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Thè CHICAGO BANKER.
A Weekly Paper Devoted to the Banking and Financial Interests of the Middle West
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Entered as Second-Class Matter January 15, 1903, at the Post Office at Chicago, Illinois, under Act of March 3, 1879
JULY 18, 1908
Wisconsin Bankers Convention at Milwaukee
the presidents of the groups. The Wisconsin Bankers Association is divided into seven groups and as an indication of the interest taken a sample report by president Geo. A. Foster of Group Six is presented.
Group Six, composing the counties of Lincoln, Marathon, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, Marquette, Adams, Juneau and parts of Jackson, Taylor and Clark, that 25 years ago was “way up in the woods” is to-day a well populated portion of the state and its possibilities in farming and dairying are only beginning to be realized. With lumber and lumber products still its chief manufacture, the paper making industry has in the past few years been rapidly developed until to-day the paper mills of the Wisconsin valley rank second in the state.
To those living in the Southern part of the state it is a never failing source of surprise when they view the extent of our agricultural resources.
Gentlemen, the “way up in the woods” of 25 years ago is to-day a section of thriving cities—well tilled farms—comfortable homes and rich farmers. The soil is fertile and in the years to come, the farming and dairy interests will form no insignificant part of the resources of our home state.
Our 1907 meeting was held at Stevens Point—the land of the potato—and to judge from the whole-souled reception and entertainment accorded us by the bankers of that city, there are no small potatoes there. The meeting was an ideal group assembly—a good attendance—many interesting papers were read. It was notable from the active discussions which followed each paper in which all participated. The stiffness and formality often seen at these meetings was conspicuous by its absence and the result was an enjoyable and instructive session.
Group Six now numbers 52 members, out of a possible 62 and we are in hopes during the coming year we can show the remaining 10 the error of their ways and gather them into the fold.
As a whole the banks of this section show a shrinkage in deposits over the high marks of last year, and in our immediate vicinity we do not look for much of an increase until business begins to assume its normal volume, more particularly the lumber business, which has probably suffered as much as most any of the leading lines. Plowever, the lumbermen have been blessed with many fat years, and they are in good position to stand a lean one, and still be able to procure three square meals a day.
Yesterday’s meeting was called to order at 10 o’clock and the delegates listened with attention to Geo. D. Bartlett’s report on burglary and indemnity insurance and time lock cleaning. After this came reports on legislation and taxation, and reports of the chapters, American Institute of Banking. Mr. Wall reported for the Milwaukee Chapter, and Mr. Dichman for the Oshkosh Chapter. Lewis E. Pierson delivered his famous address on the “Uniform Bills of Lading.” Mr. Pierson, who (Continued on page 15)
Secretary J. H. Puelicher showed the association to be in a very healthy condition; new members constantly coming in, and treasurer Frank Pierce reported the association to be
JAMES K. I LSLEV Milwaukee, Wis.
in excellent financial condition. Dr. W. A. Scott, a director of the School of Commerce and Finance, of the University of Wisconsin, delivered an interesting address on “The Problems of Banking Reform in the United States.” This was followed by reports from
F. J . CARR Hudson, Wis.
Milwaukee, Wis., July 17.—The Wisconsin Bankers Association have just closed a two days’ session in the chief convention city in all America—Milwaukee.	It must be “a
bright spot” to the bankers; the association holding their convention there last year, and coming back again this year. 1 here is not a spot on this continent so abundantly favored by nature and circumstances for a convention city as Milwaukee. The visiting delegates thoroughly enjoyed the invigorating freshness of the lake breeze.
Prior to the convening of the convention on Wednesday morning, a meeting of the group presidents and the executive council was held at the Hotel Pfister at four o’clock on Tuesday; the council holding their meeting at seven o’clock. The convention was called to order on Wednesday morning in the Severance Hall; Mayor Rose welcoming the bankers to the city. James K. Ilsley welcomed the bankers on behalf of the Milwaukee banks; being followed by F. J. Carr, of Hudson, who delivered the response.
Mr. Carr said:	It is a pleasant duty on be-
half of the Wisconsin Bankers Association to acknowledge your cordial greeting and to accept the hospitability you so generously offer. We are glad to come here not only for the privilege of meeting amid the delightful surroundings of a large city, but for the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Milwaukee bankers and their institutions. We are justly proud of our state, of its largest city, and of anything that belongs to Wisconsin. During the past year we experienced some very trying situations and appreciated, perhaps as never before, our dependence one upon another. We wish to thank the Milwaukee bankers for their assistance at that time, for their disposition to share with us, and for the personal interest shown us. Now that the storm is over and prosperity is returning let us be mindful to strengthen this personal relationship that each may feel that a special interest is due from everyone of us to all the rest of us in Wisconsin.
We have come to enjoy ourselves arid partake of your bounteous hospitality. We thank you for having tendered us the freedom of the city, for the opportunity to drive in your parks, inspect your art galleries, and visit your libraries, and incidentally to refresh ourselves with your pure lake water. Should any of our number overstep the bounds of your rules and regulations in their enjoyment of this occasion, be lenient to them for at home they are very decent fellows. We will, I am sure, carry back with us a very pleasant memory of Milwaukee, its big-hearted mayor, its magnificent places of amusement, its splendid hotels, its educational institutions, and its generous bankers, as well as the cordial welcome you have extended to each of us on this our annual reunion.
President John J. Sherman, of Appleton, in his annual address, reviewed the financial conditions of the country, and the work done by the Wisconsin Bankers Association during the year in a very thorough and able manner.