St. Landry democrat., 1881-12-03
100000 For Holding u Horse.

After Commodore Vanderbilt had
accumulated the vast fortune that
made him the richest man III America,
ne took great delight in driving fast
horses on the road. He was the pioneer
Of the now numerous company or men
who own double teams that can trot
under 2:30.
One day, when the commodore was
out, he stopped as ne oiten @ ala' era az
speeding their flyers, the hotels we're
crowded. and there was no hostler at
hand to care for Mr.. Vanderbilt's team:
Standing on the piazza was man ol
keen, intelligent appearance, whose
clothing was of fashionable cut and IN
fair condition, though showing signs OF
wear. He looked like an active, ca
nable man who had met with reverses.
This man recognized the commodore,
and quickly stepping to the road, ne
he Id the old mans horses. When the
commodore returned from the hotel ne
looked at him sharply.
Haven't I seen you before y he
said.
"You have" was the reply. 81 am
John Blank. l used to be broker at
211 Wall street" 49,
"You had plenty of money last year p
asked the commodore.
a had three hundred thousand dol
lars" said Blank, and [ lost it all III
three months"
The commodore jumped in and his
fast team flew up the road, while peo-
ole pointed out the wonderful horses
and the more wonderful old man who
drove them.
The next day Blank received a letter
IL. Il
call at his office. The railroad king
was handling line Of stocks for a rise.
His operations were so immense that he
could absolutely control the market
in any given direction when he set out
TO do so. He said to Blank:
Central is going up. You go to my
broker and buy thousand shares. |
have told him you would be there and
that would supply the margin"
Blank did as he was directed, the
stock went up, and in two days he had
fifteen thousand dollars to his credit.
He went back to the Commodore.
Buy this, and this" the old man said,
naming the stocks, "and come back In
four days"
At the end of a week from the time
Blank first called on the Commodore he
was worth hundred thousand dollars,
"Sit down." the commodore said
when Blank called again. Il want to
give you some advice. [ knew you
when you were flush in the street, and
knew you would lose your money. You
were not content to stick to bro okerage
doing business for other people and
making a moderate income OF commits
sions, butyOu must go to speculating on
your own account. You were sure to fall
and YOU did, for in the long run only
the big spectators who can control the
market are successful. Sooner or later
the little fellows are eaten up. My ad'
vice is for you to sell out the stocks you
have. You will have hundred thou.
sand dollars. That is enough for mar
of reasonable desires to live comfortably
on. You would lose it all if you stale
in the street. Take that money anC
never look into Wall street again."
Blank knew that the keen old mans
advice was sound, and he had sense
enough to profit by it. He took hi
money out Of Wall street and he has il
yet. He does not drive fast team a
the commodore did, but you may se'
him on any pleasant day behind live
ly horse on the Seventh avenue drive
and he says that though the commodor
is dead his advice is as good as ever
and he means to profit by it as long a
he lives, and to keep out OF Wall street