The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-03-08
How a Cheeky Man Got Rich.
From the Ne,c YorI; Sun.

from We NeC OfK sun.
The liquidation of the rich firm of POTTER &
Stymus calls attention to the great growth of
taste in New York for the fine decoration of
houses. The education is largely possessed by
women too. The story of the birth of that
firm, told by an acquaintance, is curious proof
that the present discernment as to artistic
homes scarcer then than now, August
POTTER and William 2, Stymus were clerks in
an interior establishment and furnishing CON
Germ, owned by peculiar old Frenchman. who
was at that time the leading decorator in New
York. He was an artist, and thought more of
making one aesthetic chair than of closing the
most profitable bargain. POTTER was an ar
tiStic man. and the old Frenchman, in his bet.
ter moods, admitted that his clerk was his
equal i'll getting up beautiful designs and com
binations OF materials. Stymus was more of
an enterprlslng business man. Stymus heard
that a wealthy Wall street broker meant
to build a residence that would open the
eyes OF New Workers. 1t was said that
money was no object, and he was only waiting
to select a favorable site. Stymus evolved plan
which, even in these days of rushing enterprise
would be considered bold. He and POTTER
spent every night for a week getting their
scheme in perfect shape. One morning Sly
mus who had secured a days vacation, went to
a real estate agent and bargained for the option
ON Que Of the most desirable building lots in the
fashionable section, and only the large figure
placed upon it had caused il to remain empty
Stymus had not s. about his clothes but he
talked as though able TO pay cash on the spot
lie got low figure on 1t and agreed to give his
decision in few days. An hour later he
walked into the Office of the Wall street broker
with roll of paper under his arm
II have heard" said Stymus unabashed
that you intend 20 build handsome residence
If that is the case am prepared to show YOU
the plans of what will be the first house in New
York, with the most artistic decorations and the
most elegant furniture. What is more | am
ready to put that house on the best site in the
city, and TO do the entire work Is per cent
cheaper than anybody else in the United
States"
The broker became Interested He looked
with unconcealed delight upon the plans for a
house that Stymus had secured from an archi.
tect, and designs for the furniture and decora.
tious.
I'm tell you what said Stymus in conclusion.
II am just starting into business with friend
and We are both DESTROYS OF making a reputa-
ton. II you are satisfied with these designs and
will give us your order, we will buy the ground
build the house, furnish and decorate it com.
pletely, and we will not ask you to pay 81 until
all is done satisfactorily. Ali that we will ask
now is your written order"
What will the cost be fiually?" asked the
broker. pleased with the young man S nerve and
confidence.
"A quarter Of million doarsy" was the re-.
ply.
That was large sum in those days. and the
broker was u little staggered. He agreed To
consider the proposition. A week later the bar
gain was ratified, and the young men started in
business Tor themselves. They had no capital
but their order gave to them plenty Of credit
Tney carried out their agreement TO the letter
ana when the residence was completed IL was
surprisingly beautiful. Everything except the
crockery and kitchen utensils was provided
even down To the linen. The young men made
y per cent net profit out of the job, neverthe-
less, and this capital enabled them to 20 ON and
get rich before competition came. They are
now millionaires.