Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-03-14
The Old House in Juden StrasSe
THE REWARD OF INTEGRITY.


FrankfDrt-On-theM Main was the street called
Juden Strasse, or Jews Street. Although in
the very heart of the city, it was quiet and
retired, and represented but a small number Of
the busy residents Of Frankfort.
In one Of the houses dWelt Jew, whose
love of gain--if, indeed, such a passion had
entered into his soul-was under the full dom.
ination of his honesty and integrity. These
were Jewels which be priced far above the gold
and precious stones with which his brethren
sought to solace themselves for their outward
poverty ofappearance.
/ will not say that he was not earnestly seek
ing for means to provide against the future
contingencies of fortune, and TO lay up some
thing for the little ones who sat around his
board; but high above all these was enthrOned
q pure principle of honor and justice, perfectly
incOrruptible, to the loss of which we alth and
honors could not bnbe, nor poverty compel
him.
The wife Of Ben Heber Rothschild was fit
companion for such man. Stately as an east
em princess, and beautiful as only her own
race can be, in the wealth and brilliancy of her
deep black eyes and raven hair-distinguis
for the peculiar purple tint that flashes over all
in the suns rays, just as they CLEAN over the
ring dcve's neck-Sarah Rothschild was as good
as she was beautiful.
This house was neat and beautifully ordered.
Although the furniture was of a simple form,
il was made of a rare old wood, that would
now bring its weight in gold. One closet was
devoted to sets of differently patterned Dresden
china-the heirloOms of families who had been
impoverished, and who were glad to let them
lie in the Jews closet while they lived upon
the money they brought Ali how few could
redeem them! this closet was often carelessly
exposed to strangers, and its wealth of beautiful
cups aud plates was the theme Of many lips,
as it was the admiration of the children Of Ben
Heber. They, indeed, were never tired of gaz
ing upon the paintings and fine gliding that
enriched the china.
Although the outer closet was thus fearless
" exposed, few would have imagined that be-
hind its seemingly secure back there was an
inner one that contained Prineely inheritances
in gold and diamcnis. This was the trust clos
ct, SO constructed that the closet inspection
would not reveal its existence; and in It were
hidden-not the treasure that extravagance had
pawned, and for which the worthy Jew was re-.
ceiving profits, but simply those which had
been entrusted to his integrity to keep, and for
which be would never be paid.
One night when the family were about to re
tire to rest, faint knock was heard at the
door, and was answered by the master Of the
house. A gentleman, plain and simple in bis
dress, and carrying nothing, not even cane,
with which to defend himself appeared on the
steps His person was wholly unkn own to the
Jew, and it seemed that his was equally SO to the
stranger, for ne was particular in asking for him
By name.
He ushered his visitor to the room where his
wife was still sitting as he left her. in front Of
the famous closet, which stood with It's wide
glass doors quite open. At first the stranger
seemed halfdisposed to object to the presence
of the lovely Jewess, but when she turned her
superb head, and acknowledged his own pses>
ence by bow, while her grave and serene
countenanee relaxed into smile, be seemed
content that she should stay and witness his
business with her husband. This was soon
unfolded. The visitor was a German prince,
who, from some political or personal reason,
was forced to fee from Frankfort. He had
heard Of the purity and uprightness of the man
with whom be had come to deal, and he wish>
ed to place al he had in the world under his
charge, If he would accept the trust
81 wish only" said the prince, 'to retain
enough for my expenses to foreign land
Once there, it will 60 hard if prince cannot
find something on which to exercise his Wits
sufficiently TO obtain q living. IF nothing of.
fers nearer, I shall shape NY course to shat
land toward the setting sun, where, am told,
the distinctions of rank vanish, and where every
man is as good aR his neighboT."
The Jew promised, and asked when he would
bring hIs treasures, 80 that he might be able
to appoint private meeting to arrange their
business.
u have them here,T answered the prince,
drawing from beneath his vest a wide girdle.
On examination, it was found to press apart
with q secret spring, and in its recesses, which
were deeply lined with soft wool, was found
collection Of the most precious and dazzling
stones that ever greeted the eyes of the Jew
Diamonds whose lustre was like star, rubies
and sapphires, each Of which was worth 9 pFin-
cipalitY, we're in turn admired and commented
on, and taken account Of. 1t was past midnight
when the e1aminatioH ended and the accounts
finished,
Now" said the prince, 81 would fain see
WheIs my treasure Is to lie, that. in case any
, thing should happen to you aud your wife,
might know where to seek it."
THAT is preoaution of only common pru.
dence.' answered the Jew. "YOu shall your
self behold it put in q place Of safety, from
which it viii not be removed until your return
save by circumstances in which even the sacri.
hce Of my life may be demanded"
The shutters were closed to prevent all PTy'
ing eyes. The Jew and his wife removed the
china from one side Of the closet, and then
carefully slipping aside panel, which had
been 90 beautifully htted in that no one iRnOF
Ght Of the secret could have detected il, the
gifdle was lowered into. rec eptaeIs be- =. n
| tbe shelf In moment ali was rs-,....J NM
prince bowed his thanks. Hh.;,,oL b.PJs LIN Il;
new friend, and 1Sas soon on the road. fyipI
from pursuit.
Months passed away into years, and the Jev