Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-09-18
YOUNG MEMS DEPARTMENT.

AN INCIDENT IN RTAL LIN

The watchword of f5 must be, Never give up'
We recently published a capital song, entitled
*Never Give Up" A passage is quoted above.
There is manly energy in the doctrine, that we
should not permit ourselves to be overcome by
common place or even extraordinary reverses of
fortune. Never say die'-'never give up'---are
capital notices with regard to enterprise, bust
ness, and the things of this life generally. If
we give way to depression of spirits, and at the
first reverse abandon the chase of fortune as
hopeless; we will soon sink into dependency,
gloom, idleness, and perhaps vice. But let US
determine that come what may, we will struggle
on, that while life and health remain, we will
still make an effort to achieve independence, and
in majority of cases, sooner or later, success
will come.
friend stepped into our office day or two
ago, and in the course of conversation, related
an incident we'll calculated to illustrate the force
and propriety of energy and perseverance lie
had visited Washington a few weeks before, and
while standing on the Pennsylvania Avenue gaz-
ing at some object of interest, he was accosted
by stranger, as one he had seen and known in
years gone by.
All inquired the other---when and where
After some conversation; in the course of which
degree of confidence was inspired between the
parties it turned out that the stranger had refer
ence to a period of twenty years before in Phila-
delphia---that he was then a poor boy about seven
years DID, and was in the habit of visiting the
work shop at which the other was engaged for
the purpose of collecting chips and shavings,--
The kind manner Of the apprentice had made a
favorable Impression upon the heart and mind Of
the then bare-footed urchn and although peri
cd OF nearly quarter Of century had elapsed
he recognised the friend Of his early days at
glance, and was anxious in some way to testify
his appreciation ofthe kindness rendered in the
hours ofhs boyhood
After some further conversation, he gave a
brieloutne Of his history. Before he was eight
years of age his father, who was wretchedy poor
died in The Aims House, and the little fellow was
compelled to beg cold vctuals from door to door
in order to prevent the family from starving
Still he had correct principles, and was anxious
to make a respectable figure in the world, lie
accordingly ndentured himseift0 a house carpen-
ter, and while engaged in learning the business he
obtained copy ofthe Life of Franklin, which
he studied with great attention, in order, as he
said, to acquire knowledge of proper habits of
economy, and nat with any notion of becoming
philosopher He pcrsevcred, became master,
of his trade, worked with success as Journey
man, removed to Washington, and in 1926 had
accumulated enough to build two or three hous-
es. A balance was still due on them, however,
and the troubles of 81 coming on, adversely O.
vertook him, his property was sold by the Sher-
if, and he was again reduced to poverty. But
he remembered his boyhood, the destution of
that period of his life, the manner in which he
had overcome adversely by perseverance and
he determined ne0r to gj0c up.
His worldly wealth consisted of one bed anc
little furniture, and with this niggardy provis
ion for such an undertaking; he consulted hi,
better half, (for like wise man, he had married
the moment he felt able to care of wife, who
was true and brave hearted woman, and the,
determined to make an effort to obtain one Of
two boarders. Two young friends agreed to as
sist them in the way proposed, and to these wa
awarded the only bed in the house, while the hus
upon which they slept soundly and happily 70
many month, Slowly and gradually forum
frightened again, employment was procured
savings were laid by, the journeyman became
master carpenter he obtained one or two con
tracts from Government, and although not yet 3
years of age, he is in easy and independent cir
eumstanceS.
He concluded his brief story by remarkin
that it would afford him infinite pleasure, if tn
old friend to whom he had thus strangely intro
dnced himself after an absence of more than q
years, would while he remained in Washingto
make his house his home. lie said that Their
were still many recollectons of his early years
which he cherished with delight and that on
recent visit to Philadelphia, he had wandered {
yer the haunts olhis childhood, and endeavore
to learn something ofthe history of his youthft
companions-most of them, like himself, chi
dren Of distress and poverty. In the majority
cases, the results were melancholy. Poor irenC
less, and to some extent, deserted---but few ha
wrestled with and risen above the untoward CT
There were cases, however in which patience
perseverance and constant appeals to and depend
ence upon Providence, had lifted the orphan, II
outcast and the beggar from lowly condition
penury and trial, and rendered them good citizen
devoted husbands, kind parents, useful and walt
able members of society. But, be added, tt
doctrine of all who are depressed, ---of the chi
dren oftoil and misfortune, no matter how dan
the present may seem, should be--perseyere, pc
severe---Never Gioe Up. For who, he contin
ei--who may read the future--who may fort
the events of single year! And he was rgl
In the language of a deep thinker, "duties q
ours, but events are Gods" "Couds and dar
ness" may lower to day---but sunshine and pr,
perlty may brighten and beautify tomorrow.
US struggle on then---let US never despair.
Dill "Neyer give II up there chances and changes
Helping the hopeful hundred . one,
N IRON thu I'LL,