The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1873-01-04
Financial Finesse.

FINANCIAL t1n666e.
The branches of the United States
Bank made weekly returns to the
mother bank, including the amounts
Of respective branch notes received
during the week. This kept Old
Nick" always Informed of the general
amount of 11oteb in circulation from
each branch, as we'll as q bird's-eye
view of the circulation and business
Of the whola. Necessarily, these
weekly returns we're critically scanned
and compared. An understanding of
this part Of the business system pur-
sued by the principal bank will make
what follows clear, aud incline us to
feel curious over the success of one
Clark, q New York broker, employed
by the enemies Of the bank, in his
search for Savannah Branch notes.
Of course sOld Nick" was con-
stantly on the alert for cunning and
powerful foes. Like spider in the
centre of his net, he watched sharply
to see where and how it was threat
ened., Studyingoyer the usual weekly
returns one daE he observed this IN
the return from one branch:
eve, return Ton less than our aver
age of Savannah Branch notes."
This was not calculated to arrest
any special attention. But the next
week two brandh returns said:
"Our return This week shows less
than the average of Savannah Branch
notes."
It may be Supposed that Nicolas
Biddle turned his eyeglasses upon
this second warning with curious in
terest, and when the next week-and
the succeeding veek-and every week
the steady, Wholesale disappearance
of Savannah Branch notes from cir
culation was thus proved, we fancy
we see Nicolas Biddle place the right
digit aside his nose, and thoughtfully
ponder. No one but himself knew Of
these signs Of storm coming from all
quarters. just what it all meant, he
could only guess but he hit the truth.
So, keeping his own counsel, he
quietly shipped two hundred thousand
dollars of specie to the Savannah
Branch, with letter to the president,
who was directed to keep his eyes
wide open, and his mouth close shut.
Meanwhile Brother Clark was "gath-
ering them in," and chuckling over
the success and secrecy Of his labors.
What he did,, he meant should be
thorough; and when he started to
squelch the Savannah Branch, he in
tended to snuff It all out, sure; and 80
he made no undue haste, and took no
perilous risk mt lie. "a
One fine, sunny day, at a time of
the year unknown to deponent-only
all sunny days aSe especially fine in
Savannah strange gentleman en-
tered the quiet Office Of the United
States Branch Bank in Savannah, and
inquired for the president-an occur
renee not unusual. Coming into the
presence Of the great man of the bank,
the stranger introduced himself as
Mr.. Clark, of New York. Mr.. Presi-
dent courteunsly clasped the hand of
Mr.. Clark, who reciprocated. Seats
we're now taken, and the first general
chat of such meetings ensued. At last
something like the following took
place: e.-m--. =-.- t......
Mr.. President, am broker, and
have some of your notes, for which !
want the specie" ..-......yw
Certainly, Mr.. Clark. What
amount have yOuf" e.e ..I
"Well, perhaps have more than
you anticipate"
"Why, what sum is it !"
"Very much larger than you
usually have presented, presume"
This catches the ear of Mr.. Presi-
dent, who recalls g Old Nick's" letter
of instruction.. Mr.. President, with
bland smile, remarks:
eve shall be most happy to give
you the specie, whatever the amount,
Mr.. Clark"
It is Mr.. Clark g turn now to indulge
in a soft, inward smile. How little
does the president dream of the crush
ing bundle of Savannah notes now
impending over his doomed bank.
With the nonchalance which only a
broker can put ON, Mr.. Clark finally
replies to Mr.. Presidents inquiry:
Zone hundred and seventy three
thousand dollars"
Strange, to Mr.. Clark, the president
never winces. With look of some
surprise, he said:
"That is very extraordinary sum
Of our notes for even q broker to
have. How came you in possession of
such an amount of Savannah notes,
Mr.. Clark 2"
nI don't know that / need make