Evening journal., 1921-02-02
WORLD TRADE
STAGGERED BY
WAR, HE SAYS
tcontInued from page onel


with business. Work hard and stead
lily and you'll live long, is his creed,
and he lives up to II.
But about "that corner" so many
persons, high and low, rich and poor,
are asking about. Mr.. Capelle caught
the meaning OF the phrase the instant
the question was put today by an m
tervicwer.
After the Civil War" he said, "we
had Just about the same conditions OF
business appreciation and deprecla-
ton. But the magnitude or the busi-
ness crisis today Is so much greater
Than In the sixties. Why, think, every
country Is affected today. The whole
world is involved.
I'VE bankers are literally going to
school on This question all the time.
We are learning. Frankly, In reply to
your query whether business condi-
iiOns have reached bottom or have
turned the corner / say that ] don't
know. ! don't think anybody really
knows. After such a World War, re-
adjustment cannot be accomplished In
a day, nor a month, nor a year-it viii
take years"
1t was noticeable that Mr. Capelle's
handclasp was fully as firm as this
same date a year ago and II anything,
his face was a triile ruddier.
Il have had very good year, from
a health point OF view" he said. ~
have missed very few days from the
bank here. and about all l have suf-
fered from has been a few bad colds.
'1lOW are you going 20 celebrate
your anniversary ?" was asked.
by working and going homo, as
usual came the response. "lnat's
the way ! prefer 10 do and always
have tried to do or course, my
friends. and ! am happy to say I have
Tot OF them have been congratulate
ing me by telephone all the morning.
And then I've got a bushel OF letters
at home extending congratulations"
Mr. Capele's home is at 1904 Della
ware avenue.
A business caller arrived at This
iuncture and Mr.. Capelle turned 10
greet him
Just one more question. please. "
was asked. DO you keep up your
smOking2"
We'll, / should say / do" reiolned
The veteran banker. "l still smoke
cigars good, strong cigars. But /
haven't got TO the pipe or cigarette
yet he chucklcd MAYBE II / live
long enough III get 10 them. Hope TO
see You again next year, Mr.. journal
manw
An effort was made 10 learn n the
stan Of the trust company intended
presenting Mr.. Capelle with any token
OF the day, but IL was said ne did
not like the custom.
Keeps Desk In the Open.
Mr.. C1pelle retired 40 years ago
from the hardware business bearing
his name and entered banking. That
was in 1881 In 1888 he was elected
president OF the Wilmington and
/ Brandywne Bank and remained with
IL In That capacity until 10 was merg-
ed with tie old First National and
Wilmington Trust Company. Mr.. Ca
| lclle bercupon became chairman OF
The board OF directors OF the cOnsoh-
dated company. lie has held the posl
TO this day.
Mr.. Capelle's desk in the bank al
Second and Market, is out .on Inc
open fl0Or OF the banking office. II,
dislkcs hedged-in Offices and want,
TO he where ne can greet caller.
frankly and openly, can see every.
thing going on about him, and par.
ti0pate in The routine work OF the
bank Just as do The other bank on
olals.
AS for his career Il Is almost IN,
well known TO DelaNVareans 10 nee,
rehearslng, except 10 say that Mr. Ca.
pelle was born in New Castle ane
came TO Wllmington In iSiq-th,
same year the gold rush for Callfor.
MIA began. He was with John A
nunc0n's hardware store until 1850
Then he bought out Mr.. Duncan anc
started in the hardware trade on hi.
own account Later he incorporated
the Capele Hardware Company. an,
retained active MANAGEMENT until 1891
In the course OF his interview TO
day Mr.. Capelle repeated reques
he made a year ago, which was.
/ please say for me that / highl,
. appreciate an The kindly thoughts m,
, friends have for me on this. my birth
day. Their good will is the creates
, gift / can receive"