The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-10-11
THRIFT; OR, NOTHING is USELESS.

THRIFT; OR, NOTHING is USELESS.
John Schmid was an old soldier with wooden
leg he was poor that for some years he was
obliged to solicit aims from door to door in the viii
lagos near to that in which he lived. which was
situated on the lake Constance. Now, howev-
er, old John Schmd sits at ease in his arm chair,
he is in independent circumstances; yet few peo-
pie guess how he came by his wealth. One afiirms
that lie discovered secret treasure; others have
gone so far as to hint that he made compact with
the Evil One. When such hints are dropped in
my presence, fail not to reprove the speakers;
know better the means by which the old soldier
got rich, and will tell you how it was.
John Schmid had three sons, whom he had
brought up well in spite of his poverty; for he not
only furnished them with good advice, but with
good example, and suffered many prlvations that
he might send them to school. One morning in
spring, as the old man was dividing amongst them
the bread which was 10 break their fast, he said,
"My children, you are now old enough to gain
your own livelihood, but you must not beg while
there are other means Of obtaining it--that would
be taking bread out of the mouths OF those who
want it more than you. Pierre" he continued,
turning to the eldest, 'you are fourteen years old
and having sharp eyes--use them and seek employ
ment. You, Gabriel, though year younger,
have strong arms-set them to work You,
George. though only eleven have stout legs, profit
by them"
"Butw what" exclaimed the boys at once, "woulG
you have US to do?
John Schmid answered, 81 know that you have
neither land to cultivate, wood to fell, nor fiocks
to tend; but there many things that are thrown
away useless, but which, with little industry, may
be collected and made profitable. Bye and bye
will show you how Do not spend the money
which you will earn in obedience to your wants,
but economse it for the necessities OF the future
be it ever so little. Could you save only batz
day. each would amass at the end of the year twen-
ty-four FORMS"
Upon this John Schmid set abe ut showing his
sons how they might cain their bread He deslr-
ed them to go into different directions TO collect
the following articles: first bones, the largest of
which they could sell to the turner's, who made
them into various useful and ornamental articles,
while the smaller were required by farmers Tor
manure. Secondly, broken pieces of glass, to be
disposed Of to the glass workers for recasting As
it was spring, he charged them to get together all
the rose leaves and elder blossoms which fell in
their way, and for which apothecares give good
prices. He also reminded his sons, that by a little
inquiry the chemists would find out what other
plants and roots they required. Upholsterers
would purchase cows hair, sadders, coach makers
and chair makers, horse hair. Besides these art-
cles, he mentioned rags for paper makers, brises
for brush manufacturers, quilts, pins, hedgewood,
blrdweed, and several other things which might be
turned into money with no other trouble than that
of seeking out and collecting them.
The sons did as they were desired, under the
guidance of their father. During the spring and
summer, they collected and sold with success, and
their profits daily augmented. When autumnc came
they sought things of different kind. Whenev-
er they could obtain permission they gathered wild
fruits, some of which could be made into vinegar
and other useful articles. From the woods they
obtaiued acorns and the seeds of other species OF
trees, for which they obtained good price, some
tunes from foresteTs at others from grain dealers.
They also got heaps of horse chesnuts and took
them to the mill to be ground. The miller thought
they were going TO eat this bitter flour, and made
himself merry at the expense OF their curious taste;
but John Schmid's sons let him laugh, and took
their horse chesnut flour to the book-bnders, card
L -l,, ala If
the glutinousness of which it increases. lmmedi-
ately after warm shower, the young Schmds
sought for mushrooms, which they disposed otto
the epicures of the neighborhood.
Having saved quantity oibirch twlgs, tushers
and osers, the old man and his sons occupied the
winter months in making brooms, chair bottoms,
and baskets, so that their cottage appeared both
like ware house and workshop. In this way
the spring returned, and old John Schmid thought
it advisable to see what had been gained during
the year On opening the box in which the cash
was deposited, he found that each of his sons had
contributed more than batz day of savings, for
the money box contained lO4 florins and 33 kruet-
zers At the sight of the hoard the sons were de-
lighted, for they had never before seen so large
sum at once John Schmid Immediately carried
the money to wholesale tradesman in large town
and deposited il with him at interest
John Schmid, now no longer beggar, employ
ed himself solely IN helping his sons to sell OIL the
merchandise they collected. This went on for
four years, at the end of which the family had
amassed 6l5 florins! AS however, their riches IN
creased, the young men grew Independent in their
manners; and disputed among themselves; one ac-
cusing the other of not working hard enough, Of
selling too cheaply, or Of extravaganza in treating
himselfto cup of wine rather loo often. Poor
old Schmidt do all he could, he was unable on
some occasions to settle these discussions. Moth
ing seemed likely TO settle these dissensions.-
Nothing seemed likely to cure the evil cut separa-
ton; and addressing his sons he said, "Take each
OF you one hundred florins and seek your fortunes