Evening star., 1954-09-09

washing tOI1 UUSl1lcSSI1lcu LO-
day re-appraised statistics of
last weeks American Legion
convention and concluded the
city Jared much better than
gloomy reports had indicated
earlier. t
During the convention and in
the week since its conclusion.
the business community has
been wondering whether the f.
nancial return was worth the
effort spent for the big meeting.
Complaints voiced by disap-
pointed merchants. liquor deal
ers and cab drivers received wide
publicity in the Nations press,
but a survey just conducted by
The Star uncovers brighter pic
ture than that painted a few
days ago. --
One index generally accepted
as an accurate reflection of busi-
ness conditions is the figure on
bank clearings.
Up $11 Million.
The Washington Clearing g
House Association reported to-
day that bank clearings here in
the convention week-August 80
through September 3-totaled
$104 1871 900. This figure is al
most $11 million more than the
$94. 100000 total for the COR
responding week of 1858.
Richard A. Norris, chairman
Of the association, announced the
figures without commenting on
their significance. .
Bank clearings represent check
transactions. While officials de-
clined to speculate on what ef-
feet the Legion convention had,
obviously something was STIR
ring in the financial district.
Mr.. Norris said bank elearings
here for the week preceding the
formal opening of the conven-
tion-from August % through
August 27-totaled $98,514, 900.
This compared with total of
40 noo in the corresponding
week last year.
Arata Sees Proof.
Clarence A. Arata, executive
director of the Greater Ma
tional Capital Committee, de-
clared the clearing house figures
and the figure for housing ac-
commodations during the Legion
program prove beyond any
question that a very substantial
increase in revenue was brought
to Washington by the conven-
ton"
Mr.. Arata contended the bene-
fetal effect Of the convention ex-
tended over the two-week period
because many Legionnaires and
their families arrived days in ad-
vance of the formal opening
August 30.
He said housing arrangements
were made for BOATS visitors for
two or more days during the
convention. He estimated that
another 5000 or 1000 persons
came in each day to spend one
night.
Spokesman for the Legion
contended their advance predic-
tions were borne out all along
the line. They conceded that not
every merchant did as much
business as he had anticipated.
But the spokeSmen said many
establishments came out better
than expected. They maintained
the overall effect is benficial to
the entire community.
Long-Run Benefit Seen.
This view was expressed sew
eral days ago by Philip M. Tai
bott, vice president and secretary
of Woodward & Lothrop. AL
though department store sales
did not zoom during the con-
vention, he said:
'The money the LegionnaireS
leave in the city will benefit us
in the long run"
Before the convention, Legion
spokesmen estimated q formal
registration of 10000, with a
total Legionnaire attendance of
10000. They predicted the visi-
tors would spend So million and
that the parade would attract
up to 500, 900 spectators.
James Harte, publicity chief
for the District corporation or
ganized to promote the conven-