"WHAT WILL HE DO WITH IT ? "
WE have all along suspected that the resumption of cash payments by Aus- tria would turn out to be a sort of gloomy joke, and the Vienna correspond- dent of the Times more than confirms our anticipation. "The cash pay- ments of the Bank are now merely nominal, so great are the difficulties thrown in the way of those persons who apply for large sums in silver : 20, 50, and even 100 florins can easily be procured, but if an Austrian wants more he is subjected to a regular examination." He is obliged "to state his name and business," in a country where pressing for payment might really be dangerous. The Imperial debtor does not scruple to employ the usual excuse, telling the creditor "to call again on the following day." Finally, the brutal dun who perseveres in asking change for a201. note "is asked what he intends to do with the silver ? " Imagine a man at the Bank of England presenting a 20/. note and having to go into an examina- tion as to the mode in which he intends to spend the money!
Previous page
