Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-06-27
by l. 4. FLEMING.
u Mao Some convention. y

III \. Y. El4EAkEANh.
1T WAS some convention
From every point of view, from
the bredth of financial subjects dis
cuSscd the speeches delivered by
Merle Trorpc editor of The Nation s
Business, ana George J. Seay. COVER
nor of the Federal Reserve Bank of
Richmond; the paper read by the
juniors of the American Institute of
Banking, local chapter, the topics
discussed and the reports made by
the various committees of the District
Bankers Association through their
chairman, and Bert Gatleys response
to congratulations offered him on re-
CoVery from his serious illness that
prevented his attendance on the 1925
convention, the convention WAS Il
success.
From social standpoint it. was ''the
best ever" Many receptions were held
every evening and there was an in
termingling and fellowship leading up
to the grand finale, the family dinner,
with the entire personnel of the con
vention gathered together in the big
dining room, where Il program of rare
excellence was carried out under the
leadership of the entertainment com
mittee. where the prizes of the
various sporting events We're awarded
and good fellowship and Sociability
dominated.
It seems to be the same story every
year, each convention is IA master
piece OF good management, each
reaches n little higher degree of
success than its predecessor and each
attracts such general attention. and
good report passed from those fortu-
nate enough to have been present
to the unfortunates that were absent
that when another year rolls around
the attendance is increased.
There Is no question but what in
the next few Years several hundred
people will make it a practice to at
tend each recurring gathering of the
bankers. the more especially II such
an attra spot as Hot Springs, Va,
is chosen as the meeting place for
there is nothing missing, nothing
wanting in the location or in the
hotel.
Features of Meeting.
Where the entire convention pro
gram in all features was so nearly
perfect it is not easy to give special
mention ever where it is due.
Merle Thorpe carried away the
honors in studied address. fine in
choice words and expressions, fun OF
Wit and rare hum0r, delivered with
the art of an orator and we'll received
from the first line uttered until
the end. 1t is n we'll trained orator
and a we'll prepared speech that will
win applause and laughter part Of
time. but when there Is wisdom and
sufficient amount of wit to keep I'D
a continuous broad smile, there is real
art. Mr.. Thrope was distinct success,
The young men Of Washington
Chapter, a. /. r., with their prize
essays plainly indicated that there will
he talent available Tor the needs of
banking as the cali for new leaders
comes along.
William w. Spaid as POSTMASTER of
the family dinner brought to his aid
an untapped spring of Wit and made a
clever presiding official. Indeed. his
sallieS We're a large part Of the enter
tainment.
A souvenir book containing 81 car
tOonS of prominent Washington bank
ers, drawn by Clifford *. Bergman.
The Stars famous artist, was given to
each guest at the dinner and Mr..
Bergman was busy all day Sunday
autOgraphing the books and drawing
little Bruins for his friends. The car
toonS made a great hit with every
body.
The entertainment committee. under
the leadership of T.. j. McQuade. ably
assisted by Tommy Brehaney, George
O'ConnOr and Matt Horn, left nothing
to be desired.
Bert Gatly was so well pleased at
being able to attend a convention
once more that he radiated smiles.
The weather man was rather mean
in the brand of weather served, but
the golf -legion-found not the
slightest hindrance in driving and
putting.
Prizes were. as usual, numerous and
valuable.
Personal Mention.
Harry Haynes carried off the big
ripe plum. the three-year term as
member Of the executive council OF
the American Bankers Association.
Every one would like to have it, but
the three-year interim between cleo
tons is a handicap to many serving.
No one deserved the honor more
than did the active, energetic preSi-
dent of the Farmers and Mechanics
National Bank and OF the Clearing
House Association. Mr.. Haynes rec
Ognition was for both positive and
diplomatic work.
Wilmar Waller. vice president of
the Federal-American National, has
reason to be proud Of the delegation
that met him with open arms as he
alighted from the train on Friday
evening. 1t was d splendid tribute
and a fine prelude to the march to the
presidency which he started the next
day, Saturday. in the election to the
post of Secretary. the first stepping
stone which in three years viii put
the purple on his shoulders.
Neglect to mention the splendid
work of John NJ. Riordan of the hotel
committee and Hillary Hosklnson OF
the transportation committee would
be criminal. Both worked Ike troop
ers and both made good.