Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-30
SCHMITZ-A REAL HIsToRr.

OF all the ways by which wealth may
be rendered serviceable to the commu,
nifty, the fostering of unfortunate and
i'm poverished genius is by far the no.
blest. To draw latent merit from the
obscure retreat towhich advers fortune
had consigned ito give 10 undispiay-
ed and unnoticed talent an opportunity
ofexertion-to open to aspiring genius,
emerging from the depressing influence
Of ignorance and want, the path OF no.
norable elevation-to smooth the as
perities of life of literary devotion
these are empIoyments so beneficial to
the objects Of favor-so truly advanta-
geous to the best interests of societyi
that they should justly excite the CRATE
full appreciation of the world, and infuse
into the generous benefactor's heart the
most eAquisltely pieasurable emotions
the practice Of benevolence can bestow.
Many who have ruled and leeislated
with wisdom-many who have raised
the intellectual nature Of man, adorned
the annals of literature, extended the
researches ofscience, advanced the pro-
gress of the liberal arts, and refined
the taste of society, might have Ian
euished in inactive obscuri!y, their ia
Tents unknown, and their worth unap-
preciated, had not the fostering hand
Of patronizing liberality been extended
towards them. The charge OF ingra
ti,ude has often been raised against
protected genius; and allowances have
not always been made for the eccentri-
city of feeling, and acuteness OF sensl-
bility, with which il is too often united:
The following relation affords proof
that protecting kindness has not always
met with an ungrateful return:
Professor Krane, superintendent Of
the Gallery of Paintings at Dusseldorf,
was visited by a young man poorly clad,
who presented for his purchase pray
er book adorned in the ancient style,
with religious emblems and ornaments
Upon inquiry, he informed the PROBES
sor that his trade was that Of baker,
but being extremely fond of drawing
and engraving, he applied himself to
them during all the time ne could spare
from his occupation. The Professor
surprised and pleased at the exhibition
of native talent, asked him why ne did
not reiinquish his trade for the art OF
engraving. The young man answered
that the poverty ofhis parents prevent
ed a suitable instruction, but that he
hoped by sale o. drawings, sc. and
by perseverins industry to raise money
to enable him to travel-the Professor
gave him an injunction to call next day.
When the young man had departed, he
carried the book to friend some miles
distant, who admired the workman
ship, lent tie young artist two hundred
crowns. refusing the security offered by
the Professor. With delight was the
money received; the oven was abandon
ed-applying himself TO the study OF
drawing, geometry, sc. his progress
was such that in two years travelling
alone, was able to add to his stock OF
information. By the advice OF the
Professor, he set out for Paris with a
letter of Introduction to celebrated
artist thereto husband the little mo-
ney he possessed, he travelled on loot,
but unfortunately falling sick upon his
arrival, his expenses completely ex-
hausted it. Too proud to appear De-
fore the gentleman to whom his letter
was addr ssed, without the means OF
subsistence, he enlisted for a soldier
In this situation he was discovered oy
him-the nature Of the service allow
ed him time to pursue his studies under
the artists direction. Receiving MS
discharge, he applied himself with d.
ligence, and returning home with ia
Tents highly. improved, he was kindly
received by the Professor, who was
pleased with his progress engaged him
to work in the cabinet. About two
wears after this an entertainment was
given by the Professor 10 several OF his
friends at which the young artist was
present; the beauty and amiability OF
the Professors daughter, who was then
under an engagement of marriage, i'm
pressed his susceptible heart with feel
| ings of ardent love. The hopeiessness
Of his situation, and consequent unhap-
piness Of his mind, vas so visibly ex-
pressed in his countenance, as to elicit
enquiries from the Professor as to the
cause of his melancholy. Schmitz con.
cealed no, his attachment, but denied
any assumption of as piring to the hand
Of one so far above him-the daughter
of him TO whom he owed every thing
his best friend and benefactor, could
never, he knew, be allied to one with
out rank or fortune. 1t was the idea
that he should lose the pleasure of be-
holding her, which occasioned his deJec
ton. The Professor assuring him OF hls
high regard, reasoned with him upor