Click image to open full size in new tab
Article Text
# An Heroto Figure.
The memory of Mr. Amos R. ENO, who died on Monday, is entitled to lasting honor because of the sacrifice of toward four millions made by him to save the Second National Bank from ruin, and its depositors from grievous loss, by reason of the misconduct of his son, its President. It was in 1881, at a time of financial panic, and if Mr. ENO had not promptly come to the rescue of the bank with so large a part of his great fortune the evil consequences of the disaster would have been widespread.
It was a brave action, and the promptitude of Mr. ENO in performing it, under the impulse of both business and family pride, was characteristic of his decision of character. The blow came to him as from a bolt from a clear sky. The Second National Bank was apparently absolutely sound, and beyond possible disaster, when it was suddenly revealed to him that his son, its President, had dissipated its whole volume of assets in wild and gigantic Wall street speculations, of which the father had had no hint and no suspicion. The panic prevailing made it impossible for even Mr. ENO's great fortune to secure the millions required to make good the defalcation without sacrifice, but without delay and taking no account of difficulties he supplied the vast deficiency from his private means, thus earning the deep gratitude of every depositor in the Second National Bank and deserving the gratitude and the applause of the whole public.
Mr. Eno was a man of marvellously quick perceptions, amounting to veritable genius, touching the operation and chances of business enterprises, but more especially concerning prospective landed values. His discernment in the selection of his many and great real estate investments was as clear as it was confident. He foresaw with the certainty of a strictly logical process the tendency of trade and population to centres where he bought landed property at prices often less than the rental which not many years afterward he was able to obtain from them.
The estate left by Mr. ENO must be very great, probably greater than it has been estimated, but a far better legacy than that is the example of honor, integrity, courage and fidelity which he leaves behind him.
