A MONEY-LENDER'S CAREER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 46, 6 March 1901, Page 2

A MONEY-LENDER'S CAREER.

Samuel Lewis, who died aged 63, at his palatial residenoo in Grosveuor Square, London, on January 13t'u, began his career in Dublin some 40 years back by selling small jowellory ta the officers stationed at, the barracks. He carried bis shop in his pocket. Saving money, he went to London, and commenced by discounting hills for youths of the undergraduate order at 60 per cent, Rapidly piling up a fortune, ho launched out, and for many years carried on an extensive and influential practice in Cork-street, nobility and well-known society families alike coming within his meshes. I Steadily amassing great wealth, Lewis ■et last dropped his usui ious charges to 40 per cent. Then came Hit Georgo Lewis's famous letter to the Star, and other disclosure* happening about the same time, the money-lending inquiry was started, which will be remembertd oniony by Sir George Lewis's fearless attitude during the Commission, a"d bis bold statements concerning the methods of West-end usurers. Bribing h's unrivalled, experience to bear, ho completely exposed Mr. Sam Lewis and his agents. Ooe hundred and ten per can 1 '~ he said, was the usual ch«rge,nnd as an oxainpl* of their evil influence hequoted the melancholy case of Lord William Nevill. j Sam Levvis was very fond of games of chancy and his dappe- - , well-dressed figure, showed, pleasant face, with whiskers and moimtachp, and keen, hu-j morous eyes glancing from beneath the brim of a hat sot jauntily on one side, was well known at the Monte Carlo tables. Ha was exceedingly lucky, and one?, in four days, won over £15,000 at trente et quarant J. His stikes were always invariably the maximum allowed. J!

He purchased Lady Cowley's house at Maidenhead, Woidsidf, for just over £II,OOO. There was a mild Bencation once when Iprd A'lesburv pawned himself for £200,000 to Mr Sara Lewi's who »as undoubtedly "uncle" f«r great considera'ions —fe the Upper Tea.