Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-02-07
MISC L l. L A N Y.
THE ROTHSCH DS.
HISTORY OF A FAMILY OF BANKERS.

The season was September, 1897. The
Laudgrave of Hesse-Cassel saw the French rev.
oluiionary army approaching his do"i"io"s, aud
waving at his very frontiers Hastily he pack
e1 up his jewels and valaables, together with
between Two aud three millions Of ihale's, and
took the way to the ancient city Of Frankfort,
hoping To find means Of placing his wealth and
the Jewels Of his house in security.
Arrived at the city which had, for centuries
sent forth the rulers Of the "holy Roman Elm
pi,e." the Fugitive Landgrave knocked at the
door Of an humble Jewish banker, Meyer Ro,hs
child, richer in children than in ,halers, but
withal distinguished and experienced archol-
ngst and numismaiaoloeist
The sovereign who himself was an exper, in
these sciences, paid much respect To The knowl-
edge of the Jew banker, and had actually few
years before, bestowed upon him the distinction
Of The title Of "Medaileur to his Court"
"Meyer," he began. as he handed him his
well-iiled case, "a know yon 10 be honest and
conscientious. Here is all possess take it,
and return i, to me when this tempest shall
have blown over, and when better times dawn
upon u.s."
"Such vas, confidence does me great honor, ="
replied the Hebrew, shut your llighness must
not forget that the republican army is almost
before our DOORS"
1--WE are in The hands Of Providence" re-
piled the Landgrave; 81 ask for no receipt"
The Prince rc-entered his vehicle and hur-
ried of, without listening TO the renewed pro-
| testations of the man of business
What Meyer Ro,hschild had anticipated, du-
" came to pass. Before a week was over
Frankfort was in possession Of the French troops
and the banker, who had been denounced as an
ant-revolusionists, and an ally Of the tyrsnts
found his domicil sacked, and his cash-box plum
dered in the name of liberty and the people.
No sooner however, had the viciOrs lef
Frankfort than Meyer Roihschild re-openet
his banking house, finding at first credit among
the Jews. and ultimately with all business world
and soon was reputed richer than ever. In 1870;
he was once more considered as one the mos
reliable bankers in Germany.
About this time there came short period o
rest for the crowned heads of Germany. Th,
princes of the Rhenish Confederacy rested un
der the high and forced protection of Napoleon
Raised by the will Of the great commander II
the dignity of an Elecior of the German En-
pire, the Landgrave of Hesse received permis
sion 10 retnrn 10 his dominions.
On his way he passed through Frankfort.
The journals had before informed him Of th
plandering Of Roihschild's house, and he natu
rally believed his own wealth long since pre-.
to Jacobins. Still he determined to visit hi
numismasic friend, il only to assure him Of tn
continuance of his confidence.
"Good morrow, Meyer" said the Elector
with frank and hearty shake Of hands. "a
last we have peace, old friend, bu, costs US dea
enough. Before you stands ruined man. a
: poor as Job.
"What! yon poor. your highness Z"
= "Ceuainly, for have not those cOnlOunde
sans cuiottes stolen my wealth along with yours
If do not now too m uch inconvenience you,
should like to borrow a small advance upon III
idemniiy which shall receive in Hesse- Cassel.
"An advance is not needed for your highnei
for all that you confded to my care is safe an
= untouched"
"What" exclaimed the Prince, "and wer
you not plundered, theni" .rrr
u "The French have taken everything has
q and i was very careful not to excite them b
resistance. otherwise they would have searcl
ed more thoroughly and might have found you
e diamonds aud money where they were hidde
). in my cellar" .f.1
e "How Is it possible ~
"Yes, my surrender was stratagem. The