Among the men were contractors, merchants, department clerks, etc.

They all spoke with the utmost deference to the colored gentleman who had money to loan upon good security and good interest.
A few months ago I dined with ex-Senator B.K.Bruce (of Mississippi), now Register of the United States Treasury.

The ex-Senator has a handsome house, and a delightful family.

In running my eyes over his card tray, I saw the names of some of the foremost men and women of the nation who had called upon Register and Mrs.Bruce.In passing through the Register's department with the Senator, sight-seeing, I was not surprised at the marks of respect shown to Mr.Bruce by the white ladies and gentlemen in his department.

Why?
Because Mr.Bruce is a gentleman by instinct, a diplomat by nature, and a scholar who has "burned the midnight oil." Such a person does not have to ask men and women to respect him; they do so instinctively.
I walked down F street and called at the office of Prof.Richard T.
Greener, a ripe scholar and a gentleman.