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TENTH ANNUAL REPORT of the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1924 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT of the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1924 PUBLISHED BY THE FEDERAL RESERVE AGENT OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL January 28, 1925. Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D. C. Sirs: I have the honor to submit herewith the tenth annual report on the operations of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, covering the year 1924. Very truly yours, RICHARD L. AUSTIN, Chairman of the Board and Federal Reserve Agent Tenth Annual Report of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Profit and loss 5 Statement of condition 6 Business conditions 6 Condition of member banks 7 Bank operations— Loan and discount operations 9 Reserve position 9 Rediscount rates 11 Federal reserve note issues 11 Departmental operations 12 Internal organization 13 Banks in the district— Membership * 14 Fiduciary powers 14 Bank relations 14 Tenth Annual Report of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Profit and loss The profit and loss statement covering the operations of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia for the year 1924 is as follows: 1924 1923 1922 $2,915,845 2,153,835 $4,592,771 2,295,726 $4,251,950 2,053,919 $762,010 $2,297,045 $2,198,031 Additions to current net earnings Deductions from current net earnings.. . . $22,131 37,049 $19,617 138,825 $82,678 43,833 Net additions to current net earnings... *$14,918 *$119,208 $38,845 Net earnings available for dividends, surplus and franchise tax $747,092 $2,177,837 $2,236,876 Distribution: Dividends Paid to Government as franchise tax. .. Transferred to surplus account $615,135 0 131,957 $582,292 416,957 1,178,588 Gross earnings Current expenses Current net earnings $541,552 855,364** 839,960** *Net deduction **Bank also charged its surplus and paid the United States Government $36,366 as an additional franchise tax for 1921. Owing to smaller earning assets and the lower rate of return on them, gross earnings declined from $4,593,000 in 1923 to $2,916,000 in 1924. Current expenses also declined somewhat, falling from $2,296,000 in 1923 to $2,154,000 in 1924. Current net earnings were $762,000, or 7.4 per cent of the average capital stock, as compared with 23.7 per cent in 1923. Adjustments, including among other items an addition of $20,433, representing appreciation in the value of United States securities held, and a deduction of $23,306, charged off in connection with furniture and equipment, resulted in the deduction of $15,000 from current net earnings, leaving $747,000 available for the payment of dividends, franchise tax, or addition to surplus. Dividends amounted to $615,000. The Federal Reserve Act provides that, after the payment of dividends, the surplus may be built up to 100 per cent of the subscribed capital stock before anything shall be paid to the Government as a franchise tax. This year only $132,000 remained which, even when added to the surplus, failed to bring that surplus up to the amount permitted, so that no payment could be made to the Government. TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA Statement of condition The statement of condition of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia as of the close of 1924 is given below in comparison with statements for the two previous years: RESOURCES (000's omitted) December 31, December 31, December 30, 1922 1923 1924 Gold reserves . Reserves other than gold $231,567 4,994 $249,034 10,747 $235,589 14,805 Total reserves Non-reserve cash Bills discounted: Secured by Government obligations.... Other bills discounted $236,561 1,731 $259,781 1,345 $250,394 * $27,411 8,873 $12,814 16,110 $38,872 10,738 Total bills discounted Bills bought in open market U. S. Government securities Federal intermediate credit bank bonds... Foreign loans on gold $36,284 18,276 29,889 1,550 582 $58,924 33,261 12,952 0 0 $49,610 23,380 29,190 0 0 86,581 $105,137 $102,180 59,472 1,317 53,356 1,295 58,032 1,006 $385,662 $420,914 $411,612 $168,737 $221,038 $214,067 129,677 2,152 807 119,075 255 587 $132,636 119,129 2,437 337 $121,903 $119,917 53,591 10,518 20,059 121 47,805 9,941 19,927 300 49,331 9,327 18,749 221 $385,662 $420,914 $411,612 78.5% 75.8% 75.0% $4,140 $1,633 $2,752 Total earning assets Uncollected items.., All other resources Total resources LIABILITIES Federal reserve notes in actual circulation. Deposits: Member bank—reserve account Government Other deposits Total deposits Deferred availability items Capital paid in Surplus All other liabilities Total liabilities Ratio of total reserves to deposit and Federal reserve note liabilities combined Contingent liability on bills purchased for foreign correspondents *Not shown separately prior to 1923. Business conditions Industrial and trade changes in the Third Federal Reserve District during 1924 closely paralleled those in the country as a