“But this is also a national bank, and subject to the same restriction, Mr. Turpin.”
“Yes, suh, I know; so he tole me, suh. But he said as how you wah also loan agents for Northern capitalists, who had money to invest in long loans, on good security.”
“We are such agents, but our instructions do not permit us to loan on anything but improved city property. Our clients do not like to put their money in plantations.”
“But, suh, what will become of the cities if the people do not help those in the country? My place is wuth easily foh times the money I want to bowwow, and every dollah of the money bowwowed will go into the place.”
“It does look, Mr. Turpin, as if money ought to be had for such purposes. But all of our local capitalists have their money tied up in the city, and outsiders won’t loan on farms.”
“Then I kain’t bowwow the money, suh?”
“I am afraid not, Mr. Turpin. You might try elsewhere, but, to be candid with you, I do not believe you will succeed.”
“Well, suh, then I will have to go back to my wuk at the railroad station, and let the land lie idle. Why kain’t the govuhment loan us on our fahms the money needed to cultivate them? ’Pears like I hearn tell thar was a man out in Calafohnea what wanted the govuhment to do that likes.”
“Yes,” replied the cashier, “there is such a scheme, but it is totally impracticable. Of course the government cannot embark in the business of loaning money on landed security.”
“But ain’t the govuhment in the loanin’ business now, suh? Whar do you get the circulatin’ notes of youah bank? Don’t you bowwow them of the govuhment, without interest, by puttin’ up United States bonds as security?”