for information about the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique (the French
Line). The amazing thing was that this bank, that prides itself on its
world-wide information, had no data regarding the leading steamship line
between England and France. You may be sure that the Credit Lyonnais or
any other French banking institution has a complete record of the
American Line.

Not long ago, one of the largest banks in Chicago refused to extend
credit to a French concern, although the French Government backed up the
purchase. This concern had occasionally done business with a New York
Trust Company in the Rue de la Paix, whose French Manager was a live,
virile, far-seeing young American. The President of the French Company
laid his case before him. Quick as a flash he said:

"All right! If they won't guarantee it, I will, and on my own
responsibility."

Whereupon he put the deal through. It was the kind of swift, dramatic
performance that appeals to the Frenchman. The net result was that the
service has come back a hundredfold to the Trust Company.

The idea prevailing in America that French firms are not worthy of
credit is a matter of great surprise all over Europe. Here is the way an
Englishman whose firm has done business in France for fifty years, sized
up the situation:

"There are no better contracts in the world than those entered into in
France. Americans who have had little experience in such matters may
find the negotiations leading up to the signing of a French contract
somewhat tedious, but we do not mind this and one is so completely