South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-07-13

But when we came 70 know some one OF
these sphinxes better, we found that far from
being apart from humanity, he was, on the
contrary, a most highly developed, and even
very sensitive expression Of 1t. His will.
which appeared unshakable, was not kind
OF Interchangeable crushing fatalism. but the ex-
preston of a sincere and combative instinct
matured and broadened by reflection and
ried thus to the apogee OF the forces and the
foresight that he possessed. His tenacity was
not obstinscy, but the certainty of having dis
covered the truth and the best use OF his pow
ers.
admit no outside influence and to draw from
Itself all Its guidance, showed itself sud
denly capable OF unexpected, impulsive acts
which were described "caprices" and fan
tastes" On looking at them more closely We
perceived that these fantasies" were also
profound indication OF humanity. They were
not inspired like those of most OF the mighty
ones OF the Old World by boredom that moth.
ing any longer distract, a boredom that
is expressed in the words OF the scripture.
Vanity OF vanities, all is vanity" Very much
TO the contrary and very fortunately, these
kings OF the new world. formed IN the mould
OF nature. remained. like her. full OF surprises
and OF fneIhaustible creation And what We
call their "caprices" were only bursting
forth OF their strong and elemental nature. AS
soon one touched their mysterious sensi-
bility, merely for the space OF lightning flash.
their decision was taken. new light flashed
over the impressive look. the heart was opened.
and benevolence flowed forth.
The careers OF these lords OF gold were
we'll calculated to dazzle us. Almost Invariably
their fortune was founded by one stroke OF
daring by a prodigious intuition for which no
education seemed TO have prepared them, un-
less II were the free and adventurous air which
they breathed from their childhood on the
soil OF their fascinating country. He who In
rOa1lh unOa n
become a man OF action.
What a surprising difference we find In
general between the life beginnings Of Amert
can and European capitalists Almost all or
them with say that they started with pru-
dence and caution The stories of their early
days are all designed to set IN relief the vir-
tues OF prudence and economy. An instance Is
that OF the famous Paris banker, Laffitte,
which is often quoted example to the
young They say that when he was poor, and
altogether unknown, he went TO ask a modest
position with a well-known banker o; that time.
lie was sent away without obtaining IT. AS he
was walking through the courtyard to the
street the head OF the bank from his window,
saw him stoop and place a piece OF waste
paper In the receptacle provided for the pur-
pose. This action, which revealed habits OF or
der and good taste. caused the banker to re-
fleet He recalled the young man. questioned
him seriously, found that he had interesting
ideas and kept him as an employee.
jacques LAffitte did not possess modest
qualities merely. He understood admirably
how TO profit by the small position which he
had obtained. He introduced great changes in
financial methods and played IN important part
IN the French Revolution.
But what a contrast between these pa
tient beginnings and those OF American finan-
ciers. who seem, with one stroke, TO mag
netiEe fate! Even among business men OF
tecondary Importance I find the same inten-
Sity Of impulse. tie same selfcontrol the same