Daily Kennebec journal., 1874-03-13
nailu Aennebet somnal.
NATHAN R0THSCHILD.

The HIGH priest of the Exchange was
no, banny even in the midst of his over
aowing Golfers. Naturally enough he
had few friends and numberless enemies.
In his later years he suffered from con-
slant dread of assassination. He was al
ways receiving threatening letters, de-
clar,nc tha. his life depended on his sena-
ino certain sums Of money 10 certain aa-
dresses He scented murder in every
breeze. suspe pected poison in every cup.
In sleep. he had nightmare visions OF
crouchng things; in waking hours, he
started at every unexpected noise.
One morning two strangers were an
nounced as having important business
with the banker. and were shown into ms
private office. He bowed to them aud in
auired the nature OF their negotiation.
They bowed and said nothing. bat au-
yanced toward him, thrusting their hnSers
,arronslv into their pockcts s-Rothschiid's
alarm was excited at once. They mns'
no searching for concealed weapons !;
their bearded faces made il clear to ms
frightened fancy that they were homicldal
u,ffians. lie retreated in terror behind
large desk, seized ponderous ledger.
hurled j. a. their heads and screamed
murder" at the top of his voice. A
small army of clerks poured into the
-oom. and laid violent hands on the strang-
ers, who proved to be wealthy Polish
bankers bringing letters OF Introduction
10 the (physicaly timid) lion OF loans
Embarrassed by his auriferousiy august
presence-what is there in Il breathing
money-bag capable of inspiring awe =
they forgot their coclness of conduct.
They were nearly as much terrified as
the renowned Israelite; and as it was
their initial visit to England, they lmagin-
ed at first that all foreigners were deem
ed robbers and desperadoes until the con
trary was established.
The wretchedly rich Nathan never
went out alone after dark. never entered
an unlighted room. hand servants within
call of his bed-chamber, siep, with loaded
pistols under his pillow.
A Observation-Disclosures, dining with HIM
one evening, and observing the luxury OF
his household remarked: =:
You mnst be happy, baron. with the
power to gratify every wish
"Happy, indeed - was the response,
..Do you think it is happiness to be haunt
ed always by dread OF murder--to have
your appetite for breakfast sharpened by
you inclose thousand guineas 10 some
unknown villain ?''
On one occasion, when the great linan-
cier had been TO an evening party. and
had gotten into his carriage to go home,
a friend, wishing to make an appointment,
stepped out to speak to him. The timor-
Gus banker mistook his familiar for Il high
wayman, and thurst pistol out OF the
carriage-window, with his favorite cry OF
murder :. before he could be acquaint-
ed with the situation.
As Rothschild grew richer and olde'
his fears increased He became almost II
monomaniac on the subject Of assassina-
tion, and many of his relatives thought
him in serious danger of insanity through
his constant apprehensions. Most Of the
menacings were unqucstionably sent him
by his enemies, with whom he was plenti-
fully supplied. Conscious of his weakness
they revenged themselves upon him with
baseless terrors. He was repeatedly told
so, he could not dwell in an atmosphere
of poisons, poniards and pistols.-Harp-
er's Magazine.