Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-25
D. C.. BANKS AID HOME BUILDERS
MUCH SAME AS B. q L. BODIES
Year of Rising Prices and Good Profits
Reflected In Local Exchange-Florida
Is Calling.

10 DOrrOW n snare LOT ueuNeTy, per
haps a little speculation might be in
dulged i'm in unloading ones holdings
with intent to buy back at lower fig
ures. but such q movement would be
dangerous.
Almost without exception 1t has
been year OF advancing prices. Rail
way common has gone 80 high that
1t requires faith In the ability of the
North American Co. to in some
manner or plan yet undevised to make
the carrier pay its own way In the
world on per cent basis for pre-
ferred shares and much higher for
the holders OF common. into whose
laps must be diverted the wonderful
net earnings OF Potomac Electric Go.
Capital Traction has evidenced moIe
strength as becoming a public utility
that Is on the verge of earning per
cent after fixed and all other charges
and needs but slight help to rest on
the sunny side of Easy street.
Securities of the Potomac Electric
Light & Power Co. have reen snapped
up whenever offered and at prices
nearly on a New YORK parity. with
every prospect Of continuing strong
and in demand. The successful flota-
one block, largely In this city, was the
Washington Gas securities have all
acted we'll and have made money for
shareholders and bondholders as well.
In the typesetters Mergenthaler
Linotype Co. after years on years OF
fat returns and a fat surplus. has un-
fortunately suffered from a lean year
but there has been no permanent
dropping off in the newspaper or print
ing business. Indeed. both industries
are at their zenith. and the promise
for the use OF printers ink in 1928 is
as bright as ever. Mercy. as the
old favorite is called. recognizes Inter
type as competitor, but not Lanston
Monotype, our strong local corporation
tofflces in Philadelphia). which has
continued its march until 1t has
crossed the par mark and several
points additional.
Those who are claiming that Lans-
ton has CROSSED Mercy" must re-
member. however. that los for
Mercy" Is equivalent to s210 share
for the stock before the action doubling
the shares without increasing the
ca pital.
The new favorites. Columbia Sand
& Gravel and Sanitary Grocery shares.
have demonstrated the wisdom Of
their promoters.
Bank stocks are admittedly high,
but the class of people who generally
gather in few shares OF these stocks
are not looking for quick profits, but
for long pulls and extras.
Bank officials admit that they ex-
pect a little harder shedding in 1928
because OF the competition for de-
posits and the high rates OF interest
they are compelled to pay.
The great majority Of the financial
institutions OF the city have learned
that one way to meet increased over
head Is In the service charge. With
very few exceptions. the banks OF this
city have introduced the service
charge. and they find few objection.
lists among their depositors. provided
an explanation OF the analyses Is
made.
1t IL also fact that one of the
largest hanks in the city has in its
accounting department one OF the
highest priced clerks devoting his en-
tire time to analysing deposit ac-
counts There is hope in that.
Washington needs a few larger
banks-larger than anything now
here.
Florida IL calling. Just at present
there IL less urgency In the call. for
the Weather Bureau reports IL mighty
cold down there. but the same old sun
La down that way. and II cannot stay
under clouds long. nor can Il remain
cold when the sun comes out.
1t IL calling loudly-the cry Of
community that Is in sore stress and
need and still trusts Its old friends.