The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-07-03
Oil in Dawes Family

pICSluCuJ.
The story of Dawes relations
with Lorimer are interesting and
instructive. Lorimer was a first
class Republican boss, who UNI
derstood the value of dough as
convincing political argument. Ap-
peals to patriotism and the flag may
be alright with certain people but
there is nothing like the jingle of coin
to make people see straight around
election time.
To the uninitiated, money is rather
hard to get together and those who
amass great sums without any appar-
emit effort are looked on with awe by
the less fortunate. But it is easy
when you know the game. Lorimer
knew it.
Around here, check for $1,250,000
butts into the story, accompanied by
the forceful personality Of Charles G.
Dawes, the terror of evil doors, dema-
gogues and gentlemen of easy financial
virtue. This is the same Dawes who
handed the state of Illinois over to
Mckinley in the year 1896. For his
kindness and ability he was made
Comptroller Of the Currency from 1897
to 1902.
Dawes Opens Bank.
There no doubt he learned a trick
or two about currency which stood
him in good stead when he left that
position, returned to Chicago and
organized the Central Trust Company
with the aid of capitalists he favored
while on the big job in Washington.
So far so good. Mr.. Lorimer was
then in high favor in Republican Party
circles. He was elected United States
senator by the Illinois legislature after
deadlock, but so much money was
used up in purchasing the seat for him
that the senate kicked him out by
vote of 55 to % on July 10, 1912.
But the clean, pure and politically
wholesome Dawes thot highly Of Mr..
Lorimer. Here is what he thot of him
as shown in letter put into the
record during the senate trial of Lori
mer:
''Your election means that in its
relation to governmental legislation
this state will always have it's proper
position"
That letter was dated May q, 1909.
In the following year, Lorimer began
his career as a political banker. His
bank sure enough was very much like
every other bank. It opened its doors
and invited all and sundry to bring
their money which would be gratefully
accepted. The money came alright.
The bank was organized with capital
of $1,250,000. It started well. In two
years it had lost 100000. 1t being
national bank and Lorimer having
been expelled from the senate 1t was
feared an examination might be en-
barrassing, so it was decided to
change the name of the bank from the
La Sale National to the La Sale
Trust and Savings bank. The state
law required that capital and surplus
should be paid in cash before bank
could do business.
A Friend in Need.
This is where the law abiding, open
shop, strikebreaking, reparations' ex-
pert, comes in and violates the law.
Lorimer did not have enough money
in his bank to buy badge for his spe-
cial policeman so he called on his
friend Dawes for assistance.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed"
is what Lorimer warbled as Charley
gave him the warm handshake. Yes,
together they would fool the bank
ing laws of the state Of Illinois. Break
the lawsl What are the laws between
friends? Laws under capitalist society
are only made for keeping the workers
under the lash Of the profit takers
Those who make the laws are superior
to their own creation.
The state examiner was called in. ]