The New era. [volume], August 25, 1845, Image 2

About The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847

Image provided by: Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA

                
THE NEW ERA.
What is it but a Map of busy Life?—Oourper.
NORFOLK AND PORTSAKHJTH.
MONDAY. APGU8T aft, 1845.
OUR FLAG!
FREE TRADE—LOW DUTIES NO DEBT SE
• PARATION FROM RANKS -ECONOMY RE
TRENCHMENT AND STRICT ADHERENCE
TO THE CONSTITUTION.
STEAM ENGINEERS IN THE NAVY.
We would call tho especial attention of those
interested, to the communication in this day’s pa
par, signed “ Saul.” llis name is left with ns,
and he stands ready to prove all the assertions he
has or may advance.
NORTH CAROLINA.
We are gratified to state to our friends through
out the country, that Thomas L. Clingman, the
abolition friend of John Quincy Adams, from
North Carolina in tire last Congress, has been
left at home by the Whigs of the First District.
We rejoice in this, because it proves to us that on
the great question of southern rights, the people
of North Carolina will permit no treason. Cling
man sold himself to the abolitionists, and south
ern men have left hint to fester in his own cor
ruption.
THE CASE OF HOMICIDE.
The evidence of this case is not continued in the
Washington Union, from which wo extracted on
Saturday, as was expected. The testimony of Mr.
Hailey, we understand, was very severe against
Elliott.
The argument of Gen. Jones before the Exam
ining Magistrates was not concluded on Thurs
day evening ; it was on the question of admitting
Elliott to hail, the prosecuting attorney, Mr.
lloban, having argued that it was not a bailable
case, and showing that the shooting of Kendall
was prima facie evidence of wilful murder.
Mr. Kendall, the father, arrived in Washing
ton on Thursday evening. We quote from the
Daily Bee :
Jakmnr advantage of ilic delay of a witness,
H. H. Dent, Esq., assistant counsel for the de
fence, made a few remarks; during which he
said that, on Tuesday, he had received a let
ter from the family of Mr. Kendall, asking
him to take such a partin the examination as
he might deem advisable. On a brief reflection,
he consented, as the parents and friends of the de
ceased were so deeply interested; and he was
there humbly to exert his energies, in accordance
with the request, to prevent any undue reflections
from being cast on the fair fame of the departed.
The heart-stricken parent had arrived at 3 o’clock
that morning from New York, lie had already
had an interview with him, and Mr. Kendall
heartily approved of what he had done. Both
that gentleman’s and his own conduct in the sub
sequent proceedings would be governed by the
rules legally prescribed. .Mr. Kendall desires that
all the mildness and forgiveness which the laws
would permit should be extended to the prisoner;
in his own language, he regarded the condition of
Mr. Elliott more unfortunate than lie did that of
his own son.”
The funeral of William Zebedeo Kendall, says
the same paper of I' riday morning, took place
yesterday morning. The services were perform
ed by the Rev. Mr. Sprole, in a deeply impressive
manner. A large number of friends and acquain
tances wore in attendance. The surviving mem
bers (with the exception of Elliott) of Ea Belle
Boat Club, of which the deceased was a member,
seryod as pall-bearers. We were told that be
fore the coffin was closed, Mr. Kendall looked at
the face of his son but for a moment and then re
tired .
OUR NAVY AGAIN.
Among the most important of our interests, and
one which requires the most constant vigilance
for its protection and security, is that of Commerce.
Our flag is now unfurled upon every sea. Every
quarter of the world is visited by our hardy sea
men, bearing the fruits of our industry, and those
of surrounding nations, to the farthest limits of
the earth, and in return, bringing back tho results
of the labor of others, either in the products of
their soil or the manufactures of art, aided more
or less by the principles of science. This business
of transportation from nation to nation is most im
portant and lucrative. Hence we are not alone,
without competition allowed to carry it on, but
upon the contrary, we are directly the competitors
of other nations. And those nations watch with
jealous distrust our onward progress in a career
which they alone formerly pursued.
