New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-05-31


certainly have some habits that will be
OF great use if he ever has an oppor-
tunity to employ Them"
He quickly opened the window and
called young Jacques.
The young man quickly returned.
fastened up stairs, and was soon again
in the presence of the banker, MS
do you have the goodness" said
jacques, "to comply with my re-
quest ?" ~
What makes you so decided" re-
piled the banker.
"From the fact that you have re-
called me,' was the answer. Il be-
lieYe you would not have done it if
you had not wished TO accept my ap-
plioation.,'
q Quick powers of observation, love
of order and economy" replied Mr..
Perregaux, in a friendly way, twill
make a good business man. Go into
my counting-house / will descend as
soon as possible, and give you little
business to attend to-"
From this hour young Lafitte was in
Perregaux's eounting-house. His in
dustry and fidelity helped him in
every respect. His punctuality won
him the confidence Of his employer.
His zeal and progress increased from
day to day, SO that he soon excited
the attention and admiration of his
companions. In few years he be-
came bookkeeper, and afterward
cashier.
The French revolution broke out,
and the new order of things which
called Perregaux to the Senate COM
PEELED him to commit his business
largely to the hands of some reliable
colabOrer, He took Laffitte in as his
partner, and as the sphere Of the latter
was now larger, he had more oppor-
tunity to exhibit his business tact and
energy. In the last years of the en-
pire new sphere of life opened to
him. In 1909 he was appointed Di-
rector of the Bank of France. After
that he was made President of the
Chamber of Commerce, and thus he
came into intimate relations with the
most influential people of the country.
The decline of Napoleon's power
brought him into honorable political
positions. He acquired the confidence
of the entire city, and indeed of the
entire country, in consequence Of his
wise and iudicious counsel for the
government of the city. His dear
parents in Bayonne were still living,
and he supported them all the time in
the most handsome way possible, and
after his mother became widow he
took her to his house in Paris. Many
young men of talent owed their pros
perity to him as he had started them
in business. He supported a great
many in their studies at his own ex-
pense. ......
When Louis XVIII. was compelled
to fee before the advance of Napoleon
at the beginning of the Hundred
Days" he committed his entire pri-
vate fortune to Lafitte, and Napoleon,
too, placed his fortune in Lafitte's
hands. Thus the great banker had
for some time in his own keeping the
property of both rivals to the French
throne.
After Paris was captured in the year
1915 he advanced two millions of
francs to the State, which was COM
PEELED to give that much to the allied
hosts. One hundred thousand francs
were appropriated to him as director
of the Bank of France, but Laffitte
refused to receive it during the labo-
rious years Of his administration.
Nearly the whole time of the Resto-
ration he was member of the Cham
Der of Deputies, and one Of the most
worthy of the number. His parlia-
mentary activity was distinguished by
his warm patriotism, nobility of char
acter, and acute understanding. He
always subjected his own interests to
the general coed. In spite of the dis
pleasure in which the family of Mar
shal Ney were, he permitted his only
daughter to marry Ney's son, the
Prince Of Modena. uag
He reached the climax Of his politi-
cal prominence in the July revolution
Without him, Louis Philippe would
never have assembled the throne. His
political opinions were very decided
and if we can not approve Of some @
them, we certainly can not help ad'
miring his honor and integrity. HI
was a member of Louis Phiippe'i
ministry, and had charge of tht
finances Of France; yet this lastet
but a short time, as his views did NO
agree with those of the king. He Of
fered his resignation, and retired witt
dignity, as simple citizen Of thu
country. F0b@
| Laftte died on yesterday, 1874
amid universal regret. The Frencl
Epeople had found him true friend
and his name will ever be held by then
| in great respect.
TO the Colored Inhabitants Of til.