The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-11-09
The .Anti-AGon0PO1iSt.

~
no help. Admiral DeSaisset had indeed
at one time publicly promised to defend
the bank, but on seeing the marquis to
the door OF his quarters he had whispered
to him, with bitter huniliation, that he
had no means doing so. Thus to sum
up this strange episode OF French his
tory, it may be said that an establish
ment containing 1920, 200, in city
given over 10 anarchy, was saved by the
intelligence and devotion of a few brave
men during dangers which lasted sixty
seven days, many Ot which seemed
likely to have no morrow for its de-
tenders, and that it has passed through
this dreadful crisis with its credit abb
solutely uninjured.
The bank lost about sixteen millions
Of francs by the Commune but 9 100000
of thai amount was balance Of account
belonging to the city Of Paris, SO that
the bank did not suffer by its withdraw
al. On the other hand, the bank gain
ed 26,OO0,0OO francs, or say $1,O4O,O 900,
by the Propagation of bills Of exchange,
so that the balance upon these political
transactions was largely in favor OF the
bank. During the worst of the perilous
times bank shares only fell to $500 francs.
They now stand at $500, Or nearly four
times their original value; but though
this high price may be safely taken as
a conspicuous proof OF public conf
dence, bank shares at this figure could
not be recommended as prudent invest
ment. and as the principles OF banking
become better understood in Paris they
will probably fall in value.
Let us not be in too great hurry,
however, to forget that it is credit-the
honor OF modern timeS-Which has en-
abled France to recover so soon from
the deplorable consequences of her faults,
it is not only her public credit, but also
the credit of private individuals which
supported her during the absence of the
many millions of her specie taken to pay
the German indemnity; and the bank OF
France is the fortress and stronghold OF
French credit. 1t remains to be told
how this respectable financial institutio n
was first endowed and called into be-
ing.
Opening on the Rue de la Vriilere, and
surrounded by the Rues Radziwill, Bail
, 1T, and Croixdes- pesits-Champs, the
, bank of France has occupied, ever since
1911. the ancient hotel of the Count Of
Toulouse. Its general aspect is that Of
prison for good society. It shows
many prospects OF iron ratings and iron
! doors, the latter being abundantly garn-
! ished with bolts and bars. Its high and
> solid walls would defy any attempt to
scale them, and every issue OF the
building is made tor defense which
. could only be vanquished by regular
siege provided with the engines OF war.
q Within, the place is as active as an ants
! nest. Every passage and staircase OF the
building is crowded during all the BUSH
ness hours OF the day, and an incoming
! multitude elbow an outgoing host in
:. each direction. None but people in a
hurry are to be seen there; SO at every
. door and landing place are posted ushers
4 ready to reply Immediately to questions
. asking the way to different points in the
:, labyrinth. Yet the ediice is daily
: growing larger. ard the palace which
= suiiiced Tor the wants OF Legitimate
), princes is too small tor this temple o.
= trade. Nowhere are SO many varietie:
= of people to be met with as within the
precincts OF this universal assembly
r. house. Every class OF society is re
: presented thcre-soldiers, artisans,
shopkeepers, CONDENSATION the
- capitalists who comes to receive the div
:. idend on his shares to the workman who
. has to pay AN acceptance for few francs
which he has given for his tools. The
h first impression made on q stranger by
: the bank Of France is one which inspires
, good will for an establishment which,
y having only in view the public interest
= impartially tries to be useful to ever.
- section OF the community.
y 1t was in lSOO,tne 24th Pluviose, yea
:, VIII. that certain bankers formed them
\ selves into company which became tn
l., Bank Of France. The principal Of then
= were Perregeaux. LIE Couteuix Cante
=, leu, Alallet, the elder, Recamier. hus
= band OF the charming wife. and Robii
a lard. a tobacco manufacturer. Thes
a. commercial gentlemen speedily agree
upon the statutes OF financial institl
= ton. which was TO have capital OF 81
=. =, 600, 900 francs, divided into $4,000 non
NATIVE shares. The business of tt
company was restricted to discCuntin,
ar collecting bills. receiving deposits az
~ consignments. keeping current account
On and issuing drafts at slgnt 10 bearer;
:. other trade but that in gold and siIv
was forbidden. In the. primitive sta
TAR utes OF the bank may still be observe
ne in . documentary state indeed, but We
oe- clearly. the system which has secured
iu- an almost uninterrupted career Of pro
ie- perity to this day. Tn the 18th Of Nivo
we u Us early as the 18th OF January, 49,
an consular decree deposited lar
II amount OF government money with
md new bank, and on the 18th GermiI
an year XI., or 14-h April, 1903 it y
'ng Ie6nitiveIy organized BY Law under !
els -,sie aud title oi the b INK OF France,
ere "a pital being raised at the same time
Use Aj.pU,utU irabts.-LonIoH Netcs.
han
ON
lh MaxfeId e. Co.,
al