The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-02-22

ARTHUR.
Pm tired Of going 10 school, said Her.
bert Allen TO William Wheeler, the bov who
sat next 10 him. ] don't see any great use
for my part, in studying geometry, ard nav
! lgatloI. and surveying, and mensuration,
and the dozen other things that | am expec.
| led TO learn. They'll never do me any
good; I'm not going to get my living as a
surveyor, CT measurer, or sea captain
How are You going to get your living,
Herbert ? his young friend asked, in quiet
tone. as he looked up into his face.
Why, I'm going 10 learn trade or, at
least, my father says that am
'And so am l. replied William. 'And
yet my father wishes me 10 learn every
thing that can; for he assures me that
it'll be useful, some time or other in my
life.
I'm sure l can't see what use I'm ever
going to make, as sadd!er, of algebra or
surveying
'Still if we can't see it, Herbert, perhaps
our father can, for they are older and wiser
lhan We are. And we should endeavor TO
learn simply because they wish us to, even
if, in every thing that we are expected to
! study, we do not see clearly the USE
Il can't feel So Herbert replied tossing
| his head; and don't believe my father
sees any more clearly than | do, the use of
all this
You are wrong 10 talk so, his friend said
ia serious tone. ! would not think as you
do for the world. My father knows what
| is best for me-and so does ycur father know
what IS best for you, and ifw do not con-
fide in them we will surely go wrong.
I'm not afraid responded Herbert, clo-
| sing the book over which he had been pour
ING reluctantly, Tor half an hour. in The vain
effort TO impress the lesson on his unwilling
memory; and taking some marbles from his
pocket, began amusing himself with Them
at the same time he concealed them from
| the teachers observation.
I William said no more, but turned 10 his
! lesson with an earnest attention. The diff
| ference in the character Of the two boys is
100 plainly indicated in the brief conversa-
| ton we have recorded, 10 need further illus
| tration. To their teacher it was evident,
! in numerous particulars in their conduct,
that William always recited his lesson cor
rectly, while Herbert never learned a task
well. Ono was punctual at schoOl--the
other loiterer by the way, Williams books
were well taken care of-Herbert's soied,
torn, disiigured and broken, externally.
Thus they began life. The one oUedient,
industrious, attentive 10 the precepts Of
these who are older and wiser. and willing
TO be guided by them; the other indolent
and inclined TO follow the leadings of his
own Will, rather than the experienced teach
ings of others.
As men, at the age of 50. we will again
present them to the reader. Mr.. Wheeler
is az intelligent merchant, in an active bu-
siness-while Mr.. Allen is a journeyman
mechanic, poor, and in embarrassed cir
cumstances,and possessing but small share
of general information.
'How DO you do, Mr.. Allen 2 said the
merchant. about this time, the latter entered
the counling-room Of the former. The
contrast in their appearance was very great.
/ The merchant was well-dressed, and had a
cheerful look, while the other was poorly
clad. and seemed sad and detected.
i can't say that do very well, Mr
/ Wheeler the mechanic replied, in tone OF
dependency. Work is very dull, and wa.
ges low, and with so large family as |
have, it is tough enough getting along under
} the best circumstances
i am really sorry to hear you say so.
Mr.. Allen, replied the merchant, in q kind
tone: how much can you earn noWP
IF had steady work, could make nine
or ten dollars Il week. Business is very
/ bad the substitution of steam engines on
rail roads for horses on turnpikes. has broken
! in seriouly upon the harness making bust
ness. The consequence Is, that do not
average six dollars week the year round
sYes-in the harness making branch of
ESPECIALLY in large cities like s,where
the heavy wagon trade is almost entirely
broken up
! did you say that six dollars week were
all that you could averageP
| yes sir
'How large is your familyl'
! Il have five children, sir
| Five children And only six dollars a
week 2
! That is all sir. But six dollars will not
support them, and am in consequence go.
ing behind hand
You ought to Try to get into other bust
ness
But | don't know any other
The merchant unused for while and then
said, perhaps | can aid you in getting into
something better. am President of a