The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-07-24
TOLD OF A GERMAN BARON.
His Dislike for aIoney-Lenders Once Got

His Dislike for Money Lenders Once Got
Him Into Trouble.
Freiherr Marschall Won Bieberstein, the
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who ac-
companied his imperial master, the German
Emperor, on his trip to Great Britain, while
member of the Reichstag in 1878 very I'M
expectedly found himself in an embarrass-
ing situation. as a result of his activity in
securing the passage of law relating chiefly
to the Jews, the story of which was related
yesterday by Moses Oppenheimer of So
Broadway.
II have met the Baron many time," said
Mr.. Oppenheimer, ''at the Mannheim Chess
Cub, of which we both were members. His
prominent participation in the enactment of
the anti-usury law resulted in rather
funny complication.
Il happened to know personally the other
actor in the story, and have my informa-
ton directly from him. His name was Louis
Altheimer, a well-tO-dO Hebrew, residing in
Mannheim and living on the proceeds of a
snug fortune which he had amassed in his
youth in the United States.
''Altheimer's specially was to lend money
to officers of the army, to officials and others
of that class of society on their promissory
notes. His regular charge was II per cent
annum. He would, of course, accommodate
only people who seemed to be good pay. AS
& rule lie would extend tie note from time
time, on the payment of the interest pro-
yided he had no fear of suffering n loss.
SIN those days Baron Marschall's father
was yet alive and in possession of his moder-
ate estate. The young Prosecuting Attor-
ney had to get along in the main ON his
rather modest salary. He managed 1t pref
ty well until he had some trouble with q
young woman. II would never do for the
rising young courtier aud conservative
statesman to have the scandal made public,
and to hush it up about 5000 marks in cash
was absolutely required. The Baron en-
tered into negotiations with Mr.. Altheimer
and secured the loan on his note. The in
terest was paid promptly and the little bill
was extended several times without any diff
fcuty.
I'm advocating the Anti Usury Bill in the
Reichstag Baron Marschall delivered a We
hement speech against the blood-sucking
usurers, especially those of Hebrew descent.
The law as passed, largely owing to Mar
schalPS persistency, was exceedingly vague
IN Its provisions. leaving it practically to
the discretion of the courts to say whether
in any given case the taking of more than
per cent was criminal usury, punishable by
imprisonment at hard labor and by fines.
THE session of the Reichstag closed; the
Baron returned to Mannheim and resumed
tie duties of his Office. Meanwhile, his note
for 5000 marks, held by Mr.. Altheimer, was
soon to fall due. The Baron wrote a note
to his creditor, asking him to call and ar
range for an extension OF time under the
usual conditions. Altheimer replied briefly
in writing that under the new anti-usury
law he did not feel safe in continuing to
lend money in his former way, and there
fore proposed to 60 into some other business
where his capital would yield him legiti-
mate profits. He notified the Baron that
the note would he presented for collection.
This turn OF affairs was embarrassing for
the young statesman. He wrote again to
Mr.. Altheimer, saying that the usury act
was never Intended for cases like his, and
could not apply to their relation. He urged
renewal of the note as 4 perfectly safe and
sensible transaction.
"A reply soon came from the Hebrew,
acknowledging the Baron's good intentions
as well as his legal acumen, but at the same
time pointing to the fact that the nterpre-
tation OF the law was left entirely to the
courts.
"'Under those circumstances Altheimer
continued, do not feel disposed To put my
neck into the halter. l cannot renew your
note. You have been accommodated so far
by one of the much-abused Hebrew
Insurers" at his own terms. Your popularity
and your position will probably induce some
some OF your Christian friends to lend you
the amount without security on perfectly
legal interest
Mr.. Aitheimer's note, it is needless to
add, was promptly paid. Marschall subse-
quently became the diplomatic representa-
tive OF the Grand Duke of Baden at Berlin,
and still later he was appointed Under Sec
retaly of State in the Foreign Office, filling
the place formerly occupied by Count Her.
bert Bismarck.-N. Y. Sun.