Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-09-16
Too Much Money.

i Said a friend to us last evening"
never saw but one man III my life, who
acknowledged he had quite as much mon
ey as he knew how to dispose OF. | had
called at his house one day, when gen
tleman present urged him to scheme
from which he might realize large prof
it. You are right, said he, as regards
the probable success of the speculation,
but shall not embark i'll it | have too
much money now This very uncom-
mon remark struck me most iorciby ;
and after the gentleman retired, | asked
Mr.. +. TO explain. YES said he in
reply, | would not come cross the streets
to gain thousands ; ! should he happier
man if my income were less. am old,
aud in year or two, whatever possess
will avail me nought-my daughters are
dead, and ! have three sons upon whom
| look with a fathers pride My own
education has been neglected, my fortune
was gained 10y honest labor and careful
economy; had no time for study, but
resolved that my sons should have every
advantage. Each had the opportunity
of gaining a fine classical education, and
then gave them the choice of profess
sion The eldest would be physician
the second chose the law: the third re-
solved to follow my footsteps as mcr-
chant. This was very WE'LL was proud
Of my sons, and hoped that one day |
might see them distinguished, or at least
useful to their fellow men had spared
no expense III their training; they had
never wanted money, for | gave each Il
liberal allowance. Never had men ialIcr
prospects of becoming honored and re-
spectcd but look at the result. The
physician has no patlcnts-the lawyer
not single client, and the merchant is
above visiting his counting house In
vain | urged them to be more lndustrl-
Gus. What is the reply There is no
use IN 1t ihther-we never shall want for
money. we know you have enough for
all So look at my disappointment. In
stead OF being active, energetic members
Of society, my sons are but dIcrs, men
of fashion and display. True, they have
few vces-perhaps not so many as their
associates they have never done any
thing to bring disgrace upon my name
but had expected them to add to the
little reputation | may have gained. Ii
is not the money that ] care for, as my
sons say, have enough for all. But let
the physician attend the poor, and the
lawyer see that Justice is lone to those
who have not the means of paying the
enormous fees now required by the men,
bcrs of the bar. The merchant may not
need the reward of his labors, but there
are a thousand benevolent institutions To
the support of which IT would be plea
sure for me TO see him contribute. They
would at least he useful each in his voca-
ton, to those around them; now selfish
amuscmenls is their only aim. This is a
burden upon my heart, and this is the
reason of the remark you listened to
Had they been obliged to struggle against
difficulties to gam their professions, and
we're they now dependent upon their own
excrtions for support, my sons would have
gained honor to themselves aud me
This is the experience OF many a
wealthy parent. although all do no, gricve
at the result 1t has almost passed into
proyerb, that nothing can he expected
of rich mems sons ; and IN looking about