I used to greatly enjoy these talks, for she was an able woman and a good talker, and as she charged us only a dollar a week for board and lodging, and fed us well, I certainly was her friend.

This was about the usual price for board in the small towns in those days, where the produce was raised almost entirely on the place.
This estimable lady was violently opposed to loaners obtaining high rates of interest, and we had frequent and earnest arguments on the subject.

She knew that I was accustomed to make loans for my father, and she was familiar with the rates secured.

But all the arguments in the world did not change the rate, and it came down only when the supply of money grew more plentiful.
I have usually found that important alterations in public opinion in regard to business matters have been of slow growth along the line of proved economic theory--very rarely have improvements in these relationships come about through hastily devised legislation.
One can hardly realize how difficult it was to get capital for active business enterprises at that time.

In the country farther west much higher rates were paid, which applied usually to personal loans on which a business risk was run, but it shows how different the conditions for young business men were then than now.
A NIMBLE BORROWER Speaking of borrowing at the banks reminds me of one of the most strenuous financial efforts I ever made.