Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-11-11
Eccentricities of a Millionaire.

lowing stories, which, though familiar to
former generation, may be new to many
younger readers:
The benevolent Samuel Coates, one of
the directors of the Pennsylvania Hospi-
tai, met Mr. Girard on the street, and told
him that the hospital wanted funds, and he
was about to ask him for donation.
Wcll," said Mr.. Girard, d" call at my
counting house in the morning, and if you
find me on right footing will do some.
thing for the institution"
Mr.. Coates called, as agreed, and was in.
vited to take some breakfast (for Mr.. Gi.
rard resided most of his time over his
counting housc), after which Mr.. Coates
observed
"Now we will proceed to business"
Well, what have you come for, Sam
uel z"
Anything thee plcases, Stephen" re-
piled Mr.. Coates
Our hero then signed and presented a
check for $500, which Mr.. Coates put in
his pocket without examining.
What !" said Girard, in his broken
English, you no look at the check l give
you"
No; bcggars must not bc chooscrs.
Stephen"
Hand me back the check again I gave
you," demanded Girard.
"No, no, Stephen; "a bird in the hand
is worth two in the BUSH"
by George" exclaimed Girarl, "you
have caught me on the right footing"
He then drew check for $500, and
presented it to Mr.. Coates, saying, "will
you now look at it p
"Well, to please thee, Stephen, I will"
said Coates.
Now, give back my first check" de-.
manded Glrard, and Mr.. Coates complied
with the request.
1t is customary to relate the above ancc-
dotc with the amount in thousands, but a
careful examination of Mr.. Girard's books
and papers warrants US in putting it as we
have. Mr. Girard was so constantly Civ
ing, that he rarely made donations in
thousands. Had he done so, greater
fortune would have been impaired, and the
thousands Of orphans who have become
useful citizens through his bounty would
have been fricndlcss.
When the Baptist church was building
in Sansom street, Doctor Staughton called
upon Mr.. Girard for aid toward its erection
Girard was cold and formal, and, without
saying word, presented check for five
hundred dollars, which Staughton received
with astonishment, saying that he expected
one thousand dollars at least. "Ah! let
me see the check S; perhaps l have made
one mistake" said the Frenchman. Staugh-
ton returned the document, which Girard
immediately destroyed, saying at tho same
time, Well, Mr.. Staughton, if you will
not have what l give, will give nothing"
The doctor left wiser man, but carried
his heart in his throat. He never went to
church, and as he regarded one sect no
more than another, he gave to all alike, for
he believed that the building Of churches
should he encouraged, because it improved
the city and increased the value of proper
ty. He gave $500 to the Episcopal Meth.
odists to build church on Tenth street.
This building was aftcrward changed to
the Gothic style, and sold to the Episco-
palians, who now occupy it under the name
OF St. Stephens church. a deputatiou
from the new adherents called on Mr.. Gil
rard They expected large donation on
account of the grandeur of their plans as
compared with those of the former owners.
They cxpatiated upon their proposed new
cdifice, but Mr.. Girard listened in silence,
and, calling for his check book, filled up
the blank for $500. They we're for
moment struck dumb with astonishmeut,
when their spokesman said:
You gave $500 to the poor Methodists; &;
you have surely omitted cypher."
All gentlemen" said Girard, "what
do you say? l have made one mistake !;
let me see-I believe not; but if you say
so, must correct it."
Upon which he destroyed the check,
saying: 81 will not contribute one cent
Your society is wealthy-the Methodists
are poor but make no distinction, yet
| cannot please you" He then waited a
moment, as if in meditation, and then pro.
cccded: You remind me of the rich
man in the Gospel. He would not be con.
tent with the blessings which attended his
agricultural tolls, but was so covctous that
when his granary would not hold his
abundant crops, he erected new buildings
for that purpose rather than distribute his
surplus among the suffering poor. Profit
by his fate gentlemcn-I give nothing to
your magnificent church."
ELEorRIc.-Several young ladies were
amusing themselves short time ago with
an electric battery. Miss Emma proposed
| takinr ono Of the noles md her fr;and