The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1873-12-31
Nathan Roikschiid or Londgn.

Tie high priest of the Exchange
was not happy even in the midst of
his owe. loving Golfers. Naturally
enon a, he had few friends and mum.
b";ies enemies Ia latter years he
suffered from constant dread Of assas-
siRation. lie was always receiving
threatening letters, declaring that his
! life depended upon him sending GER
tain sums OF money TO certain address
ses. He scented murder in every
breeze, suspected poison in every cup,
In sleep, he had nightmare visions OF
crouching things in walking hours,
be started at every unexpected noise,
One morning two strangers were
announced as having important bust
ness with the banker, and they were
shown into his private Office He
bowed TO them and inquired the
nature of their negotiation. They
bowed and said nothing, but advanc-
ed toward him, thrusting their fingers
nervously into their pockets. Rolhs-
child's alarm was excited at once.
They must be searching for conceal
cd weapons; their bearded faces
made it clear to his frightened fancy
that they were homicidal ruflians.
He retreated in terror behind large
desk, seized a pOnderous ledger, hurl-
! ed it at their heads, and screamed
Murder ~ at the top of his voice A
small army of clerks poured into the
room, and lai1 violent hands on the
strangers, who proved to be wealthy
Polish bankers bringing letters Of in
production to the physically timid)
ion of loans. Embarrassed by his
auriferous byaugust presence-what is
there in Breathing money-bag capa-
bic of inspiring awe they forgot
their speech and common coolness OF
conduct, They were nearly as much
terrified as the renowned Israeilte
and as it was their initial visit to
England, they imagined at first that
all foreigners We're deemed robbers
and desperadoes until the contrary
was established.
The wretchedly riSh Nathan never
went out alone after dark, never en-
tered an unlighted room, had servants
within call of his bed-chamber, slept
with loaded pistols under his pillow.
A fellow w-Frankforter, dining with
him one evening: and observing the
luxury of his household, remarked,
"You must be happy baron, with the
power to crafty every wish"
Happy indeed :" was the response
DO you think it is happiness to be
haunted always by dread of murder
to have vour appetite for breakfast
sharpened by a threat to stab you to
the heart unless YOU inclose a thous-
and guineas to some unknown vii
lain.
On one occasion, when the great
fnancicr had been to an eveningpartv,
and gotten into his carriage to 90
home, n friend, wishing to make an
appointment, stepped out to speak to
him. The timorous banker mistook his
familiar friends for the highwayman.
and thrust pistol out of the window,
with his favOrite cry of Murder T.
before he could be acquainted with
the situation.
As Rothscbild grew richer and older
his fears increased. He became al
most a m0nomaniac on the subject of
assassination, and many of his rela-
tives thought him in serious danger
of insanity through his constant ap-
preh,nsions. Most of the menacing
messages were unquestionably sent
him by his enemies, with whom he
was plentifulIy supplied. Conscious
Of his weakness, they revenged them
selves upon him by inspiring him
with baseless terrors. He was repeat
edly told so, but he could not be in
duced to believe that he did not dwell
in an tmosphere of poison, ,poniards,
and pistols-Junius Henry Browne,
in Harqer's Magazine foy. January