The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-04-07
A CHURCH SUBSCRIPTION.
How the Pastors Fund Came to be
Handsomely Increased.

Twenty years ago, more or less, no ons
was better known in Michigan commercial
circles than Duncan Stewart, of Detroit.
He was a bold and sanguine operator in
wheat, and the money that he was the
means of putting into the pockets of pro-
ducers amounted TO very large sum. The
value of all the honor that now accrues to
him for his free-hearted methods may be
guessed at by any one possessing an average
knowledge of the world. A jovial and
humorous nature was not the least accen-
tuated of Mr.. Stewards characteristics so
long as he was one of the bidders for the
Magnns Apolloship of Change, AS well as
for No. white, and with him n joke was
always in order. He was once the victim
of blunder that had very little to do with
humor in the ordinary sense nevertheless
the story ought not to be lost.
Thirty years ago Mr.. Stewart was Repub
lican candidate for the State Senate. (His
political tenets have since been carefully re-
yised and corrected. The complexion of his
district was unfavorable to his prospects, but
rs he WAS o popular speaker his friends did not
permit themselves to doubt successful
issue. His speeches certainly induced con-
siderable accessions TO his standard, but his
most compelling thunder was reserved for
the last great effort, which, he figured out
would yield about 100 votes and so insure
his election. Perhaps it might have done
so had 1t not been for trihng circumstance
hot AaIx ,,k,,
|. e., he made that most memorable and all
concentrated speech beyond the limits of his
district
In olden times the Western Transports
ton Company was as well known, and it
enjoyed as good a reputation, as any SINH
lar organization upon the Great Lakes. II
was stock company and was practically
managed by Mr.. Stewart and a Mr.. Stern
berg. of Buffalo. At one time note for
$50. 900 was discounted for the company's
use by the Hide and Leather Bank, New
York, one of the solid institutions Of the
metropolis. This note had been once re-
newed, and, In order TO extend the facilities
of the line, it became desirable to repeat the
renewal process. To give the reader an
adequate idea of the situation ii should be
specified that the note was of the gilt-edge
order, being Endorsed by two or three New
York millionaires. Mr.. Stewart set out for
New York on that errand, but did not reach
his destination until late Saturday night.
Anxious and nervous he repaired at once to
the residence of the President, who was vir-
tually the business man of the bank but
what was his dismay when the President
point-blank refused his oyertures. A polite
| invitation was extended to him TO remain
at the house during the night, which was
accepted likewise an invitation to accom-
pany the family to church next morning.
The President was one of the pillars Of his
church, and during the service the fact was
developed that subscription was ON foot
but little lame--for the laudable purpose
of refurnishing the pastors house and Civ
ing him vacation abroad. A last chance
was given the congregation to subscribe. AT
the opportune moment Stewart whispered
70 his host.
Renew that note and I'll give $3.50"
The response was compressed into the
monosyllable--" Done! 7"