was
very much the case during the last an
nual meeting of the American Bankers
Association, where Delaware was repre-
sented by the largest delegation, in re-
spect to population. that attended from
any Of the States Ii is important to
note in this connection that in the cleo
tion Of former Governor Miller as mem
ber OF the executive council. on the nomi-
nation OF our bankers, TO represent Della
ware alone. our small but progressive !
was for the first time
placed on an equal footing with the great
cs; and weaithiest States Of the union
The joint meetings Of committees
n rgTr- II
been well attended and have proved TO he
occasions of great profit. not only to those
present but also 70 the entire membership
Of the association through the publication
Of the proceedings IN our ever obIiging
At these meetings the vali-
able experience and the best judgment Of
our leading bankers have been applied as
an actual test Of the important questions
submitted for consideration and ] have no
hesitation IN SAYING that when the reports
of these committees have been submitted
to YOU YOU Will agree that the decisions
reached were reasonable and wise.
Bankers should ever have in mind that
they are the friends and advisors Of their
patrons. exempiars In the community
III which they lye, and developers Of the
commonwealth Bankers are the trustees
Of the people, 10 larger sense, charged
With the protection oi their wealth. and /
IN the discharge Of this trust too great
care cannot be exercised
III will agree that lax methods and
careless personnel are the curse Of anv
banking Institution. Happily tins is not
true Of our Delaware Institutions, bat We
have had elsewhere terrible examples of /
these unfortunate surroundings We /
should employ the best methods. main .
tain the highest standard, provide every +
possible safeguard and exercise the closest /
scrutiny.
We should adopt every plan that will
promote the welfare Of officers and en-
ployes Give them assurance Of the high
est reward for loyalty and efficiency
Banking is not primarily q money
making business Our highest motive
should be the best service and the greatest
good ID the greatest number 0f people
Extend the helping hand TO every man Of
right intention with q well-defihed and
necessary enterprise to promote and never
.orgct that after al the best risk IS the
moral risk
Finally we stood forth bravoly in
yhe dark days Of the VI orld War and rem !
Tered most merltOrlous service to our
country, let us now rs bravely do our
1hole duty in what seem 10 be the dark
lays of peace United action, indus
.rious endeayor, steady progress. and
4ise counsel will see us safely through
very difficulty and advances as we'll on
he road to more perfect peace and
greater prosperity.
AT 80 the bankers were the guests Of
he Wilmington Clearing House Associa-
ion 1T luncheon. John II. Dandy, presi-