The Financier · Chapter
XLIII explained
In the trial of Frank Cowperwood, defense attorney Harper Steger addresses the jury, arguing that Cowperwood was merely a legitimate agent for the city and that the charge of embezzling $60,000 is a political scapegoating after the Chicago
What happens
In the trial of Frank Cowperwood, defense attorney Harper Steger addresses the jury, arguing that Cowperwood was merely a legitimate agent for the city and that the charge of embezzling $60,000 is a political scapegoating after the Chicago fire. He portrays Stener as a weak tool of political forces. The prosecution then counters, depicting Cowperwood as a manipulative master who threatened Stener to secure loans, and questions the innocence of his financial dealings.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Justification
Both defense and prosecution present conflicting narratives, each justifying their client's actions while accusing the other of deceit.
Corruption and Power
The trial reveals the intertwining of city politics and finance, with Stener as a pawn and Cowperwood as a manipulative force.
Class and Social Mobility
Stener's rise from poverty to treasurer is contrasted with Cowperwood's wealth, highlighting class dynamics in the case.
Characters to notice
- Frank Algernon Cowperwood
The defendant, a banker and financier charged with fraudulently taking $60,000 from the city treasury.
- Harper Steger
Cowperwood's defense attorney, who addresses the jury first, arguing that Cowperwood was a legitimate agent and a political scapegoat.
- George W. Stener
City treasurer and key witness, portrayed by the defense as an inexperienced man used by political forces, and by the prosecution as a victim of Cowperwood's manipulation.
- Albert Stires
Private secretary and head bookkeeper of the city treasurer, involved in the check transaction.
- Edward Malia Butler
Mentioned indirectly as part of the political forces behind Stener.
Key passages
“Since it is the privilege of the lawyer for the defense to address the jury first, Steger bowed politely to his colleague and came forward.”
Steger, as defense counsel, began his opening statement to the jury.
Opening of the defense's argument.
“The charge is, as you have heard the district attorney explain, that Mr. Cowperwood came in broad daylight at between four and five o'clock of the afternoon preceeding the day of his assignment; was closeted with Mr. Stener for a half or three-quarters of an hour; came out; explained to Mr. Albert Stires that he had recently bought sixty thousand dollars' worth of city loan for the city sinking-fund, for which he had not been paid; asked that the amount be credited on the city's books to him, and that he be given a check, which was his due, and walked out.”
The prosecution alleges Cowperwood openly obtained a check for $60,000 from Stener's office for city loan purchases he claimed were unpaid.
Summary of the prosecution's charge.
“It was simply because Mr. George W. Stener at that time, owing to a recent notable fire and a panic, had become frightened and was being used by political forces above him.”
Steger argues Stener, scared by the Chicago fire and panic, was manipulated by political superiors.
Defense's explanation for Stener's refusal to lend more money.
“If you don't give me three hundred thousand dollars' worth more of the city's money at once, today, I will fail, and you will be a convict.”
The prosecution quotes Cowperwood threatening Stener to force a loan or face prison.
Prosecution's portrayal of Cowperwood as coercive.
