Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1846-12-03
On the People who Pass.

or ihe tewn, In the highways or bywayS OF the
retired village or crowded city, it is 10 me a
source OF unceasing interest and pleasure TO OBJ
serve the people who pass. Talk of pictures
Why the fellow beings that people our path
ways form some of the most interesting pictures
in the world, ever new and changing! When
you see people in company, or meet them by
appointment, they adapt their manners 10 the
OCCASION; they on their guard; they have
a part to perform: but when they pass by it is
otherwise; they are free from restraint, and they
are themselves Again | say, that the people
who pass form some of the most interesting
pictures in the world
Whether the passer-by is rich man or a
poor man, lady in satin or woman habiled
ia threadbare cloak, is not of material conse-
quence. Scores that often meet, though nei.
her remarkable for riches or poverty, are full
of character, and | have very little doubt thai
Old Humphrey himself has points and peculiar
tiles enough about him to attract the attention,
and excite The compacent smile of many a
passer-bv love TO think so, and for this rea-
sou, when fully persuaded my neighbours are
amused al my pecularilies, feel more at lib
erlv TO indulge in good -humoured smile at
theirs.
For years have been accustomed to see, al
certain hour a genllemanly little man, of the
old school, go by, carrying walking stick, and
wearing an ample wastcoat, with drab-coloured
smalI-clolhes, light stockings, buckles at the
knee, and strings in his shoes. He is evident
ly wha, is called "wel TO do in the world" for
he walks leisurely, and seems always in good
humour with himself and all around him.
There is no hurry, no hustle, no care visible In
his demeanour he seems 10 have conlenied,
afable, and unperlurbed spirit On ne goes,
seeing everybody and every thing; now looking
at shop window or passing vehicle now
turning round 10 lake retrospective glance,
apparently measuring with his eye the distance
shower may fall, but he makes no difference In
his cIolhng. Winter and summer find him the
same for never yet have | seen a great coat
OH his back, or a boot on his leg. He can
speak pleasantly TO the poorest man he meets,
and yesterday saw him exchanging. familiar
ly, few words with a rich banker. | take
him 10 be an upright, respectable, contented,
and worthy man; and hope that he is looking
heavenward, for it is, indeed, time he should
do so, seeing that, like myself, he carries years
on his brow. He has my blessing.
often meet, in my evening walk, short,
fat, clumsy looking, Ill-lavoured man, dressed
in corduroy jacket with huge pockets, white
cotton stockings not over clean, and ill-made,
hig topped shoes With pipe in his mouth,
he lounges at a corner, or leans over gate,
seemingly looking out for some one 10 exchange
word with him. H is the landlord of small
public house, that does, Il fancy,) very little
business. really do pity the man, for the
long hours Of his lazy life mus, hang heavily
on his hands. wonder whether he has BIZ
Bile One would think 1t would be The great
est blessing in the world TO him Rather than
lead such life as he does, would gladly
work in saw pit, or break stones on The high
way.
Among the passers-by who have attracted
my attention, is an old lady in faded mourning,
who not only looks hopeless, but seems like one
who never had any hope, SO wo-begone is The
expression in her face. Her eyes appear TO be
looking for what she has no expectation of find
ing. She is evidently walking in the shade,
with heavy heart, and knows moi, perhaps,
that aflclon cometh not forth OF the dust, nor
trouble of the ground. Mourner as she Is, may
she be led in her weakness 10 the Strong for
strength and be taught that God is her refuge
and strength, very present help in trouble. ''7F
For some years | had noticed, driving by in
coach and pair of horses, morning and eve-
ming. porily-looking gentleman, with broad
brimmed hal, peaked before aud behind, and
curled up at The sides. He was said TO be ell
,her stock broker or wholesale dealer IN to-
4 pSalrn yv I