Evening star., 1932-10-09
RIGGS BANKS HEAD
GIVEN A. B. A. POSTS
Fleming Is Made Chairman of
Legislative Council and
of Committee.

Dispatches from Los Angeles yester-
day stated that Francis H. Sisson, new
president of the American Bankers As
socialion has asked Robert V. Fleming.
president of the Riggs National Bank
of this city. to serve another year as
chairman OF the A. B. A Legislative
Council and also of the Committee on
Federal Legislation. President Sisson
said he made the appointment because
of the distinction with which the
Washington banker had served both
of these committees during the past
year"
One of the outstanding reports made
at Los Angeles was presented by Mr..
Fleming as chairman of this Federal
Legislation Committee. Among other
things he stated that in business a man
may expect the cooperation of his as
SoclateS in working toward some def
mite goal; in Congress partianShip is the
general rule and often members of op-
posite parties, although possibly close
personal friends, find themselves in an
antagonistic position because of party
policy. Every piece of legislation which
reaches the Presidents desk is usually
compromise
Committee Work Held Vital.
The Washington banker stressed the
merits of the committee work and the
congressional hearings. 1t is impos-
sible for every member of Congress to
give each piece OF legislation his per-
sOnal attention. which makes committee
recommendations of great value. Some
committee decisions may be even more
important than action taken by either
house
During the last session. Mr. Fleming
added, there were hundreds of bills in
troduced in both houses pertaining to
banking. which made it necessary for
the Association to be constantly in
touch with the measures introduced.
Each bill was carefully ScrutiniZed both
as to the effect of its provisions if en-
acted into law, as we'll as the likelihood
of favorable consideration in Congress.
From the opening days of the session
the associations Committee on Federal
Legislation, officers of the association
and the Interim Committee were con-
tinually at work on these matters.
Measures which were deemed construc-
tive and helpful we're given every sup
port, suggestions and recommendations
being made in many cases on other
bills. In the case of measures which
appeared detrimental to the associa-
tion'S members, the position OF the or
ganization and the reasons for the op-
position were recorded with the COM
mittees of Congress.
Important Measures Supported.
The association took an active part
in supporting the bill creating the Re-
construction Finance Corporation. as
well as the Glass-Steagall bill. The as
sociation also indorsed the Federal
bankruptcy bill. The bill providing for
the guarantee of bank deposits was op-
posed. The association favored the
2-cent tax on bank checks, as it did not
want to do anything that would hinder
balancing the budget.
In conclusion, Mr.. Fleming reviewed
the position CT the association on the
Glass banking bill, which is expected to
come up again at the next session OF
Congress. The new bill will meet with
the approval of the bankers in many
ways. Others will be given more atten-
ton.
Many of the measures passed at the
last session were highly constructive.
Ample credit is now available. our gold
supply is increasing, currency is coming
out of boarding, and there are many
signs of returning confidence apd bet
terment in many lines Of business. We
are emerging from this depression upon
firmer and sounder foundations than
ever before" Chairman Fleming as
oA