whole. Business activities varied widely throughout the year, easy money and credit conditions prevailed, and the rates for money reached a low level. TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA With the exception of January and February, the first half of the year was marked by a steady decline in productive activity, accompanied by a falling off of factory employment in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware of 13 per cent. This curtailment was followed by a decline in the buying power of the community. Sales of department stores and many lines of wholesale trade fell below those of corresponding months in 1923; this, together, with a decline of 5 per cent in wholesale prices, induced a general disinclination on the part of manufacturers and distributors to carry more than a minimum amount of goods. The downward movement in productive activity ceased at the close of August and in the following month definite evidences of improvement appeared. The volume of buying increased, working forces were enlarged and factory production expanded. Reports received from more than a thousand firms located in the three states of this district showed an increase from July to December of 7 per cent in employment and of 19 per cent in total wages paid. Though a seasonal improvement occurred in the volume of wholesale and retail buying, it was nevertheless noted that sales over a number of the months continued to fall behind those of the corresponding months in 1923. But it is noteworthy that in December the volume of sales by retail firms was 3 per cent in excess of the large sales which received so much comment in December, 1923, and that similar comparison of all the lines of wholesale trade reporting to this Bank also showed advances. In explaining the improvement in business conditions, so apparent during the last quarter of the year, several factors are to be noted: An increased confidence among manufacturers and distributors in the business outlook; the encouraging transportation and agricultural situation; and the optimism resulting from the betterment in European affairs. Condition of member banks Figures reported by member banks in Philadelphia, Camden, Scranton and Wilmington, as given below, indicate the banking changes in the third Federal reserve district: Changes in period from Actual Jan. 2 to May 28 to Dec. 3 to Dec. 31 1924 May 28 Dec. 3 Dec. 31 All figures in millions of dollars Actual Jan. 2 1924 Loans secured by stocks and bonds All other (largely commercial) loan^ and discounts $288.6 — 7.2 +53.1 —16.4 318.1 336.0 +25.0 +12.8 —18.7 355.1 624.6 291.2 +17.8 + 12.4 —35.1 + 14.1 673.2 375.2 Total loans and investments... 915.8 +30.2 +65.9 +57.5 +123.4 —21.0 1,048.4 Total deposits* Borrowings from Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia 817.1 + 9.6 + 147.6 —20.2 954.1 23.7 —13.2 — 7.5 + 10.1 13.1 Total loans and discounts Investments •Includes net demand deposits, time deposits and Government deposits. 7 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA During 1924 total loans, discounts and investments advanced 133 millions, loans secured by stocks and bonds increasing 30 millions, commercial loans—19 millions, and investments—84 millions. Deposits gained 137 millions and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank were reduced 11 millions. Up to the end of May commercial loans increased, loans secured by stocks and bonds fell off and additions to investments were moderate. From May 28 to December 3 a large gain in deposits is to be noted. Loans and discounts increased but not in sufficient amount to absorb the available funds, so that heavy purchases of securities were made by the banks. The advance in loans during this period was due principally to an increase in loans secured by stocks and bonds. The last four weeks of the year witnessed a decline in deposits and a reduction in both classes of loans, but the volume of securities held increased somewhat. Rediscounting at the reserve bank was heavier. The falling off in deposits and increase in borrowing from the reserve bank were partly due to the withdrawal of Christmas savings funds and the need for large quantities of cash in connection with the holiday trade. The figures given in preceding paragraphs pertain to changes in the condition of member banks in four of the larger cities of the district and probably are more sensitive to changes in trade conditions than the composite figures for all member banks in the district. Items taken from the call reports of all members are given in the following table: All figures in millions of dollars Loans and discounts Securities Capital Surplus and undivided profits Total deposits (gross) Total resources Sep. 14 Dec. 31 Mar. 31 June 30 Oct. 10 1924 1924 1924 1923 1923 1,195 776 129 270 1,861 2,403 1,191 781 131 270 1,940 2,492 1,219 774 132 278 1,897 2,443 1,241 792 135 291 1,987 2,524 1,287 852 138 305 2,110 2,656 In the course of a little more than a year, from September 14, 1923 to October 10, 1924, the loans and discounts of