Evening star., 1925-07-05
Best Convention in Seuen.
Is Verdict of ID. e.. Bankers
BY /. A. FLEMING.


The seventh annual convention of
the District Bankers ASsocia ton is
now a matter of history, but its
echoes will be heard for years to come,
and it will be a subject. for conversa-
tion when two or more persons who
were fortunate enough to have been
present meet to exchange views.
The best of the seven" was the
verdict. Nor was there a single dis
senting voice to this opinion. The
daily program at each convention ses-
sion was of high order, and the dis
cussions on local banking topics, al
ways interesting. were made much
more of a feature. Former Speaker
Mondell struck a responsive cord
among his auditors in his plea for re-
duction in income taxes, while Gov
Seay of the Federal Reserve Bank of
Richmond. while bit lengthy in his
remarks. is always interesting in his
technical talks.
Noted Guests at Dinner.
II remained for the family dinner to
furnish a climax TO the full four days
entertainment. 1t was wonderful, the
many-sided treat offered for the de-
lectation of the guests.
Wealth could not have paid for it.:
political pull or influence secured it.
for it included participation by two
Sof the best known men in America
One of the best beloved was Chauncey
Depew, and the other and outstanding
man of great wealth holding his head
high, but himself humble in manner
and life, according justice and CON
sideration to all-John d. Rockefel-
Ter, jr.
These gentlemen addressed the del
egates and their guests at the family
dinner, making their usual interesting
talks and giving to the bankers their
encouragement during the entire con-
Vention. Mr.. Depew sat through the
first session on Thursday from the
start until the end.
The first session was marked by a
feeling prayer for the recovery from
serious illness of Bert Galley, the per.
petual treasurer of the association, by
the courtesy of his brother bankers.
kilograms of good wishes were also
sent to Mr.. Galley, and subsequent
reports indicated that they were bet
ter than medicine in their effect on
the patient. His buddies were pulling
hard for him.
Innovation at Banquet.
The family dinner started with an
innovation and one that will prob
ably be followed in the future. Through
the fine courtesy. of President Deyber,
Wilmer J. Waller, chairman of the
general convention committee, was
given the honor of presiding at the
big dinner. Needless to say that Mr..
Waller, who is in training for official
honors, acquitted himself grandly.
L. p. McLachlan, ably assisted and
abetted by Tommy Brahany, pulled
of many stunts, not the least of
which was two Vocalists in ring cos
tune. who on the call of time spared
cautiously for an opening and were
many times on the point of slugging.
but on each occasion quietly slipped
out of trouble and warbled popular
airs.
Moving pictures furnished large
part of the evenings entertainment.
pictures taken at the Columbia Golf
Club. at the City Club on a wednes-
day afternoon, just as some 20 bank
ers were emerging from their week
ly gathering; at several of the banks,
with the official personnel on the
front steps doing stunts; high-class
work as those shown on the silver
screen Of any movie.
Titles were all guaranteed" by
the District Title Company, and if
there was one that lacked in clever
ness, it has not been shown as vet.
The biggest laugh of the dinner
was occasioned by a flash of Capt.
Peyser Threatens the Ball" and it
was worth all it cost.
Sports Are Close Second.
1t is doubtful if an attendance of
300 people could be secured for a
bankers convention, if due atten-
ton to amateur sports was not ac-
corded First and foremost in this
list comes the ancient and honora BILE
game of golf. The man who doesn't
play is the exception and the bank
ers almost to a man are devotees.
Clyde Asher, a director of the Lib
erty National Bank took his second
leg of the Hibb Cup and with it a
threat of ownership next year
Ralph Barnard and r. Shannon each
with a leg in their pocket were de-
ner-up position to Robert Vedder
Fleming. Numerous valuable prizes
We're offered for golf skill
Ladies of the convention putted
for dear life and fine prizes, Mrs.
John Poole being the winner of a
cup offered by her husband as first
prize. Mrs. John H. Small won the
bridge contest, many ladies taking
part.
What was the outstanding feature
of the convention itself, aside from
sports and the big dinner?
This query was asked of three or
four bankers four days after the ad-
journment and all answered finland
without second consideration:
The analyses of local bank ac-
counts with accompanying charts
and explanations by John Poole,
president of the Federal-American
Bank"
1t is a fact that Mr.. Poole is pre-
eminent in the matter of dissection
and analytical work. He has per
feet mania for figures and his find-
ings, when he has reached con-
clusion, demonstrate again that fig