The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-06-24
The Great Paris Banker; or, the Road to
Fortune.

When MI. LATTE came TO Paris, in l1Is. the
extent OF his ambition was 10 lnd situation
j IN banking house; aud 10 attain this object
+ he called Oh NJ. Perregaux, the rich Swiss
4 banker, to whom he had letter OF recon-
mendation. This gentleman had just taken
/ possession Of the hotel of Mad'iie Gurmard.
I which had been put up to lottery by that la
+ dy, and won by the fortunate banker. 1t was
I TO this charming habitstion, which has since
f been demolished, that NJ. Lailtte paid his first
4 visit in Paris, and, as II were, took his first
step in Ike Partisan world. The young proyin
ciai, poor and modest timid and ANXIOUS en-
tered by that gateway which had witnessed
so many of the gayeties OF the last century.
He was introduced into the boudoir OF the
danseuse, then become the cabinet OF the ban
ker, and there modestly stated the object OF
his visit.
1t is impossible for me TO admit you into my
establshment-at least for the present" re-
piled the banker; "all my Offices have their
full compliment. II l require any one at
luture time, will see what can be done; but
10 the mean time advise you TO seek else
| where, for do not expect 10 have a vacancy
for some time" With disappointed heart
the young aspirant for employment left the
Office, aud while with downcsst look he trav-
ersed the courtyard, he stopped TO pick up
pin which lay in his path, and which he care
fully stuck In the lapel of his coat. Little did
he think that this trivial action was to decide
his future fate; but so 1t was. From the win.
dow OF his cabinet NJ. Perregaux had observ-
ed the action OF the young man. The Swiss
Banker was one of those keen observers OF
human actions who estimated the value of
circumstances apparently trifing in them
selves, and which would pass unnoticed by the
majority of mankind
lie was delighted with the conduct OF the
young stranger. In this simple action he saw
the revelation OF a character; it was guar
antee OF love OF forder and economy, a certain
pledge OF all the qualities which should be
possessed by good fnancier. young man
who would pick upa pin could not TAIL to
make q good clerk, merit the confidence OF
his employer, and attaina high degree of pros
perity. On the evening OF the same day, NJ.
LATTE received the following note from NJ
Perregaux "A place is made for you In my
Office, which you may take possession of to-
morrow morning" The anticipations Of the
banker were not deceived. The young Lafitte
possessed every desirable quality, and more
than was expected.
From simple clerk, he soon rose to be CASH
Ter, then head OF the first banking house in
Paris, and afterward, In rapid succession, a
deputy and president Of the council of minis
tiers, the highest point TO which citizen can
aspire. On what trife does the fortune of a
man sometimes depend. But for the simple
incident of pin, NJ. Laftte, perhaps, never
would have entered the house of NJ. Perre,.
ganx another employer might not have open
ed to him SO wide a field of action, and his tai
ents and intelligence would not have led to
such magnificent results. Little did NJ. Per-
regaux think that the hand that would pick
up pin was that OF a man generous TO prod
igslity In doing good--a hand always open to
honorable misfortune. Never were riches
placed In better hands-never did banker or
prince make a more noble use of them.