all member banks increased 92 millions of dollars. Member banks in the four larger cities accounted for approximately 40 millions of this amount, so that loans in the smaller centers increased 52 millions. The security holdings of all members increased 76 millions, whereas those of member banks in the four cities gained 63 millions, thus leaving 13 millions increase in other cities and towns. Rates for commercial paper declined from 4 ^ per cent in January to 3 per cent in August. The rate remained between 3 and %% per cent until the middle of November, but rose to 3 ^ and 3 ^ per cent toward the close of the year. TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA Bank Operations Loan and discount operations Developments at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia are illustrated by the charts on page 12. A diminishing demand for rediscount accommodation carried the borrowings of member banks down from 58.9 millions on December 31, 1923 to 16.9 millions on September 23, 1924. A slight upward tendency in rediscounts followed which was much accelerated during the greater part of December, as the needs for currency to conduct the holiday trade and pay off depositors in Christmas savings clubs made themselves felt. The high point in December was 47.7 millions, reached on the 27th. With the passing of the holiday trade currency was returned, rediscounts decreased and by the end of the year had fallen to 36.3 millions. From 33.3 millions at the end of 1923 the Bank's holdings of purchased bills declined to less than a million in August. Increases later in the year brought the total up to 18.3 millions on December 31. Investments in United States securities were built up from 13 millions to a little more than 37 millions on June 14; thereafter holdings of these securities declined to a level of 30 to 31 millions, which was maintained for the balance of the year. Small amounts of Federal intermediate credit bank bonds were purchased and, in December, a participation of $582,000 in a foreign loan secured by gold added slightly to the investment holdings. Total earning assets, from 105 millions at the end of 1923, declined to 52 millions on September 23; by December 26 they had increased to 103 millions, but decreased to 87 millions on December 31. Reserve position Beginning with April, the reserve position of this Bank was affected by the policy then adopted of making payments partly in gold certificates instead of entirely in Federal reserve notes. Cash reserves, barring minor fluctuations, rose from an average of 185 millions in May, 1921, to 271 millions in April, 1924. By December they had been reduced to an average of 236 millions. During the year the circulation of Federal reserve notes decreased considerably, falling from an average of 206 millions in April to 157 millions in October. Increases in November and December raised the average to 174 millions in the latter month, but, in comparison with 228 millions in December, 1923, this sum appeared moderate. Total deposits increased gradually throughout most of the year, as member banks had to increase their reserves because of larger deposits. It is to the reserve ratio that one must turn to observe the general effect of these changes. On the liability side a comparatively small increase in deposits was far outbalanced by the decline in note circulation, but cash reserves, as was noted,. also fell off markedly. The reserve ratio increased from an average of 77.4 per cent in December, 1923 to 88.9 per cent in August, 1924. Over most of the summer it held close to 90 per cent, but by December the ratio had fallen to an average of 78.1 per cent. TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA MOVEMENT OF EARNING ASSETS FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA MILLIONS OF DOLLARS 14O Total earning assets Total bills discounted 1923 1924, DEPOSITS, F.R.NOTE CIRCULATION AND CASH RESERVES FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA MILLIONS OF DOLLARS 3OO 25O Total reserves V \f ^ w\/- % V 2OO 15O 1OO 5O 1923 192410 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA Rediscount rates In view of the prevailing low level of money rates, the limited demand for commercial credit, and the general slackness in business activity, the rediscount rate on all classes of paper maturing in 90 days or less was reduced to 3l/2%, effective June 19. Prior to that date a rate of 43^2% had been charged on all discounts except those of nine months' agricultural paper, which were charged 5%. On June 26 a rate of S}4% on paper having more than 90 days to run was put into effect. Federal reserve note issues Comparative statements of the accounts of the Federal reserve agent follow: RESOURCES December 31 December 31 December 30 1922 1923 1924 $32,000,000 215,664,025 $38,400,000 255,836,875 $48,920,000 243,717,975 6,000,000 14,847,265 147,389,260 52,898,583 14,000,000 13,180,115 153,889,260 80,849,544 7,000,000 14,461,215 157,889,260 69,325,115 $468,799,133 $556,155,794 $541,313,565 Federal reserve notes on