Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-09-10
THE AUCTI0N-A FACT,

10 test their strength. In The parlor of a
fine oldiashioned house, beside rather a
comforless fire, on such night, were seat
ed the family of Mr. Sunderland, consisting
OF himself, wife, daughter, and faithful
mald-servant. A heavy gloom, more of sor-
row than of anger, rested on each brow, not
even excepting that of the maid-servant al
ludcd TO, from whose eager glances, ever
aud anon cast toward the family group,
close observer would have noticed the deep
interest she took in the cause of !heir grief.
The picture was a melancholy one, for
yiriue in distress has no light shade to re-
iieVe; ali around it is dark aud sombre.-
The sensitive artist would have thrown aside
his pencil had the subject been presented TO
his view, as we have described il, which
could not have been transferred to canvass.
To morrow observed Mr.. Sundcrllnd,
is the anniversary of the melancholy de 18th
of our dear Henry-to-morrow will be ten
years since the vessel in which he sailed,
was lost, and ali on board pcrishcd--aIl--
ALL
Alas exclaimed the wife, as the tears
coursed their way down her cheeks, to-
morrow will be melancholy day
Indeed it will, for Tomorrow this house,
which belonged TO my father-the furniture
which time has made, as il were, part Of
ourselves, and associated with many a plea
sing event in our lives, is to be sold-ton
iton us by the unrclcntng hands of cred,
tors but thank heaven, misfortune. not
crime, has reduced US TO this Stage of pov-
crty.'
VIII they sell every thing, Pa? we
secure nothingr asked the daughter.
No, my child, unless with what little
money friend has generously loaned me,
l can secure a few articles. Ellen, my
dear, take your pencil and put them down.
first the side-board, Two beds, chairs and
kitchen things. The side board, it is true,
will be to us now superiluous piece of
furniture, but it belonged 10 my mother, and
i cannot, will not part with IT,
.But my Piano, Pa.--must it go?
The wife 'ghcd; the father cast his eyes
towards the fl ckcriug fire, and the daughter
was silent. The fate of the piano was de-
cdcd upon. A melancholy pause in the
conversation plainly told how severe was
1hc altcrnaiive-tur the law never studies
dhe feelings of its victims when cxacting the
pcnalty OF bond.
.C4o, Mary said Mr. Sunderllnd, ad-
dressing the servant, : 20 and request the
.Shcrf's officer, who is watching the pro-
,pcrlv, To walk into the pulor, he is only
doing his duty-no doubt it is as painful to
him as it is distressing to us. Let him have
"A seat at our fire and glass Of wine, for it
is a severe night
1t is indeed IA fearful night observed
Ms. Sunderland, and we have behaved
rude t. this man
Mother, made fire in the room where
he-but-'
Speak out, chAd-it was with the last
stick
Father, it WAS
Mary returned with the officer, polite
acntlelnanly man, for such should be the
character of men who have to perform part
in the drama of life, like that of the inquisi-
Tors of old, whose province il was TO torture
Wv the rack, with this difference, however,
theirs was physical torturc-ours men
tai one, administered with all the nicely and
precision of legal justice! The officer po-
ltely accepted the invitation-tasted the
wine. and endeapored TO cheer his victims,
by cnumerating many cases of similar kind,
equally poignant and distressing. Thus the
evening passed heavily and checrlessly away.
On the morning of the contemplated sale
there was to be seen crowd of people
focking tn the house of Mr.. Sunderland
Some out of sheer heartcss curiosity, friends
OF the family, who came with mockery on
their lps-and empty purses. Others with
All intent to purchase, but not one among
the crowd showed the least desire 10 aid,
assist or sympathzc with the distress of the
family This is the world. We laugh at
the misforiuneS of our fellow creatures, and
even mock at their dstresses, by witnessing
in silence their sullerings. The auctioneer
was now making his arrangements by flour
shng his hammer, rolling his eyes, and
using his tongue. The motley crew gath
cred around him. The house was put up
first, it was accurately descrbcd-ilce from
all membranes, and subject to but very
small ground rent. 1t was started at five
thousand dollars. There were several bid
ders, all of whom seemed anxious 10 pur-
chase it.
Seven thousand five hundred dollars was
at last bid upon which he dwelt for mo-
mcnt. Mr.. Sunderland compressed his lips
together, and muitered to himself, il cost
nav father fifteen thousand dollars Seven
thousand, five hundred dollars, going, once,
twice. three tjmes--for the last time, going
- eight thousand thank you sir-going
at eight thousand, oncc-eight thousand,
lwcc-eight thousand, three umes-gong,
gonc-what namcP Clifford was the
response, all eyes rested on tall, noble
looking man. who had remained silent dur
ing the rapid bidding of the speculator. and
who, as the whisper went round, was total
stranger.
1t is gone whispered Mr.. Sunderland
to his wife, as he pressed her hand in silent
guei, we have no home now
Now gcntlemcu,' said the auctoneer,
we Will sell this side-board, in regard TO
winch am requested by the creditor to say.
that ii is an old family piece, and il is the
wish OF the owner to retain possession of il
if possible. | merely mention it. as il is
known TO YOU under what peculiar circum-
stances the things are sold.'
This had the desired etfect-no one was
willing TO bid against the unfortunate man,