What, then, is our obvious policy and duty,
with reference to this matter ? Is it to rely im
plicitly upon the forbearance and good faith of those
with whom we are in competition ? Shall we
rely upon their magnanimity to secure our nation
al rights and the privileges of our citizens? Does
the history of the world warrant the supposition,
that those who regard it as their interest to de
stroy our commerce, will protect and foster it
when we are not prepared to protect it for our
selves, by promptly punishing any aggressions
upon it? We think none can doubt on this
point. It is the dictate of prudence as well as
true economy to be prepared at every point to
ward off every attack. If we would do this, if
we would not become the prey and sport of every
plunderer we must adapt our means for protection
to the emergencies that may arise, we must pro
vide means of defence according to the capabili
ties of others for attack. If others advance in the
arts of war we, too, though pacifically inclined,
must make corresponding improvements, or the
odds will most assuredly be found against us in
any emergency that may arise. And whenever it
is known that we arc unprepared to meet a conflict,
our competitors will be sure to become our ene
mies, and the necessity of defending ourselves
will be forced upon us. To avoid this, the only
alternative is to he ever prepared, to keep pace
with the world, and if possible, outstrip her in
advancement of every kind. Instead of being be
hind let us be ahead of our cotemporarics, in arts
and arms, as we are in freedom and prosperity.
I lien they will dread rather than court collision
with ns.
In order to this it is of the utmost importance
that we should ho forthwith supplied with a com
plement of steam vessels. Ollier nations are pro
viding themselves with this most efficient auxil
iary to the Naval arm. We must increase our
number or he left in rear of the onward march of
improvement. The nation will not consent to he ;
thus distanced while wo have the energy, enter
prise, genius, and resources to enable us to out
strip, instead of lagging behind all others. Steam
vessels are then to ho constructed, and wo would
most respectfully suggest to the Honorable Secre
tary the propriety of recommending to the next
Congress, that a foundry with all other necessary
machinery for the construction and repair of en
gines, and all of their appendages he here erected.
We would suggest that this would he a far more
economical course, than to he always dependent
upon private contracts for all work of this kind
required in the service. There are many reasons
why our \ ard should he selected fur the location
of such an establishment. We have the most
extensive \ard. Our Dry Dock is largo enough
to receive the largest class of ships. Our climate
is favorable, vessels can he taken in and repaired
at all seasons of the year. We are comparative
ly near to inexhaustable supplies of timber for
ship building. In fact every consideration seems
to point to this as the proper location.
Of the expediency of the government doing
this, as well as other kinds of work, for herself,
by workmen employed for the ex press purpose,
there can he no doubt. And in addition to the con
siderations before mentioned for the establishment
of a steam marine, is the fact that we would thus
ho prov.ded with the most prompt, efficient, and i
least expensive means for transportation of stores
of every kind, to whatever portion of tho world
it might he necessary. Then, instead of depend
ing upon hired transports, often at exorbitant
charges, we should ho prepared to transport our
soldiers at once from one portion of the seaboard
Jo another, where their services might bo neces
sary : for instance a transfer of troops as of late to
Texas, or elsewhere. We should also be efficient
ly prepared for defence at any moment. Will not
the Secretary and others, consider and act upon
this important subject.
felix o. McConnell,
Who ian against the regular Democratic candi
date in the seventh Congressional district of Ala'
bama, has been elected. McConnell is what is
called a “ hard ease,” and bis conduct was very
severely censured while in Congress by his
friends, as well as his political opponents. It is
said he told his late constituents that he was “ a
plain, flat-footed, venison-backed, unsophisticated
loco foco”—and that “ if they did not choose to
re-elect him, because he took his glass of grog like
an independent citizen, they might go to-,
and he would go to making harness; and that he
didn’t care a curse, only that he didn’t like to be
cork-screwed out of Congress by the intriguing of
your moccasin-footed nominating convention.”
There is a prospect in the next Congress of some
“ rich scenes.’’
BILLIARDS.
We accord most fully in all the views express
ed below, in the article extracted from the Rich
mond Whig. There can be no doubt that the
unwise restriction of the game of Billards in the
Territory of Virginia, has done more to promote
gambling, and all its concomitants, than any
other negative act passed by our Legislature.—
Billiards is like chess, a game of science, action
and thought, and will not allow of heavy hazards.
