The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1920-12-04
Bank of Columbia
Withstands "Run''
State Examiner Craig Says De
pOsits Are Safe

Columbia, Nov. 29-FOr the first
time in more than two score years
there was a run on a bank in Colum-
bia yesterday--n a very heavy run
nor a run that was marked by hys-
terra or panic, but run nevertheless.
1t was directed against the Bank of
Columbia, one of the old esta blished
financial iStitutions of this city, hav-
ing been organized in 1892, and il
WithStOOd the strain in manner that
wash a source of qualification to it's
friends.
''The money of the depositors is
absolutely safe" said James II. Craig,
state bank examiner, yesterday even
ing while standing in the office or
the bank. II am here in Columbia
and am keeping closely in touch with
the situation, and you may quote mo
as saying that the bank will not he
closed and that the money of the de-
positors is safe" said Mr.. Craig.
The run, which really began in a
small way last week, was in evidence
early yesterday morning. Through
out practically the entire day, GUS
toners, some withdrawing accounts
and some making deposits, were IN
line, waiting patienatly their turn at
the various windows. Without ques-
ton, without quibbling, without OBJ
lection, the clerks received or paid
out the money as rapidly as possible
their sole desire being apparently tt
accommodate those before the win
dows.
|. \ great many people in line were
| CIT
small accounts, though some Of the
Withdrawals were probably large
The lobby of the bank was crowded
throughout a greater part of the day
many of the people being mere spec
tatols, a run" being q decided nov
city in this city of conservative bank
| irg. About noon, a banner was
swung across the front of the bank
! building to the effect that This bGnk
will not close. 1t will be open con-
lt.nuously for business. The banner
bore the signature james I'll. Craig,''
bank examiner, and that it had a
CcCd salutary effect upon spectators
and customers alike was clearly cNi-
| dc nj.
| The run" was devoid of excite
ment, being about as tame as a game
of checkers and was given but no
great attention after the statement
OF the Columbia Clearing House as
sociation became generally known.
| During the day several new accounts
were opened, and what was more sig
nificant, many accounts that had been
withdrawn were reentered, according
to l.. l.. Hardin. president of the
bank Mr. Hardin said last nigh,
that 80 new accounts had been open
cd during the day.
The member banks Of the F"lum-
! hia clearing house association haN"
guaranteed to each and every de
positor the payment of thcir deposits
| in the Bank Of Columbia in full, and
are standing squavely behind the in
stitution.
! Many strange stories are told rs to
, how the rumOr as to the bank un-
soundness originated, but efforts to
ascertain positively as to who start
ed it" proved unavailing. y whisper
horne on the breath of the wind.
riycn circulation thoughtlcssly, care
lcssly. perhaps without Il realiza -
ition of its dangerous potency, prob
ably brought the bank into the lime
light
In order to give all depositors full
opportunity TO get to the windows.
thc bank was kept open beyond
banking hours yesterday afternoon.
Before ; o'clock had arrived the lob
|bv WAS practically free Of rus:o-
lmerS