hand Federal reserves notes outstanding Collateral security held: Gold certificates on hand Gold in gold redemption fund Gold with Federal Reserve Board... Eligible paper Total resources LIABILITIES Federal reserve notes received from comp$247,664,025 $294,236,875 $292,637,975 troller—net Collateral pledged by Bank against outstanding notes: 168,236,525 181,069,375 179,350,475 Gold and gold certificates 69,325,115 80,849,544 52,898,583 Eligible paper Total liabilities $468,799,133 $556,155,794 $541,313,565 The practice of paying out gold certificates naturally resulted in a reduction in the circulation of Federal reserve notes. This was particularly to be noted in connection with issues of the $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Comparative figures on issues, redemptions, etc., follow: Issued: $5 $10 $20 $50 $100 $500 $1000 Totals Returned to Federal reserve agent and redeemed Outstanding December 31 1924 1923 1922 $51,000,000 31,280,000 44,080,000 14,200,000 2,800,000 0 800,000 $45 ,600,000 57,800,000 69 ,400,000 26 ,800,000 4,800,000 400,000 600,000 $50,200,000 58,120,000 55,040,000 21,500,000 6,000,000 200,000 800,000 $144,160,000 $206,400,000 $191,860,000 168,332,850 215,664,025 11 194,281,000 255,837,000 171,012,000 243,718,000 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA Departmental operations The small decrease in operating expenses makes it of interest to ascertain just why this should be so. A study of the table below shows that, though rediscount operations and certain activities incident to the conduct of Government business declined, in the performance of many other important functions the services of the Bank were called upon more heavily than heretofore. Currency and coin operations were larger than in 1923, but the increase was especially marked in connection with check collections, the collection of time items and wire transfers (other than those to the 5 per cent redemption fund of national banks), all of which constitute important banking services for the district and necessitate the maintenance of adequately equipped departments. Comparison of 1924 operations with those of 1923 follow: Dollar amount Bills discounted Purchased bills Transit checks handled Government checks handled Non-cash items handled Wire transfers of funds To 5% redemption fund of national banks All other transfers United States coupons paid Currency counted Coin countedf U. S. securities issued, redeemed, cancelled or exchanged by fiscal agency department —30" *Decrease of .4 of one per cent. **Decrease particularly marked because of redemption of war savings stamps early in 1923. fl924 figures inclusive of gold coin. A discussion of the operations of the Bank which omits reference to the statistical and library activities would be incomplete. For some years past a statistical department has been maintained which is charged, among other things, with preparing a monthly survey of business and financial conditions. Appreciation of the value of these reviews is attested by requests constantly received for it. The mailing list now includes 18,500 names. A reference library has been carefully built up which contains many books, pamphlets and magazines dealing with financial and business subjects. A total of 19,010 items was circulated, and 2,670 questions were referred to the library for information in the course of 1924. During the year the member banks were made familiar with its resources through the distribution of a catalogue and explanatory letters calling attention to the manner in which it might be helpful to them. Much use has been made of it thus far and it is anticipated that further familiarity with its services will demonstrate even more its value to the member banks. The statistical department is glad to respond to requests for information which may come within the scope of its activities. 12 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA Internal organization The annual election resulted in the reelection of Francis Douglas as a class "A" director to represent the group 2 banks, and of Charles K. Haddon as a class " B " director to represent the group 3 banks. Their terms run for three years from January 1, 1925. The resignation of Henry B. Thompson as a class "C" director was received with regret by his associates on the board. He served continuously as one of the class "C" directors of this Bank from August 1916, and in that time rendered valued services to the Bank. Harry L. Cannon, of Bridge, ville, Delaware, was appointed a director by the Federal Reserve Board on April 15 to complete the unexpired term of Mr. Thompson and Charles C. Harrison was appointed deputy chairman of the board. Appointments of the Federal Reserve Board for 1925 include the reappointment of Richard L. Austin as Federal reserve agent and chairman of the board, and of Mr. Harrison as deputy chairman. Mr. Harrison also was designated as a class "C" director for a term of three years beginning January 1, 1925. Levi L. Rue was reelected by the board of directors of this Bank