The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-06-22

on nun, Quarrel LOOK place OetWeen the
merchant and his protege. Another cir
cumstance, which is scarcely fit to be men,
toned here, was hinted at, and which, if
true, throws dark shade upon the char
acter of the dissipated youth. Whatever
the cause, however, the merchant and his
SON parted in anger, never to meet again
and when the former died the latter shared
no portion of his wealth.
Again thrown upon the world by his own
misconduct, the young man tried his hand
in field common to young men, and
wrote several poetical pieces and articles
in the magazines. These were so well re.
ceived that he was almost tempted to be-
leve that he could obtain living by liter
ature. Bnt his old habits returning, he
despaired of success in his new avoc cation,
and enlisted as private soldier in the ar
my. He was soon recognized by for
mer compaion at the military academy.
and great interest began TO be felt for him
among the officers. 1t was proposed to
buy commission for the handsome and
talented young men but just as friends
began to rally around him, and just as
their plans seemed about to prosper, he de-
serted. ...
For more than two years the world
knew nothing Of his whereabouts; and it
may be, had almost forgotten him.
In 1888, however, the proprietors OF
magazine offered two prizes for the best
poem and tale which should be suited to
their pages.
Numerous MSS were sent for competi-
tion, and day was appointed on which the
arbitrators should meet to judge ofthe mer-
its ofthe various productions. Almostthe
first manuscript that was opened claimed
| attention, from the rem markable beauty and
distnctness Of the hand wiring. One of
the arbitrators read page or two, and
was charmed He called the attention Of
his friends to the tale, and they were so
much pleased with it that it was read a
loud from beginning TO end, and all ad-
mitted that it was worthy the highest prize.
The confidential envelope was then open
ed-a Latin motto was discovered. No
other tales were read, and the award was
Immediately published. But where to find
the author, so that the prize money might
be paid The publisher and arbitrators
had not to wait long. In the evening fol-
lowing the announcement, young man
came TO the Office to claim the prize. lie
1 was pale and thin even 10 ghastiness. and
his whole appearance bespoke dissipation,
want. and illness. well.worn coat, but
toned up TO the chin. concealed the want
/ OF shirt, and imperfect, wretched boots.
discovered the absence of Stockings
But he looked like gentleman never'he-
Fl less for his face and hands, though hag-
gord and attenuated, were clean and spot
less, his hair was well arranged, his eye
was bright with intelligence, and his voice
and bearing those of a scholar. The pub
Usher and the arbitrators were interested
extremely. They enquired into his histo
ry, and finally offered him employment or
the magazine for which the tale had beer
written. ..-.92
A little money judiciously applied soor
.. altered the appearance of the young man
and in short time he took his post as sec
ond editor of monthly magazine, witt
! the means and position of gentleman.
8 Now here was an opportunity tor re
/. trieving his lost character Here wer
friends ready not only to overlook the past
but to assist in making his future calm AM
!. free from care. Here was public read
to listen to his teachings, and patro1
i. ready to reward his labors. For llttl
e while all went on we'll, and those who kne'
l. him began to congratulate themselves up
Y on the happy change. Those who befor
admired his genius were beginning to re
C spect his integrity lie was happy an
i, successful in his new avocation. tie maj
d ried young and beautiful girl. his cousir
T. he found for himself a cottage, which tn
le care, economy, and gentle temper of h
Q wife converted into HOME and he wa
is beginning to be happy man: 1t wou'
!. be well if our story could end here; b
in alas for human frailty alas for good re
$. olutions made without prayer to God ali
ID for principles in which he assists not! Il
or Young husband Of that fair young wife fe
) back again into the abyss, and forfeited Il
in respect of his employers and the sympatt
to of his friends. through his devotion to II
e. accursed bottle! 80
o Itwere weary tale to tell how often
n repented, and was forgiven; how he we
of from State to State, and from city to Cit
,h hard working, aspiring, sarguine, ts
TO ented man, bearing about him the cur
nd of irresolution, never constant but to I
,r. ssseductive and dangerous besetment,"
ed strong drink; how friends advised vi
him. and publishers demonstrated; how
as one time he had so far conquered his pr
ow pensity as to call himself, in letter to
ed friend, .sa model Of temperance and 9th
ok virtues;' and how, at another. he forfeit
inn the occupation which was the sole depe
so dence of his little family, by frequent
,se Ilapses into his old disgraceful habits h
n he committed under the excitement OF
J a toxication, faults and excesses to. VIII
er. no gentleman would plead guilty; how
vas borrowed money OF his friends without
adj. me ans or intention of returning 1t; III
all he forfeited the esteem-even while
i'd. talents commanded the admiration-of
, of public how he succeeded in bring
of. many literary speculations into lite, VIII
lost |his vicious habits and inattention to b'
the ness murdered in their youth how he
,np came confirmed ,drunkard, with o
ted now and them 6tful hour or so in wh
iso- to throw off on paper the yagrancles
the mind rich in learning and imaginative
ten cies how his young wife died oro
was hearted. and how he became 80 redu