It contains enough excitement in itself, and does not
require tho stimulants that games of chanco do to
make them even bearable. It was a mistaken
idea to have driven litis amusement from the
State.
Anti-Gambling Association—Billiards.
—We tinvo received, and shall publish to-morrow
if possible, a communication from tho pen of a
friend, addressed to Ro. R. Collier, Esq., asking
some more definite specifications against the pro
fessional gamblers, recommending a Society for
the suppression of Gaming, and requesting a re
ply to the suggestion, (from Mr. Collier.)'
Much unquestionably could he accomplished
for the suppression of the vice of gambling by in
dividual combination. That which men of honor
would unanimously or even generally concur in
discountenancing, would fall of itself. The lamp
would expire for want of the oil necessary to feed
the flame. It is such rnen—the unwary and un
suspecting, the ardent and tho uncalculating—
who have chiefly contributed by their own ruin, to
sustain and enrich the gambling elass. An asso
ciation among these, would prove fatal to illicit
gambling.
But, it this is too much to anticipate or to hope,
it is in the power of legislation to lend the most
powerful and effective assistance. Tho method
is perfectly simple, and as effectual as simple.—
LEGALIZE BILLIARDS: Repeal the statute
; ry prohibition against a game, which of all games
is the most innocent and unproductive of betting,
the most philosophical in its physical and mental
combinations, an instructive amusement to the
mind, and an agreeable and salutary exercise to
the body.
The suppression of Billiards in Virginia, was no
doubt suggested by the most patriotic motives;
but that it was unwise, the result has established,
in the promotion of secret and murderous gam
bling—gambling hidden from public observation;
gambling destructive in the ratio of its secrecy._
This was the opinion of John Marshall, and in
one of the last conversations which the author of
the observations held with that great and good
man, more truly great perhaps than all save
Washington and Franklin, to whom that epithet
has been applied among our countrymen, he urged
the restoration of Billiards, as a measure which
would prove morn efficacious in suppressing vi
cious and predatory gaming, than all others com
bined, which it was within the power of.Legis
lation to adopt. Amusement, he said, would be
| sought, and it was presented by no other game,
, in a form so harmless and at the same time so at
! tractive, as to subdue the thirst for more danger
! one games: Amusement, he farther continued,
i was craved by nature, and necessary, if not to all,
I certainly to most, and tt ought tc be the 6tudy of
llip laws to pr> mo e tliat which was the leas! per
nicious: whereas, the laws of Virginia, in at
tempting to suppress all gambling, had only suc
ceeded in suppressing Milliards, the most innocent
and elegant of all, because the apparatus of the
game was larger, and could not he hidden, while
they had, by injudicious penalties, driven gam
bling into dark recesses, rendering it more un
principled. demoralizing and destructive.
Such was the opinion of Judge Marshall, enter
tained at tho time of his death, when age had
subdued his own passion for Milliards, which tra
dition reports to have been excessive in his earlier
years. Hu was anxious to have headed a petition
to the General Assembly for the restoration of
Milliards, under restraints which would correct
the evils which led to their suppression.
For tlu- New Era
SEAMEN.
1 lie government should not pay their men in
advance. So far from paying them in advance,
they should nut take them without they have
clothes enough to last them until they have pay
dun them to buy mure. Let the quantity of
clothes, however, he moderate, say, a working
suit, a blanket and a change of linen.
Paying sailors in advance, has done a deal of
mischief. The sailor is always tempted to run
away as he runs from his creditors, and the offi
cers, to prevent them from running, oftentimes
subject them to unnecessary restraints.
A sailor might be made to take better care of
himself than he does at present. In the first
place, you should say to him, we will not receive
yon unless you have a few decent clothes, and, in
the next, wo will not require you to have more
than a suitable wardrobe for comfort and show.
J lie rest of your pay shall he yours, with oppor
tunities of spending it. Thousands of lads would
go abroad in our men-of-war. if, when they got
abroad, they were allowed their pay and oppor
tunities to spend it. The old system was to force
the sailors into spending their money at home.
