Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-09
new BRANCH BANK
FORMALLY OPENED
Washington Mechanics Adds
to FaciIitieS-EchoeS of
AsheViIIe Convention.
BY EDWARD C. STONE.

the Washington Mechanics Saving
Bank, located at s401 Connecticut ave-
nue., almost across from the foot of
Newark street.
President Ezra Gould and the other
officers of the bank greeted a great
many business associates, patrons and
friends during the forenoon. Many
local bankers were among those visit
ing the new bank TO view the attractive
exterior and note all the latest interior
improvements in banking equipment
The other officers include Clarence F.
Burton, vice president and cashier: DR..
e. F. Pickford. vice president; Mrs.
Maude H. Buckingham. secretary; A.
Scott Offutt, John M Mccarthy, L. w.
Davis and w. B. Mehler. assistant
cashiers.
Banks of flowers gave the new lobby
very much of a dollhouse appearance
Many congratulations we're extended to
the architect, George Oakley lotion. jr.
Opening of this bank gives the WASH
ington Mechanics Savings institution
four Offices. the others being located at
Eighth and G streets southeast, East
Capitol and Ninth streets, and at 1908
Connecticut avenue.
The new bank is located in thriving
section of the city and one which the
officials believe will continue to grow.
The nearest banks to it are the Chevy
Chase Savings Bank, near the circle.
and the Connecticut Avenue branch of
the Franklin National, downton. The
bank will be open to receive visitors
until o'clock this evening.
Bankers Home from Convention.
Nearly 800 Washington bankers and
their guests returned from the Grove
Park Inn, Asheville, N. c.: from the
Clubhouse, the Manor House and
neighborinsn cottages in "the land OF
the sky" this morning, reaching the
Union Station at z o'clock. Arrival of
the party started the twelfth annual
convention into history.
1t was a distinguished array of speak
ers who were heard on Saturday night
at the family dinner" George o.
Vass, who had served as convention
chairman, presided Among the speak
ers were Oscar Wells Of Birmingham,
Ala, and former president of the Ameri-
can Bankers Association; Roy A. Young,
governor of the Federal Reserve System;
George j. Seay, governor of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Richmond; James
Bryens, former member of Congress
from South Carolina, and Frank j.
Hogan, counsel for the District Bankers
Association Wit flowed as it rarely
flows at banquet.
The entertainment at the family
dinner" proved that Asheville has plen-
" of f1rst-class talent. In addition to
this and the Duke University Orchestra,
Nine Marie Zendt of Chicago. star
of the concert stage, delighted the audi
fence with several numbers.
At the closing business session Attor-
ney Frank j. Hogan paid a glowing
tribute to A. ]. Fleming, dean of WASH
tngton's financial editors. Mr.. Fleming
replied in a very touching manner, at
the conclusion of which he was accord
ed tremendous applause. The grand
old man of financial journalism" as
the bankers call Pop" has attended
every convention from Deer Park to
Asheville with one exception.
Clearing Plans Are Revived.
The convention voted to make
thorough investigation of a better
method of clearing checks with banks
in nearby Maryland and Virginia. This
Is the subject to which the Washington
Clearing House Association devoted
much attention several years ago. It
came up again at this convention when
John G. FranZoni, young Federal Amer
lean Bank clerk, read an essay on that
subject which received honorable men,
ton by the judges in the institute essay
contest
Under the present plan checks on
through Richmond and Baltimore. This
always takes considerable time. In one
or two instances there have been de-
lays of as many as IL days. Bankers
for years have been seeking some more
direct method of dealing with these out
lying banks, who do almost all their
business through Washington. The in
coming administration will again try to
ind a solution of the banning problem.
In his essay, the young writer sug-
geSted daily director contact with rep
Tesentatives of the outlying institutions,
many Of his suggestions appearing to be
highly practical
Another matter before the association
related to the American Institute of
Banking. The local chapter is spon-
sored by the association. It was urged
that the faculty be increased from 10
to Is in order to provide for additional
courses, which are much needed. The
convention favored moderate increase
in tuition charges for thus enlarging the
work.
Attorney Hogan, as counsel, addressed
the convention on the subject Of bank
taxes. The question of certain re-
bates brought the matter up. MFR.
Hogan outlined the proper procedure.
He then put the convention in an up
roar when he casually remarked: You
all know how anxious I am at my age
to avoid as far as possible all litigation"
Resolutions Broad in Scope.
Chairman John Poole of the resolu-
tons committee presented an extended
set. Among other things, they called
for sending messages to Maurice Otter
back. president of the Anacostia Bank:
II. H. Mckee, president of the National
Capital Bank; j. w. Mcintosh, former
controller. and Maj. F. w. Patterson,
former financial editor of the Post, who
are ILL.,
The credit bureau drew special atten-
ton and consideration. Reports showed
It has done splendid work for the men,
Der banks during the year. The work
has grown so fast that it is too much
for the assistant secretary of the as
ISOLATION, Miss Grace M. Bromley, to
carry on in addition to her other duties.
It is, therefore, the intention of the
association to secure a credit expert
during the coming year to look after
this important and very confidential
work
The committee on credentials report
ed 80 banks represented at the conven-
ticn, hanging up new attendance
mark.
The retiring president, w. j. Waller,
was presented handsome watch at the
family dinner.
Other Convention Echoes.
In winning the Hibbs for the third
time, Clyde B. Asher made this golf
trophy his permanent possession.
The Asheville Chamber of Commerce
furnished a most remarkable scenic
tour and Mayor Roberts made a great
hit in his address of welcome.
The watch held by Charles L. Taylor
showed that Albert S. Galley was the
best top spinner present, thereby win
ming the MCLEAN Gun