Pocahontas star herald., 1923-08-03
Little Rock Letter

Little Rock, July 30-On April 3,
1923, there were in the United States
3O,813 banks, of which 4O3 are loca-
ted in Arkansas. The total deposits
were $44,O49, 1852, of which SIPS
5S0,72761 is on deposit in the bank
ing institutions of this state.
An analysis Of the bank statements
is gratifying to the people of Arkan-
sas as being indicative of a prosperity
that discounts the complaints of the
pessimist and the fault-fnder. II is
interesting to note that the savings
deposits of the citizens of Arkansas
have increased from S3,79OOOO, in July
TO $1S,556, 600, in July, 1923.
Deposits have increased from $685.
$4,000 in July, 1914, to approximate
ly $2O1 $4,000 in July this year, an
increase Of more than 100 per cent in
nine years.
The logic in this condition is inesca-
pable. The people of Arkansas have
become more productive and thrifty,
and industrial and commercial condi-
tions are more healthful than they
have ever been in the history of the
state.
Arkansas is by no means at the bot
tom of the list in its banking facili-
ties and resources. A statement is
sued by the national supervisor of
state banks shows that the states of
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Della
ware. Florida. Idaho, Montana, Neva-
da, New Mexico, North Dakota, Okla
homa. Oregon, South Carolina, Utah,
Vermont and Wyoming have smaller
aggregate deposits than has Arkansas.
OF course, the discrepancy between
Arkansas and the great money centers
of the country are very striking as
shown by the fact that while the total
banking resources of Arkansas are ap-
proximately $225,OOO,OOO. New York
leads the list with more than twelve
billion. However, Arkansas has every
reason to be proud Of the showing
that has been made in recent years in
the increase Of its monied interests.
This does not mean that its millions
are concentrated in the hands of
few. Arkansas probably has fewer
millionaires and the resources to make
more than almost any state in the Tn
ion. Its banking resources are dis
tributed more generally and records
show that the average amount of de-
posits is higher and the proportion of
depositors greater in this state than
In many others. In other words, the
people are learning to become patrons
of the banks. They are receiving a
liberal education in sound business
principles among which is the estab-
lshed fact that money must be kept
flowing through the channels of trade
If it is TO accomplish the greatest
amount of good for the people. Hoard
ed dollars produce nothing. 1t was
the Master Himself who taught this
lesson in the paprable Of the talents
when he commended the faithful serv-
amt who placed his talents at interest
that they might gain other talents
and when he condemned the slothful
servant who hid his talent in nap
kin that he might return 20 the Master
without increase.
The banking institutions of Arkan-
sas are truthful barometer Of finan-
cial conditions. There is more money
in the state, less poverty more thrift
and less unemployment more varied
and productive industries and fewer
idle factories and mills than may be
found in almost any other state of the
Union. These conditions are reflected
truthfully in the statement Of Bank
conditions and resources and in the re
markatle increase which is indicated
bg these statements during the last
few years.
The state Bank Commissioner makes
n most gratifying report Of the condi-
tlons of the banking institutions OF
Arkansas, showing that hey are for
the most part in hourishing and
bealthful condition, that there have