He is now making a study of Russian finance.
Full brother to this episode is the experience of another American in
Paris who found out that there was great need among French women for
curling irons. Despite war, sacrifice and sudden death, the French woman
is determined to look her best. Besides, she is earning more money than
ever before and buying more luxuries. Knowing these facts, the Yankee
sent the following cable to a well known concern in the Middle West:
"Rush fifty thousand dollars' worth of curling irons. Cable acceptance."
He also cabled his financial references which would have started a bank.
He, too, was doomed to disappointment. After a fortnight came the usual
letter from America containing the now familiar phrase: "See Blank
Blank, our Paris representative. He may be able to take care of you."
Manfully he went to see Monsieur Blank Blank, who not only had no
curling irons but refused to display the slightest interest in them.
Still another American took an order for some kid skins, intended for
the manufacture of fine shoe uppers. By the terms of the agreement they
were to be three feet in width. The money for them amounting to $30,000
was deposited in a New York bank before shipment.
When the skins reached Paris they were found to be heavy, coarse leather
and measuring five feet in width. They were absolutely useless for the
desired purpose. The average French buyer, however, is not a welcher.
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