Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-09-25
FRANKS OF FAMOUS DEBTORS.

How thoroughly illogical was the
old usage of imprisoning debtors was
well expressed once by an Indian who,
in northern New York, saw a man in
the common Jail, and inquired what
had been his crime.
He owes 10 skins, which he can
not pay, he was told, beaver SKINS
being the currency OF the region at
that time.
Ugh. No catch.um skin shut UP in
'ailAOuse.' the Indian commented,
and strobe away.
But i. was when debtors could and
would not pay that the most absurd
situations developed, as was the case
with Ouyrard, the great French con-
tractor general, who allowed himself
to be sent to prison rather than pay
debt.
He led life of princely expenditure
in his prison-for the purpose OF adj
ding another room to his quarters, he
Ildlu luG dtbt Va TIC man NSA''AA<~
therein. One day the minister OF ii
nance was dining with Ouvrard, ANA
urged him to settle with his creditor,
pointing out that not only was he de-
prived of his liberty, but that much
scandal was reflected on the govern
ment, which had so long retained him
as contractor general.
"Parbleu, Monsigneur,' was the re-
tort, ,you speak very much at your
ease. | am here for five years, for
100000 of francs; l gain, therefore,
by my Imprisonment, 100000 "a
year, and if you know of any specula-
ton at once more lucrative and sure,
( am not obstinatey welded to this,
observe In that case, | will pay TO-
morrow"
James Swan, an American merchant
Of vast wealth, was committed TO the
prison of st. Pelagie, in Paris, on July
%. 1908, for sum of 625, GAO francs
about $l25.12S, 49, and repassed the
ing to the Revolution, July 30 1880,
% years afterward Mr.. Swan. though
possessed of what was at that time
considered a great fortune, amounting
to over a million dollars, denied the
business Of the claim on which he was
committed to prison. and determined
to pass the remainder of his life in
| confinement rather than submit to eX
tortiOn
! 1t was the French law at this time
| that if prisoner for debt escaped, the
keeper of the jail became responsible
for the debt and this gave a light
hearted if impoverished, Partisan ar
opportunity to play trick upon the
creditor who had thrown him into pri
son. Presenting himself at the credit
or's house one day, much to the lat
ters Amusement, he Coolly Obsery
| ed
you see. | am flce-haye escaped
You may certainly have me seized an(
Stul UdCh W jan IL Eou WISE, 'N' ~
YOU are aware, | can never pay my
debt. However, if you Will give M
enough money to get out Of the coun
trI, you can claim the debt from tn
keeper of the Jail, who is well-to-d'
and who will have to pay
The creditor .eadily agreed to thi
scheme, and handed over five gol,
pieces, which the debtor took and de
parted, presumably for the frontier
Later in the day the creditor went t
the Jail and addressed the keepe
haughtily;---
"As you are of course aware, keeF
er, my debtor has escaped. You, there
fore, are responsible to me for hi
debt--GO00 francs--whieh will trol
bic you to pay
Your debtor escaped? Oh not" tn
keeper replied, placidly In fact, h
has invited me to take dinner wit
him today. Having Unexpectedly r.
ceiyed a gift of five gold pieces, b
has purchased a little feast, which
am to share. Behold" And the keel
err threw open a door, disclosing to tn
furious creditor his debtor. with
complaeent smile upon his face, jus
sitting down to a table heaped vii
the finest yiands, fruits and wines.