The subject of banking has engrossed the attention of your excellent
Governor for, lo! these many weeks, and he is constrained to say that some
radical changes must be made in the method of receiving deposits by banks,
where an equivalent is not rendered, of His Excellency will be compelled
to emerge from his present aristocratic quarters and take up his abode in
the poor-house. I would call your attention to the practice certain banks
have of issuing checks in lieu of cash. If these checks were available at
the groceries it would be better than it is. Banks have got in a habit of
issuing a species of ivory button in receipt for the green coin of the
realm which is only good at the counter of the bank. These checks are not
issued by the National Banks, but by the State Banks, denominated "Keno"
and "Faro." I would not charge that there is "skullduggery" or
"shenanagen" going on in these institutions, as the president of one of
them informed me, confidentially, that he dealt on the "square," but it is
a noticeable fact that the dividends received by those who do business
with the banks, are almost, as it were, imperceptible. I trust that you
will cause this branch of industry to be thoroughly investigated, and
report by bill or otherwise. Our finances should be beyond suspicion of
dishonesty.