Wo du better now, but there is room for doing
more. A merchant ship has lately sailed without
the men taking any advance. Those fellows will
get their money abroad if they want it. Where
our lads have scores to settle, let them, when the
ship is ready for sea, have advances proportioned
to the remoteness of the stations to which they
are going, so that by the time they get there, they
will be out of debt, or, if they prefer it, let them
leave quarter or half pay tickets, as, indeed, they
are now more or less in the habit of doing.
For the New Era.
NAVAL ENGINEERS.
The article in the Union of Friday last, refers
to the disasters which have been sustained by the
Naval Service from the incompetency of its En
gineers—a fact the public were long since made
acquainted with at the cost of the finest War
Steamer in the world—the ill starred “ Missou
ri,” which was destroyed in the Harbour of Gi
braltar, through gross carelessness or inattention
on the part of the Chief Engineer, or from his be
ing unacquainted with the highly dangerous and
combustible properties of Spirits of Turpentine.
In further evidence of the ineompptency of the
principal 'Engineers, the public have witnessed
the result of the Abortion or Quixotic Steam
Boats that were introduced into our Naval Ser
vice, mainly through their recommendation,
thereby causing a large amount of the “ People’s
Money” to be appropriated without Law or Au
thority, by way of bonus, in addition to the enor
mous amount expended for the Construction,
Equipment, Repair and Transformation of these
worthless Steamers. Had these vast sums of
money been applied under the direction of that
able and Scientific Officer, Commodore Stockton,
they would have been amply sufficient for the
Construction and Equipment of several common
sense Steamers like the “ Princeton,” and placed
the Steam Marine of the Government in a fa
vourable and proper light before the people, in
stead of rendering it a mere laughing stock.
Since the establishment of the Naval Engineer
Corps but two serious accidents have comelo the
writer’s knowledge—the one recorded above, and
one other; both of which occurred onboard sea
going Steam Ships, at the time in charge of
“ Chief Engineers;” the only grade which it
seems to have been considered unnecessary to ex
amine and reorganize.
i my, wimi. uuiiki navB excused me urane o!
Chief Engineers from the late examination ?_
They who, above all others, “ require from the
Department the severest scrutiny of character
and qualifications,” as they are the commanding
grade, to which is attached a responsibility tha"t
does not fall upon the subordinate grades—conse
quently, they should have been the first to pass
a thorough and impartial examination, to have
proved their competency—can it be possible the
two accidents alluded to were sufficient evidence
of their competency ! or did the fifty dollar Black
Mail skreen them? Was there no personal mal
ice that could l»e brought to bear against any one.
of them, no “ said to be hood winked Commo
dore,” to have prejudged any of the gentlemen
comprising this grade, in his private or official
Letters to their Commanding Officer? as teas
the case, with Mr. Copeland, the Assistant En
gineer, while stationed at the Gosport Navy Yard,
who was recently stricken from the Engineer
( orps by the I He Board of Engineers, ostensi
bly h»r the crime of being “ F>0 years of age, and
too oi,D for sea service!” But in reality, was
it not to gratify the gentleman who threatened
Mr. Copeland two years since, “ that he would
work him out? it looks like si continuance of
the persecutions of that man, and when the par
ticulars are placed, as they will be, before your
readers, some will at least suspect more “ black
mail” was required. The Board should have
appended to their Report, that Mr. Copeland was
too or.t> to burn op a War Steamer with Spirits
of Turpentine! ! and too old to allow accumu
lations of Halt to cause an explosion, scald sever
al Firemen; and place the lives of all on hoard
in jeopardy! !! these being the exclusive privi
leges of Chief Engineers, they were probably
omitted in the report of the Board.
Being entirely at leisure, I will endeavor to
place before your readers, at an early date, the irn
portnnt services that have been rendered the coun
try by two members of the late Board of Engi
neers, and also how ably the Western folks, and
other citizens residing in dis'ant parts of the
Lnion, who wished to become participators in
the fat contracts for the Memphis .Vary
Yard arc said to have been “ jockicd” by Ofti-!
errs attached to the Naval Service, for the espe-j
rial benefit of more fortunate contractors, “ whoi
have, superior claims on the Bureau” of Docks and 1
»1
Yards, or its officers, through the ties of consan
guinity, or
If one “ kathole” is stopped with blackmail,
other sources can be opened, for our party
most, and shall ho made acquainted with the evil
doings of many ir/io were in office when it came
into power, and that through the medium of its
own papers,or those of tho Independent l,ress
_T „ . SAUL.
