French Savings Bank (San Francisco, CA)

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LAST ACTS AID SAN FRANCISCO Alexander Weill, Philanthropist, Is Buried in Paris. Alexander Weill, whose funeral will take place in Paris was with the Francisco. identified today, fortunes member of closely of San He was a the of 1856. in the military town on June famous bourg born Lorraine Vigilantes 21. of 1834, He Phals- was and came to San Francisco February 4. 1855 When he came to this city the firm of Lazard Freres occupied a leading as He position that firm importers. was with until 1876, when the Bank of Lazard Freres, of which he was was remained actual founder. organized. the He in San Francisco until 1880, when he went to New a bank established which York. has There achieved he great renown as one of the big financial concerns of the world. In New York he attained his greatest financial success Alexander Weill was devotedly atFrancisco. his long tached to San During sojourn in this city he was as one the most and garded of progressive republic-spirited men in California. He was president of the French in 1869. 1871 1878. He olent Society and Benevwas the oldest member of this society, whose membership numbered 5000. The death of Alexander Weill leaves his brother Raphael the oldest in rank of all the members of the society. SYMPATHY FOR CITY. So fond of San Francisco was Alexander Weill that he wrote to Raphael Weill on April 24 a letter which contained this sentence: "I give you my word if my wife would it I tomorrow for to you in your would be with start trying allow America days." In did not lament of his his letters material he the loss property, realizing that activity and perseverance would overcome material disaster. He was greatly rejoiced to learn that those who were near and dear to him had survived the calamity In France Alexander Weill was recognized as one of the foremost men of the country In 1871, after the Franco-Prussian war, he was the founder and first president of the League Nationale. It had 1000 members. This league established the French library of San Francisco. This library was consumed in the fire. In 1877 the failure of the French Savings Bank of San Francisco took place. The court appointed a receiver. Alexander Weill foresaw that depositors would lose under the proposed recelvership. He battled in court against the condition of affairs, with the result that the decision appointing receiver was reversed. Alexander Weill and Gustav Touchard then took charge of the bank's affairs, and by their careful liquidation the creditors obtained 80 per cent. HONORED BY FRANCE. In Paris his last deed. which has been declared a public utility by the French Government, was the founding of sanitary lodgings at a low rent. The profits of the enterprise accrue to the society. He was active in providing for the widows and orphans of public school teachers in France. In recognition of his distinguished work for the advancement and comfort of his fellow-beings he was made an officer of the Legion of Honor, a rank in that order seldom attained by civilians. Lazard Freres of New York, London and Paris and the London, Paris and American Bank of San Francisco, the institutions being in effect one of which Alexander Weill was the head. gave generously to the fund for the relief of San Francisco sufferers. Apart from such contributions Alexander Weill wrote in this manner to his brother Raphael "I have placed to your credit the sum of $20.000. which you will use to the best of your judgment." On receiving this letter Raphael Weill immediately sent $5000 to the French relief fund. The Lazard Freres of New York and Paris sent $16,000. They said to Raphael Weill: "Employ this money about or Many solutely regard at your and to religion discretion who nationality. and are withmen women too proud to ask for assistance may need help." Many men and women have been assisted who do not know today and perhaps never will know whence came the aid. In some of the letters from Paris comment has been made on the action of President Roosevelt in declining to receive foreign contributions in aid of San Francisco. In one of the letters to Raphael Weill this opinion is expressed "Your friend Roosevelt has in my humble mind been badly inspired when he has sought to refuse all help from foreign countries for the unhappy peoa ple of San Francisco. He assumes grave responsibility which is not permissible unless he is ready to respond to all demands for assistance." Since the announcement in the press of the demise of Alexander Weill old-time companions of the eminent many banker and philanthropist have written messages of sympathy to Raphael Weill Men who were nearest in touch