But the scores of other interests that radiated from it and were
dependent upon it--or perhaps it would be more accurate to say,
that contributed to its solidity and success--the many
investments,
industrial, political, benevolent, reformatory, ecclesiastical,
that had made the name of Weightman well known and potent in
city,
church, and state, demanded much attention and careful steering,
in order that each might produce the desired result. There were
board meetings of corporations and hospitals, conferences in
Wall Street and at Albany, consultations and committee meetings
in
the brownstone mansion.

For a share in all this business and its adjuncts John Weightman
had his son in training in one of the famous law firms of the
city;
for he held that banking itself is a simple affair, the only real
difficulties of finance are on its legal side. Meantime he
wished
the young man to meet and know the men with whom he would have to
deal
when he became a partner in the house. So a couple of dinners
were given in the mansion during December, after which the father

called the son's attention to the fact that over a hundred
million dollars
had sat around the board.