Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-08-01
LAFITrE. THE BANKER.

~ LAFITTE, the great Partisan banke
who recently died possessed Of immens
wealth rose to fortune from an humble static
in life A foreign journal by late arriv,
contains the following story of his first ap
pearance iii Paris
When NJ. Lafitte came to Paris in 177S
theeXtent of his ambition was to find situa.
ton in banking house, and to attain ,his
object he called on NJ. Perregaux, the rich
Swiss banker, to whom he had letter of re-
commentator This gentleman had Just
taken possession OF the hotel of Made. Cur
inand, which had been put up to lottery by
that lady and won by the fortunate banker.
II was to this charming habitaton, which has
since been demolished, that NJ. LATTE paid
his first visit in Paris, and as it were, took his
first step, III the Partisan world. The young
Provlncial-poor and modest, tmid and anx-
'ous-entered by that gateway which had
Witnessed so many of tue gaieties of the last
century. He was introduced into the boudoir
OF the danseuse, then become the cabinet of
The banker, and there modestly stated the OBJ
ject of his visit ,,
"lt Is impossible for me 10 admit you into
my establishment! at least for the presently re-
piled the banker: ''all my offices have their
luil complement If require any one at a
future time, will see what can be done: but
in the meantime ! advise you to seek else
where, for do not expect to have vacancy
for some time" 49,
With disappointed heart the young aspi-
rant Tor employment left the office, and while
VITA downcast look he traversed the court.
yard ne stopped to pick up pin which lay
IN his path, aud which he carefully stuck in
the lapel of his coat Little did he think that
trI px,!oc tn, I,
but so ii was.
From the window of his cabinet M. Perre.
gauX had observed the action of the Young
man. The Swiss banker was one of those
Keen observers OF human actions who esti-
uale me value oil circumstances apparently
irlilIng IN themselves, and which would pass
by the majority of mankind. iIo
was delighted with the conduct Of The vo,no
stranger. IN this simple action he saw the
revelation OF character; it was guarantee
OF love OF order and economy, a certain
pledge OF all the qualities which should be
possessed by good inancier. A young mau
who would pick up pin could not fail to
make a good clerk, merit the confidence of his
employer, and attain high degree of pros
perity.
In the evening of the same day NJ Lafi.te
received the following note from Nj. PEREZ
81 place is made for you in my Office,
which you may take possession of to-morrow
morning"
The anticipations of the banker were no.
deceived. The young LATTE possessed every
desirable quality. and even more than was al
first expected From simple clerk he soo,ua
rose to be cashier, then partner, then head of
The frs. banking house in Paris, and afterward
IN rapid succession, deputy and president of
he Council of Ministers, the highest office to
which citizen can aspire.
On what trifle does the fortune of man
depend. But for the simple Incl
dent of the pin, NJ. Lafitte would, perhaps.
never have entered into the house Of NJ. Perre.
gaux; another employer might not have OPEN
ed to him SO wide field of action, and his
talents and intelligence would not have led to
such magnificent results
Little did Nj. Perregaux think that the hand
which would pick up pin was that of "a man;
generous to prodigality in doing good--a
hand always open TO succor honorable mis-
fortune. Never were riches placed i'm better
hands-never did banker or prince make
more noble use Of them.