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He explained to them in detail the bigness of the Eureka Tack Manufacturing Company, its enormous undivided profits, its tremendous yearly dividends, the fabulous price at which its stock was quoted, with none for sale; and all this gigantic business built upon a simple tack!—Gentlemen, not nearly, not nearly so attractive and so profitable an article of commerce as this perfect little convenience held before them.

It makes sixteen per cent. a year dividends, and has millions of dollars surplus in its treasury—undivided profits!

The following would then be the state of the account: Liabilities Capital $100,000 Surplus 29,000 Undivided profits 10,300 Deposits 279,775 ———— $419,075 Resources Loans $275,000 Bonds and stocks 13,000 Real estate 15,000 Other assets 20,000 Expenses 2,250 Reserve 93,825 ———— $419,075 c.

The remaining portion, the undivided profits, is the fund from which, after payment of current expenses and of any losses which may occur, the next dividend to the stockholders will be made.

The current expenses are for the present entered on the other side of the account, as they represent a certain amount of cash which has disappeared; but at the periodical settlement of accounts they must be deducted from the undivided profits, and will thus drop out from the statement.