The Real Estate Tycoon Defends His Bank

SEATTLE, Feb. 4, 1891. To THE EDITOR: My attention has just been called to an article in one of our local papers, which in perusal I find to be a most uncalled-for attack on the bank of Dexter Horton & Co. and its president, W. S. Ladd. Now, while I do not propose to consume time and waste stationery to any great extent in reply, I will say that the charges made in that article are without foundation in fact and could only have been prompted by envy and malice. True, Mr. Ladd is the largest individual stockholder in the bank, and individually, I believe, owns some property in our vicinity, and it is also true that the bank is in rented quarters; but what other bank in the city is not now or has not been similarly situated, and that, too, without having been subjected to such a villainous attack. The charge that this bank is run in the interest of Portland is too absurd to need a denial, and I don't think it is claiming too much to say that it is now and has ever been as well prepared to face its depositors as any bank in this city or Portland, without depending on county or city funds. I will say in conclusion that Dexter Horton & Co. will, when it suits their convenience, erect a building on their own property, when they will cease to be renters. A. A. DENNY, Vice-President Dexter Horton Co.