[Volume XXV
T TI E CHICAGO BANKER
18
THE INVESTORS* PRIMER
JOHN MOODY
There has long been a demand for a concise handbook which would give, in simple, understandable language, definitions of all the important terms and phrases employed in the investment and banking business. This little book represents an effort to in some measure supply this demand.
The book is really in two parts, the first part covering the general definitions of finance; the second giving specific information regarding the various issues of preferred and guaranteed stocks which are generally classed among the investment issues. Many other small books furnish information regarding bonds, quotations, etc., etc., but this specific and useful information has not, as far as the writer knows, been heretofore presented for popular uses, in this particular way.
Price, per copy, ¡$1.50 net; by mail, $1.62
THE CHICAGO BANKER
407 Monadnock	Chicago
MINING INVESTMENTS
and	---
HOW TO JUDGE THEM
Francis C. Nicholas, Ph. F>.
HE object of this book is to so enlighten the mind of the average mining investor or prospective investor that he or she may be able to apply certain rules of analysis to any mining proposition and thus avoid the dangers of misrepresentation, superficiality and other conditions which go to make the business of investing in mining stocks the most risky and dangerous form of investing. It is probably true that at least £0 per cent of those who invest in mining stocks sooner or later lose their money. Of the remaining 10 per cent not more than one-tenth ever realize their expectations. In this little book the investor is at least given an opportunity to see where most of the dangers and pitfalls lie, and if he follows the rules which are carefully laid down as a guide he will then be able to confidently feel that a large element of risk has been eliminated.
Price, per copy, $1.50 net; by mail, $1.62
THE CHICAGO BANKER
407 Monadnock	Chicago
well that in order to surpass last year's results and maintain Pittsburgh’s record of constant progress, it will be necessary to put in a year of strenuous activity.
“At the present time the details of the different plans have not been determined with sufficient certainty to permit their publication, but in general terms it may be said that the policy of the administration will be the extension of the present educational facilities offered by the chapter’s alliance with the University of Pittsburgh; on the other hand, offering some attractions of a light variety for the benefit of the younger members.
“The object will be to furnish ‘intense’ educational facilities for those who desire them, and a lighter form for those who feel they do not have the time to permit their taking up the studies of a regular course.”
V*
Officially Decided by the Chapters
At the recent convention in Providence of the American Institute of Banking there was an interesting debate between the Pittsburgh and Chicago Chapters on the question whether there should be larger cash reserves for the New York banking institutions. The debate was ably conducted on both sides and the speakers brought out most of the points that could be made on the two sides of the question. The decision was in favor of the affirmative, that is to say, that New York as the money center of the country should carry larger cash reserves in its banks so as to be able to meet every financial emergency that might arise promptly and effectively.
May not this be said regarding the reserve question, that with the banking system consisting of different kinds of institutions, some federal and other state, and all independent of
St. Paul Chapter
Frank H. Delaney says in regard to St. Paul Chapter: “Owing to the fact that the program for the year’s work was not prepared when the panic struck us last fall, the past year has not been a very successful one for us. AVe have had some half dozen meetings throughout the year, the most notable one being a mock trial on a big local question of the day. The nature of the question and the many participants necessary to the conduct of the trial brought out a very enthusiastic crowd. A debating club organized the early part of March, proved to be a valuable adjunct to the chapter. The new officers are already at work planning next season’s program and a most successful year is assured.”
Indianapolis Chapter
R. C. Smith says: “During the coming year the following officers will try to further the interest of the bank clerks of Indianapolis: Robert C. Smith, Fletcher National, president; Alfred C. Wood, Indiana National, vice-president: John V. Coffield, Columbia National, secretary; Russell G. Sumner, German American Trust Company, treasurer.
“It is the intention this year, of course, to do better than in the past, having in mind at the same time the welfare of individual members of this chapter.
“It is believed here that we have not been as close to the members as might be. However, in the coming year work will be supplied for individuals, and a duty of some kind will be expected to be performed continually by each member.”
Pittsburgh Chapter
J. E. Rovensky says: “The administration (elected May 26, 1908) is carefully mapping out its plans for the coming year, knowing full
“The officers of the local banks, who are honorary members, and others whom we have called upon to address us or prepare papers on subjects which were of special interest to members of our profession, have always readily compiled.
“Although the educational work of the association is deemed of greatest importance and given first consideration, the social and other features of the association have not in the least been neglected. We have had ‘smokers’ from time to time and other social gatherings, which have served to bring the members into closer touch with each other and make them better acquainted and have afforded opportunities for an exchange of ideas and experiences relating to our profession.”
Scranton Chapter
John Greiner, Jr., says: “The season of 1908-09 promises to be a most interesting as well as beneficial one for Scranton Chapter, '!'he ways and means committee, headed by R. A. Kretiner, chairman, is hard at work arranging the programs.
“A system of quizzes is one of the new features to be introduced, which we have no doubt will prove successful, as it will be so arranged that each and every member of the chapter will do part of the work. This will tend to stimulate interest, and will also give the individual members an opportunity to acquire knowledge, as they will be expected to look up, and be prepared to answer the quizzes at the succeeding meeting.'
“Several well-known local speakers have been approached and have signified their willingness to make addresses on subjects of interest to bank employees. Several debates and a mock trial are also among the features contemplated.”