The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-05-15
WHAT A LITTLE FIRE KINDLETH

Commenting upon the recent run upon
one of the solideSt and most firmly substan-
tial banking institutions in the southwest, the
Security National Bank of Dallas, the News
of that city, speaking editorially, says that
there can be little doubt that the near crash
was started through a false rumor, or, pos
sibly, by chance remark dropped without
any particular malice, by some thoughtess
person.
While we are not in position to know
how the rumor gained currency the rumOr
which started the run that would have closed
the doors of the bank and spelt ruin for
many of its depositors but for the careful
and brilliant manner in which the officers of
the institution coped with the situation and
tided over the critical period), we do know
that careless word, an unthinkng remark,
made with or without evil intent, has been the
opening wedge, all too often used, which has
started the first little crook and led to the
ultimate destruction of some of the soundest
financial institutions of the nation.
The thoughtless word the word spoken
without care of consequences, has all too
often fired the train which has brought about
the explosion which, in turn, has wrecked
business houses, ruined communities, finan-
4
world that has been overcome only after the
most strenuous efforts were put forth by the
substantial men of means.
Men of all classes should be specially
guarded at this particular time in anything
and everything which they may say about
the financial status of any concern Taken
as rule the banks of the southwest are safe
and sound, conducted along conservative
lines, officered by men who understand the
existing conditions and who, therefore, appre-
ciate the fact that only cool heads and good
judgment can be depended upon to avert a
nationwide crash while we are passing
| through one of the most acute crises in the
history of America.
An unwise remark, an unthoughted word
sentence spoken, without scintia of truth
: or foundation on fact, derrogatorily about a
business concern, especially about banking
: house, like little fire dropped in the dried
: grasses of autumn, will start consuming
flame which all the waters of business acu
men and conservatism will be required to ex
5 tingush.
4 Out west in what is called the "cov
e country the puncher who rolls and lights
4 his cigarette, carefully blows out the flame o.
n the match and,after having enjoyed his smoke
: drops the "butt" upon the ground and, will
e his boot heel, grinds out the last spark o
il kindling fire He does this in order that an!
: unwse and thoughtless act on his part as al
> individual, may not bring about the ruin o
= whole communities he does this that the limo
n cent may not be made to suffer through hi
s act of unintentiona vandalism; he does thi
?, because he knows how much little fir
IS kindleth
= If the nomadic cowboy, with thought onl
d for the safety of the general public, can $
- thoughtfuly safeguard the veal of all, VIII
c cannot the individual who walks about tn
h streets of the cities, or rides in his benzin
buggy, do as much for those who live In tn
~ more congested sections, in the commercis
D. and financial eenters?
1t Just a word thoughtlessly spoken was,
Sc this case, the little spark of fire dropped
Is the dry grasses, there to awaken spreadin
ie Flames Of distrust which poured out, way
lg upon wave, each flame leaping higher than /