New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-04-18
FINANCIAL DISCUSSION.
PINANCIERS AND UMBRELLAS.
LAYMAN's EXPERIENCE.
, M Edff0r 0( The Trfbune


SIR: attended, by invitation, a meeting
composed in the main OF prominent hnanciers at Mr.
Cyrus Fields on Wednesday evening for the discussion
OF the present alarming condition of the currency As 10
not belong myself to that class, my main object In being
present get instruction. Nearly every man IN
the room was a millionaire and greatly Cratited
to 1nd that they all firmly persuaded OF the
immortality OF innstion rs OF ito Impoley. In
fact think the moral aspect of the
situation which was very forcby presented by the Rev
Dr. Bacon, was far keenly appreciated than the
financial one. / nave never seen body of men VINO
appeared to be animated by hearter horror Of unfair
dealing.
This was made doubly pleasant to by the fact
that I had left my umbrellas black six one,
with a black handle, I may meution-in the
hall with a number Of others. I do not
ordinarily leave a silk umbrella in this way
familiar is everybody else with the looseness
Of popular morality with regard TO this article,
though have never heard It satisfactorily explained
even confess that am not myself as scrupulous with
regard to it as ought to be. Bat felt that TINS
exceptional occasion. Even an umbrella, /
thought, would be safe at a meeting OF great
bankers and merchants held TO maintain the
honor OF the country and preach TO the Govern
ment the observance of the eighth commandment.
An umbrella was OF importance 10 me- but reasoned
that TO of the audience 10 was OF little or none
and that with such wealth and such integ-
rity about me, l was as sure OF nhuing
my umbrella when I went out as was
of finding my watch in my pocket. You may judge or
my feelings when / tell you that there was
not q trace Of it when came to take my depart
ure that the servant informed that those gentle
men who mad preceded me had each snatched
up an umbrella without looking at 1t, and marched on
My old hat however, there where mad left II with
the umbrella the stairs and had apparently not been
disturbed.
Now what would ask Sir. il whether it Is not pos
sibe bring property in umbrellas under the operation
OF great moral uprising TO which we shall owe the
purhcaton OF the currency, and which firmly be-
lieve is impending. the Buffers and Logans viii soon
find 70 their cost and whether any article can be
excluded from tine protection OF the conscience, as
the umbrella has been for 80 long, without
weakening in a greater less degree thaU
sense OF Justice which human society rests. Inc
uuscrupuOusness OF the community on this point mas
long been notorious and has am afraid, been growng
and has for some time been the subject or
what / must call unseemly mirth but when 10 has
reached such persons the gentlemen VINO met at
Mr.. Fields the other evening, L think IL shows
that the time has come FOR some active steps
in the direction Of repentance and reform. You VIII
pardon me for closing by an expression or my
sincere conviction that the restoration OK my
umbrella 20 me would aid to some extent, however
small in the creation OF that sound and healthy
opinion fundamental questions or public ethics, 10
which alone We look for speedy resumption VI
specie payments Your Obedient servant, B. L. q.
NeU- York, April IL, 1874.