Plan For Domestic Exchange

Chicago, Fob. 21. - Frank E. Brown, seeond assisrant uashier of the First Natiooal bank, is the author of a scherue whioli prouiises to revolutionize that particular part of the banking business knuwu as doniestic exchange. Hurctofore the payment of dobts in the ordinary course of trmlo bet ween merchants in different el Cies Las always been made with "New York exchango." A Chicago debtor desiring to pay an Omalia creditor was not abio to secure excliange on this city, but paid via New York. ïaeoma creditors ot' eastern debtors, in place of getting Tacoma exehange. would receive the ubiquitous New York draft. This custoni has necessitated carrying heavy balances in New York banks, whieh otherwise inight be used in western trade. In Great Britain and Canada it bas long been possiblo to buy drafts on interior cities and cowns, largely through nunierous branches. It certainly seemed a i'easible tliing for banks in this country to do, and the urrangements perfected vinder Mr. Brown's plans have demonstrated it. The I'iist National bank has a host of corresponde nts all over the country - banks and bnukers using Chicago as a reserve center - and at all of these banks exchange on Chicago will be sold.