The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1936-05-28
BANK
FUTURE SEEN
BY FLEMING

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS,
w. Va, May 28.-"Despite the
half.truths and untruths which
are voiced from time to time re-
garding our banking system,
and their influence in creating
mistaken ideas about banks
and bankers, have no fear for
the future of American bank
ing, for 1 have great confidence
in the fairness and common
sense of the American people
when they understand"
Robert v. Fleming, president Of
the Riggs National Bank and
president Of the American Bank
ers Association, said this today in
addressing the annual convention
of the District Of Columbia Bank
ers Association here today.
Praises d. C. Bankers
PraiSing the work of the banks
and bankers in the District. Mr..
Fleming continued:
"If bankers, the governmental
authorities Of the State and
nation, and the general public
will work together in an under.
standing manner, each group
assuming its share of response.
bility, we shall develop a far
more stable and Serviceable
banking system than we have
ever known in the history Of
our country"
Bankers, Mr.. Fleming said, have
no desire to shirk their response
bilitieS but are endeavoring to do
their full share in this cooperative
effort. At the same time he said,
there is evidence that the super
visory officials of the Government
are willing to cooperate with the
bankers in the solution of bank
ing problems affecting the public
interest.
Public Relations Improved
AS a result of this, he pointed
out. there is evidence that the peo-
pie of the country already have
better understanding of banking
and its functions. He added:
I'VE have in this country to-
day a banking system which diff
ferS in many respects from that
Of 10 years ago. New methods
of operation, new laws and new
customs are in evidence every.
where.
"WhiIe the fundamentals Of
sound banking do not change,
new methods of carrying out
these principles are made neceS-
sary by changing conditions and
new laws"
To carry on this work, Mr.. Elem
ing explained, his administration
has inaugurated series of region
al conferences throughout the
country at which bankers may
meet and discuss their common
problems, gain a knowledge of the
most up-to-date methods of opera
ton and new appreciation of the
Importance of the factor of GUS
toner relations.
Pointing out that the bankers
have at their command "a power.
full force which they can exercise
for the public good" Mr.. Fleming
declared it behooves the bankers
to make every effort to extend
credit within the limitations placed
on banks by laws and regulations
and in conformity with the exer-
else of sound and prudent judg,
ment.
Educate DepOsitOrs
He also urged that the bankers
take steps to call attention to mis-
taken ideas which prevail regard
ing the structure of our banking
system and the service rendered
by the banks.
1t is especially important for
bankers in the District, he said, to
have a thorough knowledge Of
banking laws, procedure and tech
nique because of the daily contacts
with administrative leaders and
members of Congress. The Dis
trict, he pointed out, has rare
opportunity to set standards of
banking ethics and servive as an
example to banks throughout the
nation