COOPERATION 819the city reminded me of the same. I felt the stuff getting into my
blood. The negative psychology of the people was actually reaching
out and gathering me in.
Maine is not the only state that is afflicted with a city such as
the one I have described. I could name others, but I might wish to go
into politics someday; therefore, I will leave it to you to do your own
analyzing and comparing of cities that are alive with action and those
that are slowly dying from inaction.
I know of some business concerns that are in this same state of
inaction, but I will omit their names. You probably know some too.
Many years ago Frank A. Vanderlip, who is one of the best-known
and most capable bankers in America, went to work for the National
City Bank of New York City. His salary was above average from the
start, because he was capable and had a record of successful achieve-
ment that made him a valuable man.
He was assigned to a private office that was equipped with a fine
mahogany desk. On the desk was an electric push button connected
to a secretary's desk outside.
The first day went by without any work coming to his desk. The
second and third and fourth days went by without any work. No
one came in or said anything to him. He was feeling very uneasy.
Men of action always feel uneasy when there is no work in sight.
So Mr. Vanderlip went into the president's office and said, "Look
here, you are paying me a big salary and giving me nothing to do and
it is grating on my nerves."
The president looked up with a lively twinkle in his keen eyes.
"I have been thinking," Mr. Vanderlip continued, "while sitting
in there with nothing to do, of a plan for increasing the business of
this bank:'
The president assured him that both "thinking" and "plans" were
valuable and asked him to continue. "I have thought of a plan:' Mr.