to represent it on the Federal Advisory Council during 1925. Board of Directors Class Name Residence Term expires Group 1. Joseph Wayne, Jr., President, Girard Philadelphia, Pa. Dec. 31, 1926 National Bank, Philadelphia, Pa. A . . . Group 2. Francis Douglas, Cashier, First Na- Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Dec. 31, 1924 tional Bank, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Group 3. John C. Cosgrove, Director, First Johnstown, Pa. Dec. 31, 1925 National Bank, Hastings, Pa. Group 1. Alba B. Johnson, Vice-president, Rosemont, Pa. Dec. 31, 1925 Southwark Foundry & Machine Co., Philadelphia, Pa. B . . . Group 2. Edwin S. Stuart, merchant, Phila- Philadelphia, Pa. Dec. 31,1926 delphia, Pa. Group 3. Charles K. Haddon, Vice-President Haddonfield, N. J. Dec. 31, 1924 Lumberman's Insurance Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Richard L. Austin Charles C. Harrison Harry L. Cannon Philadelphia, Pa. Dec. 31, 1926 Philadelphia, Pa. Dec. 31, 192£V Bridgeville, Del. Dec. 31, 192j*5~ The resignation, early in the year, of Walter T. Grosscup, assistant Federal reserve agent in charge of bank examination, reduced the official staff from 14 to 13. The number of employees declined in the course of the year from 822 to 771. The plot purchased by the Bank at the corner of Tenth and Ludlow streets has been cleared, but plans for the building to be erected upon it are yet incomplete. 13 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF PHILADELPHIA Membership The number of member banks in this district increased from 725 at the end of 1923 to 743 on December 31, 1924, owing to an increase of ten in the national bank membership and of six in that of state banks and trust companies. Sixteen new national banks were organized in the course of the year and six liquidated. Seven state institutions were admitted to membership, and one was liquidated. Data on the number of member banks by states, as of December 31, 1924, follow: Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Totals National banks 566 87 18 671 State banks 58 10 4 72 Totals 624 97 22 743 Fiduciary powers During 1924, 27 additional national banks in the third Federal reserve district were granted the right to exercise fiduciary powers, but the liquidation of two banks already in the possession of such privileges made the net increase for the year 25. The applications of two banks already in the possession of partial powers to exercise full powers also were approved. In all, as of December 31, 1924, 196 banks possessed these powers, either partially or in full. This number is divided by states in the table below. Pennsylvania New Jersey.. Delaware Totals Full powers 121 24 5 150 Partial powers 34 8 4 46 Totals 155 32 9 196 Bank relations The effort is being made to maintain a close contact with the banks in the district through personal visits to member and non-member banks, through the attendance of officers of this bank and members of the bank relations department at group meetings and bankers' conventions in various parts of the district, and also by addresses made by officers and others of this bank before meetings of bankers and civic and business men's organizations. It is believed that these contacts have been productive of good by enlarging the acquaintance of the officers of this bank with those of its member banks and by disseminating a fuller knowledge of the system and its operations. To facilitate this work committees have been appointed by the New Jersey Bankers' Association and by the various groups of the Pennsylvania Bankers' Association to discuss with the officers of the Federal Reserve Bank the services which are being rendered and to take up with them any criticisms or suggestions for improving the functioning of the system. These committees, too, are a medium through which bankers and the public may become better acquainted with the advantages offered by the system. 14 Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Directors and Officers DIRECTORS Class A Class B Joseph Wayne, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa. Francis Douglas, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. John C. Cosgrove, Johnstown, Pa. Alba B. Johnson, Rosemont, Pa. Edwin S. Stuart, Philadelphia, Pa. Charles K. Haddon, Haddonneld, N. J. Class C Richard L. Austin, Philadelphia, Pa. Charles C. Harrison, Philadelphia, Pa. Harry L. Cannon, Bridgeville, Del. Member of Federal Advisory Council Levi L. Rue, Philadelphia, Pa. OFFICERS Richard L. Austin, Chairman and Federal Reserve Agent Charles C. Harrison, Deputy Chairman Arthur E. Post, Assistant Federal Reserve Agent George W. Norris, Governor William H. Hutt, Deputy Governor Edwin S. Stuart, Deputy Governor William A. Dyer, Cashier and Secretary C. A. Mcllhenny, Assistant Cashier W. J. Davis, Assistant Cashier J. M. Toy, Assistant Cashier R. M. Miller, Jr., Assistant Cashier F. W. La Bold, Assistant Cashier S. R. Earl, Assistant Cashier William G. McCreedy, Comptroller
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