IV B. “ Baltimore Turning Lathes” can be
furnished Assistant Engineers for the sum of Two
Thousand Dolllars. when their “Requisitions” are
properly approved, so that charges can he pre
ferred against them for Black Mailing. One As
sistant Engineer has been found too old to take
the Bait, and stricken from the Corps. i>.
Aug. 25—It.
From the Washington Union.
To the Editor of the Union :
Galveston, Aug. 0, 1845.
We have no late intelligence from the conven
tion. Rumor says that the President has left
Washington for Austin, having been invited to
do so by the convention, who wish to gpt his con
sent to change our form of government immediate
ly. The manner in which it is proposed to do
this, is not known. I do not believe, myself, that
President Jones will consent to any such mea
sure. Ilis friends here, generally, are of the
same opinion. I have every reason to believe
that Major Donelson, so far as ho is coneerned,
would decidedly disapprove of such a move. I
do not believe, however, that anything can. by
possibility, be done to defeat annexation. The
people are determined upon it, and it is to be
hoped that no precipitate action on the part of
those delegated to act for them, will throw diffi
culties in its way ; and I am satisfied, in my own
toind, that President Jones will do all in his pow
er to earry out the expressed wishes of the peo
ple. lie will do it in proper season, and in a
proper way; and I have no doubt but ho will, in
all matters, show himself worthy’of the high con
fidence of the people of Texas.
N. B. Major Unnelson arrived hereon the day
before yesterday, from Aransas bay, where ho
had been to visit General Taylor and the United
States troops stationed at that point. He had
been quite unwell, from exposure in going down
in an open boat. He leaves here to-day on the
“Woodbury,” for tho United States.
STILL LATER FROM TEXAS.
The cutter Woodbury. Capt. Foster, which
left Aransas on the 6lh, 'Gal veston on the 10th, i
has just arrived.
Major Donelson came passenger in the Wood
bury.
The ships Victoria and Suviah were to leave
Aransas on the 8th.
The United States steamer Monmouth had ar
rived at Aransas in a leaking condition, so bad
that the pumps were going continually to keep
her afloat.
We have received the Galveston News of the
evening of the 8th. The sloop-of- war St. Mary’s
arrived at Galveston on the 7th, from Corpus
Christi. There are 1000 troops at St. Joseph’s
island, where they are comfortably situated.—
Their ulterior destination seems not to have been
fully determined upon. The Falmouth was daily
expected in the Gulf. Speaking of the Mexican
elections, which took place on the 1st instant, the
News says:
“ The result of the contest for the presidency
of Mexico, between Herrera and Gormez Farias,
which was to take place on the 1st instant, will
be looked for with considerable interest. Herrera
is said to be in favor of centralism, and Farias has
the full confidence of the liberal party. He ad
vocates the restoration of the constitution of 1824.
It is said his prospects of success are far the most
favorable. Possibly his election may give to
Mexico a period of comparative repose from the
oppression and anarchy of a succession of civil re
volutions.
The 2d Dragoons.—The VanBuren (Ark.)
Intelligencer, of the 2d instant, mentions the re
ceipt of intelligence that the dragoons which were
ordered into I'exas rendezvous near Nacogdoches,
waiting for wagons and supplies ; and that while
there, they were ordered to proceed immediately
to Austin by forced marches. Much excitement,
says the Intelligencpr, was caused in Harrison
county by the movement, ns the orders wero not
accompanied with any assigned cause; and many
feared that the Cumanches might have threaten
ed a descent upon that city while the convention
was in session, to capture the members. The
orders for the engagement of wagons, etc., were
countermanded, and the troops at once put in mo- )
tion for Austin.
