The Washington herald., 1910-10-04

lilc MALL liitH as now TIE ledQlnR COM
mercial city and money market OF South
ern Germany: more than that. at that
time the capital OF the Holy Roman
Empire OF the German Nation" The
reigning grand duke foresaw ruin and
made ready TO fee with his family. but
he was loath TO leave his valuables his
plate. and the grand ducal treasure be-
hind as an easy prey 10 the greed OF
the victorious invaders.
There was in those days In Frankfort
Hebrew broker who did business at the
sign OF 'das rothe schiii. meaning the
red shield" and his name was Mayer
Ansel. Be il understood that In those
days. before the laws OF commerce and
legal responsibility compelled adoption
OF distinct family appellations, and be-
fore admitting the Jews TO civil rights,
they were principally known in their
communities by their FIRST names. 10
which was added a special designation TO
facilitate locating them. In this case IL
was the broker at the red shield" This
red shield is the world famous name
OF to-day, leading the worlds finances
and controlling untold millions.
How this came about? Even in those
dark days Of the Ghetto it had become
pretty well known that the broker at
the red shield was exceptionally honest
in his dealings. The man had made a
reputation for himself, which was not TO
be ignored and which bore fruit IN time
OF need. The grand duke went 10 see
Mayer Ansel and asked him 10 take
charge OF the treasure. The man re-
fused Times we're too critical. he re-
piled
AT any rate, take the boxes" urged
the sovereign. they are safer here from
pillage than in the palace at Cassel. and,
Of course. none can hold you responsible
II you are despoiled."
Mayer Ansel knew the world. He was
sure that some one would betray the
secret 10 ingratiate himself with the
victors. but on the other hand. he was a
patriot; he was grateful 10 the country
that had permitted him-the Jew-to set
tie, and 10 make a living and rear his
family IN peace. He accepted. The
- anu AtiNdA II EasSt4AE btAEH A44dA night
were sent 10 hts house. and next day
the reigning family fed, for Napoleon's
hordes were approaching the town.
The commanding general levied HIS
tribute. a larger allotment than usual, for
Frankfort was, for those days, a rich
city. II was paid. Then he asked for
more. This, too, under stress and after
hardships. was forthcoming. Then he
still wanted more The city fathers had
nothing left but an empty treasury. and
the citizens had been despoiled OF nearly
all they possessed. Then that occurred
which Mayer Ansel had predicted. The
grand ducal secret was betrayed by his
own subjects, and the brokers house was
pillaged. the boxes filled with wealth were
taken, and the Jew, in return for his
faithfulnesS, barely escaped being shot
by the French for not at once turning
the grand dukes riches over TO the in
vading forces" AS it was, they impris-
oned him, took all his personal belong
ings, and left him poor man.
Nothing daunted. Mayer Ansel started
all over again. and prospered as before,
as he was honest and people liked 10 deal
with him. And he worked harder than
ever, for had he not assumed the re-
sponsibiIity for the safety Of the grand
dukes wealth, and was he not in honor
bound TO make good, despite the fact
that the wealth had been taken by the
French? 1t had been his personal charge
and he must pay for il
The day came when, after many years
of strife. peace once more was established
and under the treaties the absent grand
duke returned to his own. Mayer Ansel
waited and waited. but no one ever ap-
peared 10 claim the treasure. Finally he
became worried. He feared that he had
incurred the sovereign's displeasure and
he went 10 see the grand duke, who re-
ceived him very cordially.
'Highness." said the broker. 'T have
come to render my account Of the stew
ardship of your treasure intrusted TO
me when the French came, but you viii
have 10 be gracious and take it in
money"
Why in CASH. said the grand duke
Because, Your Eighness," said the
broker the French pilIaged my house and
l was unable 10 prevent their taking your
wealth which you had intrusted 10 my
care, but I had il all inventoried and the
amount was 100000 forms. and il is at
Your Highness' command"
Well. the "Highness" knew better
than 10 take the mans money.
Il know all about it, you faithful old
soul" he said. 1T know how you were
robbed and thrown in Jail for my sake;
and do you suppose that I shall take
from you the money for which YOU
worked so hard. and which you boarded
in order to repay me that which others
took from you? Not I. That money is
yours. 1t does not belong to me, and I
hope that it will be the nucleus Of great
wealth in your family"
Which certainly it was.
At recent party given by Miss Fannie
Reed. the aunt of Lady Arthur Paget.
and who has the reputation Of being a
great matchmaker, fifteen noblemen. all
after rich wives. were invited TO meet
Mrs. w. B. Leeds, who before her mar
riage was Miss Nonnie Stewart, of New
York. The story goes that every one
OF those aristocrats proposed to the dol
lar" widow before the evening was over,
but with no success. FLANEUR.
Copyright, 1910, By Mcclure Newspaper syndicats.)