Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1934-08-16
INDEPENDENT
BANKERS MEET
Prominent Speakers Score
Wall Street and Chain
Banks.
Gov. Olson Given Great
Ovation Preceding His
Address.
BY HENRY G. TEIGAN

The Independent Bankers Associa-
ton held a most successful conven-
ton at the Lowry Hotel in st. Paul
last Saturday.
Those who were instrumental in
launching the association four years
ago have every reason to congratulate
themselves on the growth Of the or
ganization. In those days. one
banker stated, I'VE met as in secret
and only a comparatively few had the
courage to show up at the conven-
tions. Look at the situation here to-
day. 1t is simply amazing and those
of us who had a part in building the
independent Bankers Association are
naturally highly gratified at the re-
Suits
President Lee Reports.
The morning session was devoted
to preliminary discussions. President
Harry Lee made his report and then
the convention adjourned until the
afternoon session at which time it
was addressed by Elmer A. Benson,
commissioner of banks, and Henry b.
Steagall chairman of the Committee
on Banking, House of Representatives
at Washington. Attorney General
Harry H. Peterson was unable to be
in attendance on account OF illness
but his prepared address was pre-
scented to the convention. 1t dealt
in a very able manner with the re-
Gently enacted Lemke-FraZier Bill.
Mr.. Peterson explained the provisions
of the law.
Benson Speaks.
Mr.. Benson showed cOncluSlvely
that he is a friend Of the Independ-
ent Banker. He declined, however,
to pose as an expert in the reform
of money and banking. There have
been many men who have set them
selves up as experts he said, but
time has proven that they were wrong.
/ do not set myself up as an expert"
Having been one of the founders of
the association, Mr.. Benson was we'll
known to the membership and it is
obvious that the vast majority OF
them appreciate the friendly attitude
that the Commissioner of Banks has
manifested toward Independent Bank,
ing as compared to the attitude of his
predecessors.
600 at Banquet.
Saturday evening a banquet was
held in the Spanish Room of the Hotel
Lowry and approximately six hundred
guests were in attendance. 1t was a
manifestation on the part of the In
dependent Bankers indicative of mill
fancy and strength. Harry Lee pre-
sided but he introduced State Senator
r. n. Gardner of Staples as toast
master. Senator Gardner functiOned
very ably and in a most appropriate
manner introduced the speakers of
the evening. Senator Henrik Ship
stead was the first speaker and he
was given a fine reception by the au-
dience. He dealt with congressional
legislation affecting the common
folks and especially as it related to
Independent Banking. He predicted
that legislation would soon be forth
coming which would make Independ-
ent Banking a safe business and that
the stranglehold now held by Wall
Street would be terminated.
Olson Given Ovation.
Following Senator Shipsteads ad-
dress, Senator Gardner introduced
Governor Floyd B. Olson. In intro
ducing the Governor, Senator Gard
ner remarked that he was happily
able to judge him without having to
depend upon information secured
through the daily newspapers. He
gave the Governor a splendid boost
so much so that the Governor later
on in his address chided Mr.. Gardner
about attempting to make political
speech for him.
The Governor received a real Ova-
ton, every guest arising to his feet
when he began his talk. He spoke
in serious vein though he was not
lacking in humor Notwithstanding his