There has probably very rarely ever been so happy a position as that of a London private banker; and never perhaps a happier.
It is painful to have to doubt of the continuance of such a class, and yet, I fear, we must doubt of it.

The evidence of figures is against it.

In 1810 there were 40 private banks in Lombard Street admitted to the clearing-house: there now are only 3.

Though the business of banking has increased so much since 1810, this species of banks is fewer in number than it was then.

Nor is this the worst.
The race is not renewed.