By the subjoined notice from the Mobile Her
ald and Tribune, we perceive that the Mexican
Consul for the port of Mobile has also closed his
office.
To the Editors of the Herald, and 'Tribune :
Gentlemen : Please insert in your paper, as
a notice to all concerned, that I can no longer, as
an American, continue to discharge the duties of
Consul of Mexico, after seeing published, in the
New Orleans papers, that. Sr. de Arrangoiz, the
Consol of that Republic there, has closed his of•
fice, and sailed for Vera Cruz. Therefore my ser
vices, as Consul of that country, have ceased.
Respectfully, C. LfcBARON.
Mobile, Aug. 11, 1845.
Colonel Whistler and Major Staniford, of the
4th Infantry, were to leave last evening for Aran
sas bay, on board the schooner Mary Wilkins.
Also, two companies of the 4th Infantry, under
the command of Major Graham, accompanied by
Lieutenants Hoskins, Cochrane, and Berry, on
board the barque VVm. Ivy. Colonel Whistler,
on his arrival, will assume the command of the
gallant 4th.—,/V. O. Jeff. Rep., 14.
From the New York Morning1 News.
SHEA, THE DECEASED POET.
The remainrs of John Augustus Shea, the poet,
were deposited in the new Catholic cemetry,cor
ner of First Avenue and Eleventh street, on Sun
day. His funeral procession was large, the Hib
ernian Burial Society forming part of it. The
very Rev. Dr. Power conducted the religious
exercises. From a contemporary wo learn tho
facts contained in the following brief memoir :
“ Mr. Shea was born in the city of Cork, in !
Ireland, in 1803. He was educated for the min- I
istry, f >r which ho received a thorough education. |
Due of his early companions in study was the cele
brated Bishop England of Charleston. Ho was
also a companion, in early life, of Maclise and
Hogan, two artists worthy of the brightening
hopes of their country. At the ago of 16 he
quit his literary studies, and turned his attention
to mercantile pursuits, witn which ho was en
gaged till he came to this country. At the age
of 20 he published a volume of poems, which he
dedicated to Thomas Moore—containing “ Ru- I
dekt,” tho “Lament of Hellas,” and other po- *
iMiis. I his volume received high commendation
trout Campbell, and introduced him to the a«
|oaintanco o| Sir Walter Scott whose friendship
ho enjoyed, and with whom ho had a frequent
correspondence.
In 18*20 he came to this country and obtained a
situation at West Point with Col. Thayer of the
Military Academy. At this beautiful' place ho
composed several fine poems, in 1832 lie went
to Philadelphia, where ho was connected edito
rially’ with the Chronicle in that and the follow
ing year. He was also a regular contributor to
the Lady’s Book and other periodicals He then
went to the District of Columbia, where he was
connected with the JYntional Intelligencer,
Telegraph and Georgetown Metropolitan. Ho
here published in 183-”),lhe volume entitled “ Par
nassian Wild Flowers.’’ In 1830 lie removed to
jNow York, where lie has been connected with the
I'ribune sinco about its first publication. In
1812 he published his last vulume of Poems, cal
led “ Clontarfand other Poems.” The principal
poem, “ Clonlarf,” is a very spirited and patriot
ic poem, in which his love for his native country
is finely blinded with his loyalty to the land of
his adoption.
At the time of his death ho was a contributor
to several magazines of high literary merit. He
was likewise engaged in writing a Tragedy for
Mr. Forrest, and also in writing a lifo of Lord
Byron, tor which his intimate acquaintance with
several ot the most familiar friends of Byron gave
him great advantages.
He was the first Secretary of the “ Association
for Catholic Emancipation,” in this city, of which
the late lamented Dr. McNevin was the Presi
dent. Dr. McNovin and Mr. Shea were intimate
friends.
Ho has left a widow and several orphan chil
d ren.
Sun Stimtck.—The most melancholy case of
“ Son struck” occurred yesterday over the canal,
says the Portland Argus; an old man upwards of
sixty being knocked down and kicked by a vicious
and drunken son lor remonstrating against his
evil practices.—Boston Times.
ACKNOWLEDGING A DEBT.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.
