The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1909-03-11

I(r HAVE followed the precepts
and examples of the late Gen.
BENJAMIN F. Butler, of Boston,
aud have profited greatly there
by in my practice of law" said Judge
Eagan.
"a number of years ago the cashier
of national bank In one of the large
cities of New Jersey called on me one
morning and he was greatly excited.
He was a fine looking business man OF
about fifty years of age and had every
air of prosperity about him. After ad-
mittinp him into my private office l
elucidated the following facts:
.He had been cashier of the Stuff Ma
tional Bank for about fifteen years
had grown up from Office boy-an had
passed thru the various stages of rum
ner. clerk, assistant paying teller, pay
ing teller, assistant cashier and cashier.
He had seen many of the banks clerks
and officers come and 60. When very
young he married an estimable young
lady and there came to bless his house
hold five children. Two of them were
at college and as his family grew his
household expenses expanded and his
salary remained at $4,000 a year. He
handled millions of dollars annually
and until within hort time before ne
called on me he had been scrupulousiy
correct in his accounts. While cashier
he found that the president had been
speculating with funds of the bank
and lie was invariably successful lie
knew the president who was also at
the head of large manufacturing es-
tahlishment had been speculating very
successfully in American rubber stock.
The cashier whose name Will say w
Smith finally concluded to DO a little
speculating himself as he was p'nched
for ready money all the time. he
forged the name of prominent lnol-
vidual to note, o.k'd it for discount
and requested the proceeds from the
teller in bills. The amount OF this note
was $1,000 and before it became due ne
had dissipated tie amount III margin
ing stocks thru brokers' offices. In
order to make this note good when 1t
became due and to provide additional
funds for his speculative account he
forged another on. for 5000 and this
thing went on until he was shown u
be Sl5O,OOO short in his accounts. Inc
PIE sident's tips we're no good for him.
So when he caned on me lie was short
the amount above stated. Upon In
quiring / found the bank had i' ans
and discounts of about two and one
half millions, capital. stock S2oo,Ooo
surplus S175,OOO, cash on hand abou'
S23O.O 900 and funds On deposit with ap
proved reserve agents about $oO,OOO
The bank examiner was expected an!
day and thus you will see that the cash
ier was in a peculiar and ralatul po
sitiOn.
"After getting all OF tie facts
told Smith to 60 over to the Asto
House, get some reading matter an
busy himself the best be could TO
about two hours. l wanted time t
think things over and wanted to ea
anime the national banking laws.
was convinced there was no hope fo
Smith unless he could make good hl
shortage and of course knew he conl
not do that.
.At the end of two hours he returne
by which time had developed a pla
in nv mind which hoped would wor
out all right.
aWhen alone said to Smith: L b
lieve can save you if you will folio
my advice. Desperate cases requil
desperate remedies. If you are Indie
ed you will be convicted and IN th'
event you will probably be sentence
to twenty years penal servitude.'
aSmith was well-built, neatly dresss
and wore full beard. He listened i
tently to what said, the perspiratit
standing out in clammy beads upon b
forehead. He was greatly agitatei al
occasionally gssped, My God! My fa'
iiyl Ny Godp
".Smith,' said I, you must arou
yourself and do as l say. Return
the bank and ship over to me by 6
press at once every dollar of cash