shall at any time deem "The Depositors' Insurance Fund" unnecessarily
large, it may distribute a portion of the same among the banks as their
interests may appear.
COMMENT:--MR. LAWYER: Gentlemen, by Sections 83 to 95 we have provided
for the insurance of depositors, as you will perceive. We have
accomplished this by financing, as it were, the assets of the failed
banks so that all depositors can have their money immediately. We
believe that the result of this plan will be not only to absolutely
protect all depositors and give them their money immediately; but, to
save the depositors from a world of worry; to protect the banks from
panics and runs; to stop hoarding; to protect storekeepers, merchants,
manufacturers and all business interests from the consequences of the
inability of the people to meet their obligations because their money
or cash resources are tied up in bank failures as heretofore. Our
problem was to meet the condition confronting a community when a bank
closed its doors, and I think we have solved it.
MR. BANKER: There can be no possible question but what this plan,
which will put into the American Reserve Bank at least $35,000,000
before it becomes operative, will accomplish the purpose sought, since
the total loss to all depositors in the National banks in forty-nine
years have been only $38,000,000, and the estimated loss where the
failed banks have not been closed out is only $6,000,000, or a total
loss for the whole time of only $44,000,000.
MR. MERCHANT: You have undoubtedly solved every difficulty connected
with this great and most benevolent purpose.
MR. LABORINGMAN: Gentlemen, I want to thank you from the bottom of my
heart for what you have just done. I want to thank you in the name of
the millions of toilers. If I have had any influence in bringing this
great reform about, I feel that I have been repaid a thousandfold for
the time I have spent with you.
MR. LAWYER: To you, Mr. Laboringman, more than to all the rest of
us, is due the insurance of depositors in our National banks; for
you may rest assured now that it will come about sooner or later. Of
course, that letter to Mr. Farmer from the Comptroller of the Currency
paralyzed all opposition, and to you two men belongs the glory of this
victory; to you two men will be due the gratitude of all depositors.