THE CHICAGO 'BAAtKE'R
	Founded in	18 9 8
Volume xxv	CHICAGO, JULY	11, 1 908 Number 2
Ohio Banking Conditions Reviewed
bly, this new law should be the subject of careful study by all Ohio bankers and its operations should be closely observed; we will then be better prepared to suggest what should be done in the way of making alterations and improvements.
We have traveled together many hours, come a long distance from home and it would be, perhaps, a relief to forego for the time being, all thought of panics. As your presiding officer, I should feel like declaring out of order any member who mentions the word panic, unless he does so with a smiling face.
The bankers of Ohio have every reason to be highly gratified with their record in handling the serious problems which have confronted them in the twelve eventful months since our last annual convention.
They were compelled to think and act quickly and the results have proved they did so wisely and well, the proof of which grows stronger with the passing of time.
Self-preservation in all kinds of panics is the first law of nature, but after the first shock, it is soon demonstrated that we must not neglect those around us, we are then swift to extend a helping hand.
This has been the condition since the beginning of the present year and here is where our wisdom is needed. In the banker, more than all others, rests the responsibility of gathering up the broken threads of business and weaving them again into a perfect fabric.
As sure as to-day’s setting sun" will be followed by the dawn of to-morrow, this nation will again prosper in business and taking heed of the lessons of the past, will move on to greater heights with better laws, cleaner methods and improved systems, which will arise out of the chaos and ruins of last year.
In these achievements, the Ohio banker, through his individuality, through his group, and through this association, will be found ever ready to do his full share of labor, however arduous.
Great things were expected of the Congress of the United States, which closed its session May 30th. Many anticipated that a currency bill would be enacted in the early days of the session, which would afford immediate relief from the stringency then existing and establish a basis for a sound currency, which would last for years to come.
As the days passed, bill after bill was presented and plans innumerable were proposed. Opposition to everything brought forth was strong and bitter. Measures which seemed at the time most logical were attacked on the ground that they were too radical and would endanger the financial and business interests of the country, bringing new disaster if adopted at once.
Whether or not the emergency bill as passed was the best of its kind, or whether it will ever be given a fair trial or not, the lawful opportunity to increase the bank circulation is at hand'and by that reason may save the situation, should conditions suddenly arise demanding temporary relief.
The appointment of the national monetary commission and the duties laid before it must cause the bankers of these United States to be on the alert to help bring about a wise conclusion of the whole matter. It is certainly to be expected that the best talent in banking
President E. W. Bixby’s Annual Address at the Thousand Islands Convention
Those of us who have been members of the Ohio Bankers Association since its foundation and have seen its healthful growth, know it to be a strong factor in securing good banking laws, devising safe banking methods and encouraging social intercourse. In all these, it has accomplished much and is alive to what is best for the banker and his bank. Any banker, it seems to me, who takes pride in his profession, for such it is, can always learn from others. Where else are such favorable
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opportunities for improv.ement offered as_ we have in this association, in its group meetings and in our conventions? To be a member is worth many times its cost; to attend the meetings certainly does not mean money thrown away; the friendships formed are priceless.
For many years, this association has been committed to the work of obtaining the passage of a banking bill by the legislature, which would bring order out of the chaos, which has so long existed by reason of the conflicting, antiquated and incomplete laws heretofore in force.
Through the earnest and energetic work of the executive and legislative committees of past years, supported by the prevailing sentiment of the association, the Thomas banking bill has finally become a law, and while it may not be all that could be desired, undoubtedly, a good foundation has been laid upon which can and will be built a more perfect structure.
This association has stood at all times, for a banking bill that would be clear, concise, honest and fair, one that would permit no unfair discrimination between the banks and the people, safeguarding alike the bank and its customer.
Until the meeting of the next general ass era-
Before offering his annual address, President Bixby, of the Ohio Bankers, at the Thousand Islands convention, explained its brevity as follows :
“Immediately after I had outlined the subject matter for your president’s annual address,
I received the official program, announcing that the committee had decided that this year s convention would have but one business session, to allow just as much time as possible to the delegates for the enjoyment of the trip. I have, therefore, eliminated, I am sure, as much to your regret as mine, the comptroller’s abstract of national bank reports No. 58; the text of the several currency bills presented to the last Congress, with opinions thereon, and arguments made pro and con; also the Chicago platform, together with various treatises of my own upon topics ranging from ship subsidies, railroad rebates, increase of the navy and tariff revision, to making up of Pullman berths and the price of beef.”
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The eighteenth annual convention of the Ohio Bankers Association, is held under unusual, but delightful conditions. The council of administration, after much deliberation and thoughtful attention to detail, have provided an innovation, for, although other associations have held their conventions outside of their own states, this is the first time we have wandered from our own vine and fig tree.
Since last we met in convention, we have been wearied with fears and predictions of panics, have gone through their actual and awful experiences and now have with us the worries and anxieties of their after effects. For many months we have pondered deeply over the causes and effects of past and present conditions and endeavored to find a speedy, sure and lasting cure for the disturbances which so seriously involve us. We need and deserve a rest from all these things and it is to be regretted that every banker in Ohio could not lay down his burden for a few days and live with us for a brief period, under new skie6 and in a change of atmosphere, forgetting, for the time, the troubles of the past and the anxieties for the future.
This association is now composed of nine groups under the system provided for by the change of our constitution, at its meeting last June in Cincinnati. These groups were all organized and held enthusiastic meetings during the autumn of last year and it is being demonstrated that each group is a factor within itself for the good of the association, and has brought about a closer relationship among the neighboring bankers constituting each group. The group system has already materially increased the large membership of the association, and is sure to continue this augmentation; a closer acquaintance among members of the association will be established through the same influences operating in the groups; and the council of administration will be better able to serve the association by obtaining expressions of opinion upon important topics at these group meetings. The members of this association are urged to take interest in all matters connected with their respective groups, attend the meetings as often as possible, and take an active part in all their proceedings. This done, the association is sure to prosper accordingly.