Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 July 1884 — Saving a Bank. [ARTICLE]

Saving a Bank.

“I saved a bank from bursting once, myself,” remarked a seedy-looking old chap, as he laid down a morning paper, which he had perused second-handed. “I admit I ain’t very wealthy now, but years ago, before my troubles come on me, I had large interests in manufacturing and banking. I was President of the bank in our town when there was a little panic and people made a run. I went in to see how they were getting along, just as the excitement began, when I found they couldn’t stand it until the close of banking hours. The Directors wanted to suspend, but I objected. I told ’em to leave it to me. Happened it was payday at my shop. Hustled up there, put a flea in the engineer’s ear, and in five minutes the engine broke down. The men were glad to get a holiday, but wanted their money. I told ’em we didn’t have the currency ready, but would give ’em checks on the bank. My clerks made out the checks in a hurry, and weren’t over-particular about losing any time figuring out odd cents. Well, my two hundred and more men rushed for the bank, and by the time the big depositors had heard of the run and got around there was a big line in front of ’em. It took three hours to pay off my men with currency from my safe at the shop, which I carried in the back door of the bank. In that three hours we raised enough money to pay every dollar due our depositors, and the bank was saved.”— Chicago Herald.