And now, my dear readers, having initiated you into the origin of stock companies and brokers, as well as the phrase and practice of Wall-street, in my next chapter I will give you the history of the “Morrison Kennel”—a company that has exhibited so many of the phases of human nature, that some have said that “old Nick” must have had a hand in it. If you expect that the dogs of this Kennel will prove to be hounds, I will tell you beforehand, that they are the veriest puppies in cowardice, treachery, and meanness, while they are perfect wolves in voracity; as will be proved by the perfectly denuded bones of the dead but stall-fed ass, which they have just forsaken.
If any one is curious to know from whence I got all this information, I will tell him. I received it from a venerable chronicler of the age, who has the old manuscript in his possession, and who now visits Wall-street daily to mark the passing events. He has agreed to meet me there every day for a week, where he will reveal to me the history aforesaid, and such other matters as his experience and observation may suggest.
CHAPTER II.
THE HISTORY OF THE MORRISON KENNEL—NICHOLAS THE 1ST—A STOCK SPECULATION, &C.
It is a pleasure which comes gratefully home to the heart, when contemplating the picture of human life, in whatever grade of society or condition we view it, amongst the multitude that flit by us, occasionally to see a being that stands out in bold and bright relief to its dark shades.
On the second day of my visit to Wall-street, while sitting with my venerable friend, the old gentleman, pointing to the street asked, “do you see that man.”—“Yes,” I answered, “and I know him; he is a man of honor, such as honor should be considered,—one of nature’s noblemen; his word is as good as his bond, and his friendship is better than either. He pays his debts because he promises, lends to oblige his neighbor, and gives to benefit the receiver—he tells the truth because it is right, and cheats nobody because it would be wrong. He has gradually risen in wealth and credit, has the confidence of every body, and amidst all the slime and filth that surround him, his character stands untouched and unsullied by its poison.”
ONE HONEST MAN IN WALL-STREET.
He may be seen every day, at half past ten, going to the stock exchange, with a book under his arm; and may be known by the breadth of his foot, the swing of his legs, and the weight of his bottom. He will occasionally appear in the course of this history, under the name of Mr. Bottomly, and I hope his conduct will vindicate my description of his character.
The old gentleman heard my remarks with apparent consent and pleasure, which were indicated by a smile of satisfaction peculiar to himself; but my silence was immediately commanded by a significant nod, with a gesture of the hand, as much as to say “there are some things however in Wall-street, which I know better than you do,” and he then proceeded, agreeably to promise, to relate the history of the Morrison Kennel.