The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1849-06-30
MIsFORTUNES OF MIR. NIBBS.

The other day, glancing over a newspa:
per, the following paragraph, descriptive oi
proceedings in the Court of Ban kruptcy,
met our eye. The fame Of the party only
is altered:
Mr.. Commissioner -- sat, but The
Case disposed ot were of no public interest.
Augustus Nbbs who was director of
society called the---Coal Company
came up on the question Of certificate. Mr..
Nibbs, an elderly gentleman, had retired
from the trade on handsome independence, !
and was unfortunately induced 10 become
member Of this bubble con3pany. Being
the only solvent man in the concern, he was
sued for the debts of the company and ruin
cd. His honor expressed his surprise at The
crcdulity with which MIR. Nbbs had suffer-
ed himself to be gued by sharpcrs, but at
the same time expressed his concern at the
condition 10 which he was reduced.-Cer-
lIficate granted
We think the reporter for the press was
scarcely justified in saying that the above
case had no public interest. To cur mind
it is full of meaning and instruction. We
have never, in so few words, read a more
affecting case of individual ruin-hopes de-
stroyed, confidence abused by The blacklist
roguery. We offer tribute of comparison
to Mr.. Nbbs, although we know nothing of
him beyond what the reporter has gwen Of
his sad history. Ignorant of actual particu-
lars, we can nevertheless, easily fancy bio
graphy for the unfortunate gentleman
Every line in the paragraph aids the imagI-
nation.
Mr.. Augustus Nibbs is an elderly person
retired from business. BY long course Of
diligence in his profession, he had realized
competent fortune, and had retired to a
neal villa at Hamstead, Norwood, or some
other pleasant suburban retreat. In this
delightful secusion. within an omnibus dis
tance Of the town, and an arrangement by
which he might read the morning papers
daily MIR. Nibbs had every reason to look
forward to a few years Of tranquil enjoy
ment, along with The aged partner OF his
fortunes. There is slight difficulty as to
whether Mr.. Nibbs had any family. We
rather believe he had an only daug ghter, who
was grown up. and married, and therefore,
as he supposes, off his hands. But the mar.
riage of Eliza, as we shall call the daughter,
had moi turned out happily, so far as worldly
prosperity is concerned. Her husband had
not been successful in business, and shortly
after the retirement Of the father, his son-in-
law stood very much in want of a situ-
alton. Let US here moralize for moment.
His money was little better than rolling
in the per cents. Here was an oportinity
for making an investment; and besides, if
he took hand in the thing, it might be the
means Of getting good situation for Tom,
thai unfortunate son-n-law Of his. Here
we again take the liberty OF rnoralizing a
little.
One with another, at least thee.fourths OF
all the joint-stpck. companies projected rest
OH false or deusite statements. Decent
people, who have retired for life to their easy.
chaits.are not best with a thorough percep-
ton of this fact. There they sit reposingly
at one side of the parlor fire, their wife on
the other. There is apleasant warmth from
the crate. A favorite little dog lies stretch:
ed out confdingly on the rug, picture OF
animal ease and enjoyment. No sound is
heard but the cheerful piping of a canary,
which is hung up to bask in the SUMS rays at
the kitchen window. Employmen,-old
man reading the papers 'missus' at darr'tig
or crotchet. Now who would have the
soul TO break up this scene shit the acces-
sores turn out the old gentleman from his
well earned chimney corner; break the
heart of the wife send the little dog drift
to the sport of butcherers' boys and kill the
canary7 Trust us, there are such up
breaks; The law is an unrelentlng mon.
ser and those may think themselves well
off who do not come under it talons.
Not to wander too far from the point: the
worthy beings whom we talk of commit
serious indiscretion when they have ANYTHING
to do with joint.sock companies. 10 un.
derstand these concerns, you arequired to go
about and hear all the gossip respecting them
who has got them up7 whether the names
appended 10 prospectuses are real or shaml
what, sobery speaking, are the prospects OF
SUGGEST Not being assured on these points,
let the schemes, however fair-looking in print
pass unheeded By no means attend any
preliminary meetings. If you do. you will
get yourself in some way or other commit
ted. Should you be afflicted with be-
nevolent tendency, be only still more on
your guard. Let all projects involving mo.
ney risks be examined on rigorous coIfimer-
cial principles: 1t may sound harshy 10
say this; but who thanks Mr.. Nibbs for hav-
ing ruined not only himself, but his wife, his
dog, and his canary. all to help oil a con-
Germ which he had some notion would bene-
fit bis son-in.law.
Unfortunate Nibbsl It was bad bust.
ness your ever going near that preliminary
committee meeting of the e----
Coal Association: Why did you ever take the
chair and feel hatiiered al seeing Your name