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RICHMOND BANKS ARE ALL RIGHT (Continued from First Page.) cent. of its entire deposits. We have not called a single loan, and could pay off all our depositors as fast as the checks could be handed in and the money counted. Having full warning of the embarrassment of our friends, we placed ourselves in position to pay every demand that could possibly be presented." Banks Stand Together. The Clearing House Association of Richmond was prompt to act. A strong committee was appointed, with Virginius Newton as chairman. to sec that If any bank in the city in the course of the day needed help, assistance beyond all needs should be given at once This was just an extra precaution. It was not needed. and probably would not have been no matter what the day had brought forth. President Newton, of the First Na. tional, declared that he could have a million dollars available for depositors in a few hours. Mr. W. M. Habliston, president of the National Bank of Virginia, was found in his office. He was actually in boyish spirits. Deeply regretting the difficulties of his friends at the corner above, Mr Habliston was nevertheless jubilant over the situation in which he found his own and all the banks of the city. Mr. Hablis ton is admitted to be one of the best post ed men in the State on financial Institu tions. In reply to a question he said: "The banks of Richmond were never in such a strong position, or more conservative ly managed. and each one of them is fully able to meet any demands made upon it. "In a recently published statement, 1 showed that the banks at Richmond had increased their deposits from $9,782,000 in 1897 to $23,070,000 in 1903. Exclusive of the two trust companies, the last call of the government, September 9th, showed tha the banks held in cash and due from banks over $5,873,000. Since that state ment, the banks have increased their reserve. I can speak officially for the National Bank of Virginia, and for the Broad Street Bank, and can state tha they were never in as strong a position as they are to-day." Bought Williams Stock. "It is reported, Mr. Habliston, tha Messrs. John L. Williams and oSns re cently sold to yourself, Mr. T. C Williams Jr., and Mr. Robert S. Bosher their hold ings of the National Bank of Virginia stock. Is that true?" was asked. "For some little while," replied Mr Habliston, "the gentlemen named, thei associates and myself, have controlled : large block of stock in this bank, bu not the majority. This interest, being tho roughly satisfied as to the solidity of the Institution, did recently buy from Messrs John L. Williams and Sons their entir holdings of stock in the bank. The ma jority of the stock has never been owned by any one Interest since my connection with the institution. "With the people of Richmond, I an exceedingly grieved at even a temporar: embarrassment of such an energetic se of men, who have done so much for th city of Richmond." Some Were Overcautious A few persons of Richmond were S overcautious yesterday as to withdra their money from the banks. One ban president said that a customer came fo his entire deposit and was given It S quickly that he was almost bewildered While he was at the paying teller's cag two or three persons came in and deposit ed their savings. Most of those who gr scared were persons who had been say ing their money for a considerable tim and were not willing to take what the considered to be any risk whatever. The seemed to feel better in having the mone where they could see and handle it. 8 far as could be learned not a large sur was withdrawn during the entire day. Home People Cannot Lose The appended statement, the first give out at the office of John L. Williams an Sons yesterday morning, is interesting: "We have not a single note outstand ing without collateral, and the bulk of ou indebtedness is held by banks and bank ers in New York, Pennsylvania and Mary land. "We are borrowing very little money 1