Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

HIS is the first of a series of circulars which the
First National Bank at Pittsburgh intends to issue
with the intention of emphasizing the importance
of this city as a commercial and financial metropolis. It
is desired not only to speak of the past and present, but to
take a look into the future, and to make that look an
optimistic one. The world has just passed through the
most destructive and the most portentous struggle in its
history. The forces of evil and of reaction and of repression
were signally defeated, and civilization was rescued from a
fate which arbitrary despotism and irresponsible power
had decreed for it. The future is in the hands of the victors,
and if wise plans are followed, the world will be a better
place to live in than it ever has been before.
The part Pittsburgh played during the war was a most
important one—in the production of munitions of war,
and in the financial support of the United States Government.
 The part Pittsburgh will play in the future is no
less important.
The abounding faith of Pittsburghers in their own city
received convincing proof in the result of the bond election
held on July 8, when numerous projects for the improvement
 and welfare of the city were all approved by the
voters, not one of the propositions being defeated at the
polls. The total issue voted was $22,000,000, divided
into 7 items, and one of which could be approved or disapproved
 without affecting any other. When the taxpayers
 are willing to spend money so lavishly on diverse
projects, it is an incontrovertible sign that they thoroughly
believe in their city.
The largest single item in this bond proposition was for
$6,000,000, for the purpose of building a subway in the
downtown district, with the object of relieving traffic
congestion. Nearly $10,000,000 was approved in the
aggregate for constructing, repaving and repairing streets,
aud in this item is included a project which will keep in