The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-06-26

"Mother, 1 maze a IRE IN the roor
where he-but-" a 9
"Speak out, child---.it was with III
last stick" aaiia 2a9h.
"Father, it was -"
Mary returned with the officer,
very polite, gentlemanly man-for sue
should be the character of men VIII
have to perform a part of the drama o
life, unlike that of the inquisitions o
old, whose province it was to tortur,
by the rack; with this difference, how
ever, theirs was a physical torture
ours a mental one, administered witt
all the nicely and precision of lega
justice. The officer politely accepted
the invitation, and e%ndeavored to chez
his victims by enumerating many case.
of a similar kind, equally poignant ane
distressing. Thus the evening passct
heavily and cheerlessly away.
On the morning of the contemplated
sale there was to be seen a large Grove
of people ~flocking to the house of Mr.
Sutherland-some out of sheer, heart
less curiosity, friends ofthe family, who
came with mockery on their lips, and
empty purse, with no intent to pur
chase; but not n among the number
showed the least desire to aid, assist
or sympathise with the distress of the
family. This is the world: we laugh
at the misfortune of our fellow crea-
lures, and even mock their distress, by
Witnessing in silence their distress and
suffering. The auctioneer was now
making his arrangements by flourishing
his hammer, rolling his eyes, and using
his tongue. The motley crow gather
ed around him. The house was putup
first; it was accurately described-free
from all membranes and subject to a
very small house rent. 1t was started
at five thousand dollars. There were
several bidders, all Of whom seemed
DESTROYS to purchase it.
"Seven thousand five hundred dollars
-once-twice-thres times--for the
last time going"
"Eight thousand"
"Thank you, sir. Going at eight
thousand, on~ce--eight thousand, twice
eight thousand, three times--going-
gone? What name?" aslm.
"Cliford," was the response; and all
eyes rested on a tall, noble looking
man, who remained silent during the
rapid bidding of the spectators; and
who, as the whisper went round was a
stranger.
SNOW, Gentlemen" said the auc-
tioneer, "we will sell the %sideboard, in
to which | am requested to say
by the creditor It is an old family piece,
and it is the wish OF the owner TO 'retain
it if possible. | merely mention it, as
it is known to you under what peculiar
circumstances the things are Sold"
This had the desired effect; no one
willing to bid against the un-
fortunate man, who started it at ten
Twenty was bid by Mr.. Cliff.
ford; twenty-five by Mr.. Sutherland;
fifty from Clifford silenced the anxious
parents, and the family piece of furni-
lure was knocked down to the new
assessor of the house. A gentleman
who stood by remarked that the act
was a cold, heartless one.
"Was it?" sarcastically asked Cliff
ord; "then, sir, why did you not buy
t for him?"
MI. Sutherland was much affected
BY this incident. "He little knows how
much he has lacerated this heart. But
will purchase the piano for my daugh-
.er." @ 51a af'3
He stepped up to Clifford and told
he desire he had to purchase the piano
or his child, and hoped he would not
lid against him. saft
"Sir," SAID the stranger, Gas much as
respect your feelings and the sympa-
Of this good company, l cannot,
lay, will not alter the determination
made when ! first entered this house,"
"And pray what may that ber" q.
"To purchase every thing in it, and
~ Heavens I'll do it, though | pay dou-
,le price,"
~"Strange," mutteredM Mr.. Sutherland,
IS he found his family in another part
# the room. The stranger fulfilled mis-
promise, and actually bought every
the house itself down to
he axe in the cellar. so"'f 'tt y 'a'
After the sale was over, and the
company had retired, Mr.. Clifford re-
the a~uctioneer to 60 with him
nto an adjoining room. After a lapse
# a few moments, they both returned
0 the parlor, where the family still re-
named. The auctioneer looked round
nd gave a knowing smile, and as he
the room, was heard to say, 81
ever heard Of such a thing; a perfect
omancs. Ha! hap