The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-09-22
"Good! We shall have a change of air, ,

lHdt evening CudrIeS took his paper
from the post-ofiice, and in it he found an
advertisement calling for an architectural
plan for the new State House. He went
home, locked himself up in his room, and
devoted half the night to intense thought
and study. The next day he procured a
large sheet Of fine drawing paper, and af-
ter supper he again betook himself to his
room, where he drew out his table, spread
out his paper and then taking his case Of
mathematical instruments, he set himself
about his task For whole week he
worked every night till twelve or one
o'clock, and at the end of that time his job
was finished. He rolled his sheet Of paper
carefully up in substantial wrapper. and
entrusted it to the care OF the stage driver,
TO be delivered at its destination in the city
Of s.
Nearly three weeks rolled away, and
Charles began to fear that his labors had
been useless. 1t was just after dinner
Mr.. White and his men had commenced
work, when four gentlemen entered the
shop, whose very appearance at once be.
spoke them to be men of the highest stand.
ing in society.
SIS there Mr. Charles Bracket here?"
asked one of them.
THAT is the man, sir" returned Mr..
White, pointing to where Charles, in his
checked apron and paper cap was at work.
The stranger seemed little surprised
as he turned his eyes upon the youth, and
shade of doubt dwelt upon his features.
"Is your name Bracket, sr?" he asked
as he went up to where the young man
stood.
at is sir" replied Charles, trembling
with strong excitement.
"Did you draw this plan?' continued
the stranger, opening roll he held in his
hand.
81 did, sir" answered Charles, as he at
once recognized his work.
"Did you originate it!"
EVERY part of it, sir"
The stranger eyed the young carpenter
with wondering look. and SO did the gen.
tlemen who accompanied him. Mr.. White
and Ludlow Weston wondered what it all
meant.
"Well, sir" at length said he who held
the plan, II am not little surprised that
one like you should have Designed and
drawn this; but nevertheless, you are
lucky man. Your plan has been accept
ed in every feature, and your recommen-
dations have all been adopted"
The effect Of this announcement upon
Charles Bracket was like an eclectric
shock. Objects seemed to swim before his
eyes, and he grasped the edge Of the bench
for support.
"Gentemen," said Mr.. White. 81 do
not understand this, what does it all mean"
ut means, sir, that this young man has
designed complete and perfect architec-
tural plan for the new State House. and
that it has been adopted unanimously by
the committee from among fifty others
which they have received from different
parts of the country"
"Charles," uttered the old carpenter.
wiping pride sent tear from his cheek as
he gazed upon his former apprentice,
"when did you do this!"
Three weeks ago. sir.''
"And that's what kept you up so late
every night for whole week."
"Yes, sir"
'.There's powerful genius there, sir"
said the spokesman of the visitors.
"Ay," returned Mr.. White, land there
has been deep and powerful application
there, too. Charles Bracket has been with
me from boy, sir, and every moment of
his leisure time has been devoted to the
most intense study"
The gentleman looked kindly upon the
young man, and then turning to Mr. White,
he said:
"He has not only given us the design,
but as you can see, he has calculated to a
nicely the number of bricks, the surface of
stone, the quality of lumber, the weight.
length and size of the form Of the required
iron, as we'll as the quantity Of other mate
rals, and the cost Of construction. 1t lis
valuable document"
Ludlow Weston was dumb. He hung
down his head, and thought ofthe contempt
ile Hdu Cdst upol HiS OoiiPauiol StuutcS.
"Mr. Bracket" continued the visitor,
"I am authorized by the State committee
to pay you one thousand dollars for this
design, and also to offer you ten dollars
per day so long as the building is in course
OF construction, for your services as super
intending architect. The first named sum
| will pay you now, and before leave, |
would like to hear from you an answer to
the committees proposition"
Before the delegation returned to s.,
Charles had received his thousand dollars
cash, and accepted the offer for superin-
tending the erection Of the State House.
"Ah, Charles" said Ludlow Weston,
after they had finished their supper. you
have indeed chosen the wisestp part. lhad
no such thought that carpenter could be
such man.
"And why not carpenter as well as
any onel 1t only requires study and ap-
plicaton."