for women—­Political sentiments—­Mr. Stewart’s appointment as Secretary of the Treasury—­Feeling of the country—­The retail store of A.T.  Stewart & Co.—­A palace of glass and iron—­Internal arrangements—­The managers and salesmen—­List of sales—­Wages given—­Visitors—­The principal salesroom—­The parcel department—­The wagons and stables—­Extravagant purchases—­Mr. Stewart’s supervision of the upper store—­The system of buying—­The foreign agencies—­Statement of the duties paid each day—­Personal appearance of Mr. Stewart.

CHAPTER IV.

Amos Lawrence.

The Lawrence family—­A poor boy—­Early education—­Delicate health—­Obtains a situation at Dunstable—­Returns to Groton—­Becomes Mr. Brazer’s apprentice—­The variety store—­An amateur doctor—­Importance of Groton in “old times”—­Responsibility of young Lawrence—­Is put in charge of the business—­High character—­Drunkenness the curse of New England—­Lawrence resolves to abstain from liquors and tobacco—­His self-command—­Completes his apprenticeship—­Visits Boston—­An unexpected offer—­Enters into business in Boston—­Is offered a partnership, but declines it—­His sagacity justified—­Begins business for himself—­Commercial importance of Boston—­Aid from his father—­A narrow escape—­lesson for life—­Amos Lawrence’s method of doing business—–­An example for young men—­His business habits—­He leaves nothing unfinished over Sunday—­Avoids speculation—­His views upon the subject—­Introduces double entry in book-keeping into Boston—­His liberality to his debtors—­Does not allow his business to master him—­Property gained by some kinds of sacrifices not worth having—­Forms a partnership with his brother Abbott—­Business of the firm—­They engage in manufactures—­Safe business principles—­A noble letter—­Political opinions—­His charities—­Statement of his donations—­Requests that no public acknowledgment of his gifts be made—­Character as a merchant and a man—­Advice to his son—­His religious character—­Loss of his health—­His patience and resignation—­The model American merchant.

CHAPTER V.

Andrew V. Stout.

Early struggles—­Acquires an education—­Undertakes the support of his family—­The boy teacher—­Hard work—­Is made instructor of Latin—­A trying position—­How he conquered his difficulties—­Is made principal of a public school—­His first business ventures—­Engages in the building of houses—­His platform of integrity—­His success—­A great mistake—­He indorses a note—­The consequence of a false step—­Liberal action of the bank—­Mr. Stout resolves to accept no accommodation—­Pays the notes, and loses twenty-three thousand dollars—­Establishes himself as a wholesale boot and shoe dealer—­Enters the dry goods trade—­Close attention to business—­His system and its success—­Organization of the Shoe and Leather Bank of New York—­Mr. Stout is made Vice President, and subsequently President—­Character as a citizen—­Is made City Chamberlain—­Generosity to the police force—­Interest in church affairs—­Kindness to the poor—­Encouragement which his career affords others.