According to the provisions of an net of Assem
bly in a neighboring State, an insolvent debtor, on
giving up his property, is released front all his
moneyed obligations so far as the law is concerned.
If he should become possessed of a million of dol
lars, the result of application to business after his
Cilure, he can hold it free from all demands of
his creditors, provided he does not acknowledge
his indebtedness in writing, or verbally in the
presence of a witness.
ft often happens that a man who has a good deal
of hope in his mental composition, with intelli
gence and energy of character, gets beyond his
depth and fails. The insolvent law releases him
from the burden of debt, and a wiser and moro
prudent man, he starts again in the world. As
soon as he is fairly under way a certain class of
his former creditors approach him, and endeavor
to get from him some acknowledgement of his old
claim. 'loo often it happens that the debtor as
sumes enough of these obligations—which aro
usually pressed for at once—to swamp him again.
But, in general, even the strictest honest debtor—
that is he who fully intends paying off all claims
against him, if ever able—is very cautious not to
acknowledge anything until he is ready to pay it.
There are too many, however, who positively
refuse, even after becoming comparatively weal
thy, to meet a single obligation contracted pre
viously, even though the debt be to one who great
ly needs what is owed to him. A case of this
kind occurred with a man whom we will desig
nate by the name of Woodfall. He was a fellow
of the coolest temper in the world, and had a high
regard for justice and honor when they brought
dollars into his own pocket, lie did businrss
rather carelessly, and failed in consequence. One
of his creditors, named Jacobs, was a man who had
a large family to support. He could not bear the
loss of five hundred dollars without great incon
venience. One day after Woodfall went* through
the mill,’ as it was called, Jacobs met him in the
road. 1 hey both lived in a country village.
I am sorry from my heart at your misfortune,’
the latter said.
‘ And so atn I,’ was returned. ‘But what
can’t be cured must be endured. I shall try a
gain.’
* With more success I hope.’
‘ Doubtless. And then I will remember you,
Jacobs. I know you have as much as you can do to
get along, and it grieves meto'think that, through
my failure, you should be brought into more trou
ble.’
I know, if ever it is in your power, all will be
made up to me.*
^ es, principal and interest, f shall look overy
honest man in the face—when no man can say to
me, ‘ Pay me that thou owest.’ ’
If that is your spirit, you will see it.”
‘ I believe so,’ was the confident reply. * So
don’t let the loss you have met with through me,
inconvenience you more than you can help. All
will turnout right. Vour five hundred dollars
may come at a time when they are needed much
more than they are at present.’
After this conversation, Jacobs felt more com
fortable. Ho knew that YVoodfall was an active,
enterprising man, and ho believed that lie would
in the course of a few years, be in a condition to
pay him five hundred dollars, ‘ principal and in
terest.’
I ime passed on. YVoodfall, who had kept a
store previous to his failure, managed to get a new
stock of goods, and again commenced basiness.
At the end of the second year, ho had done so
well he was able to build a house. But not a
word had he said to any one about paying oflf old
scores. At length Jacobs, who, poor man, had
been growing poorer instead of richer, thought that
it would be no harm to call his debtor’s attention
to the fact of bis having promised to remember
him. So, one day, he called in and said to him,
in the presence of bis clerk—
‘ Mr. YVoodfall, if you think you are nble to do
a little for me—no matter how little—I shall feel
greatly obliged. I wouldn’t have said one word,
only 1 am dreadfully put to it to get along.’
‘ Do a little for you? how? J don’t exactly
understand yon,’ was NVuodfall’s reply, with a
look of innocent surprise.
‘ That old account, you know, Mr. YVoodfall.’
‘ Old account ? 1 don’t know of any old ac
count Mr. Jacobs.’
* Dli, yes! Don’t you remember tho five hun
dred dollars that you owed me?’
I do remember that I once owed you that sum ;
but it was paid long, long ago. No man can
come forward in this world and claim a dollar from
me.’
Jacobs looked confounded. At first he was
strongly tempted to get angry, and speak out a
piece of his mind pretty freely; but he restrained
this feeling, and merely remarked, in a low tone
that reached only his debtor’s ear—* From you I