The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1909-04-15
Judge Eagan
Howa Humble Irish PlaSterer Chang
ed the Banking Customs of the
Country.

Country.
"During the cival war we had troub-
lOus times in money matters. Before
the war there was quite considerable
gold in circulation and it was deposited
in what were then known as state and
private banks. National banks were
not authorized until about 1868.
ain this city OF New York there was
private te-banking firm vel known all
over the world. 1 will refer to it as
Benny Blues & Co. The firm was pros
porous and apparently in the very finest
condition. had client, Jerry Lynch,
plasterer who had, prior to 1853 de-
posted $3,580O0 in gold with this firm
drawing per cent interest. When gold
went up to 252 during the war Jerry
overheard some friends say: Now would
be a good time to buy government
greenbacks with gold Jerry was q
simple Irishman and of course believed
that if he deposited $3,58OOO in gold he
would be entitled to draw out the en-
tire amount in the same kind of money
which he had deposited. He called on
the bankers and inquired about it.
They informed him that if he drew his
money out it would be in current funds
-greehba:k :ks. Jerry wanted the same
kind Of money he had deposited and
would take nothing else.
"Jerry cane to me and explained the
situation aud after thinking the matter
over for u few h0urS-fOr III those DAYS
never acted hastily had Jerry make
out check to my order OIL the bankers
aud OH the face Of the check l had him
write the words: 'Payab.e in gold-same
| weight and iineEess as deposited The
amount of the check including interest
| was for sum apprOxin ating 100000.
took the cheek around and pres eated
| it. They Offered me the amount in
greenbacks-currenr funds. This of
course refused on behalf of my client.
| "Mr. Blues WAS present AMI became
quite excited. did not argue with him.
/ had observed that Gen. 3. F. Butler
had issued all eiict IN New Orle ais to
the bankers Ot that city compelling
them to repay to depOsitOrs tie idt tntl-
cal kinl OF money that had been de-
posted. Those who had deposited Con-
tedeya'e currency were repaid in that
kind Of M ney. Those who had de-
posted gold, silver, state bank notes or
government greenbanks or treasury
notes were entitled to withdraw the
same idt ntical kind of money which
they ha deposited: This was new
issue in law AMI upon this point felt
was justified in obtaining for my client
Jerry, either the same kind of coin he
deposited-gold-or its equivalent in
greeGLacks. Being patriotic Irish
American | did not went to be tho
means OF materially injuring the bank
ers. At the same time believed Jerry
was right and under Il e ruling of Gen.
Butler, very able lawyer, lie was en-
titled to 100000 in gold or about $lO,-
10000 in greenbacks.
"That afternoonI got out attachment
papers against the firm of Benny Blues
& Co. on the ground that they were
shipping assets-gold-out of the state
! and refusal to pay the check drawn
by Jerry Lynch to my order.
81 put the papers into the hands of
Hen, the under-sheriff, with instruc-
lions TO cdll 8C Inc banking TOOm OI tu0
firm the next morning, attach the safe
and seal it, gave him instructions
to stay there and watch the safe to Gee
that the seal was not broken and that
: the majesty of the law was not inter-
fered with in any way.
"The next morning Hen carried out
my instructions to the letter. He fol-
lowed the first clerk in about I 30 m.
Two hours later Mr.. Blues came in and
/ learned what was up. He clustered
around that he would give bond, lift
, the attachment and fight the case on
its merits. He sent for me and offered
to compromise-but refused. refer.
: red him to Gen. Buffers order in New
Orleans directing the bankers to repay
to depositors the same kind of funds
they had deposited and finally Mr.. Bluet
agreed to provide the 100000 in gold
or $4,000 in government greenbacks
"The next day this firm had printed
. on their deposit slips the following
words: in Current Funds These same
words were also printed on all their
o checks. After that all the other bank
and bankers follwed suit and to thii
day many banks print those words OF
their checks but it is no longer neces
9 sary as we have only one kind of mon
i ev-Or in other words all kinds of OuI