Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-12-14
LET THOSE LAUGH WHO WIN.

Some Eastern paper discourses in the follow
ing very sensible language to the young men
about town:
1t seems that our remarks in last weeks pa
per have given offence to at least one Of the
fast young men about town, who, in an impu-
dent letter, attempts to rdicule the idea of
preaching to the clerks Of this metropolis, and
contends that they are the life and soul of the
great city.
We were aware when we wrote that article,
that most of the clerks would scoff at being
ectured, for none of us like the truth when it
tells against ourselves and hence the dislike
expressed. 1t seems at the present day to be
the sole ambition of most of the good salaried
clerks, to live several weeks in one-to swal-
low huge oysters and brandy smashes-to wear
pants as singularly colored as the map of the
word-and as astonishing vest as possible.
All this dash and dissipation cannot lead TO
any good results, even ift does not entirely ruin
those who indulge in them If we preach, we
preach facts, and to our wise saws" as our
young friend is pleased to call our remarks, we
will add few modern instances" for his ben
eft and that Of others.
George Law was mechanic, a stone mason,
and commenced the world on literally speak
ing, nothing. He has made several fortunes
Mr.. e. Vanderbilt was originally deck hand,
board of soop, and received eight dollars per
month. He is now said to be worth three or
four millions.
Moses II. Grinnell came to seek his fortune
in this city with all the clothes he had, done up
in bandanna handkerchief, and with only two
dollars in his pocket. His brothers, Joseph and
Henry, were both as poor as he. They are all
very rich and respected now
John Jacob Astor arrived in this city from
Holland with one thousand dollars worth of
goods, and began business on that The result
of his enterprise is well known.
Wilson G. Hunt was poor boy. He is now
rich, and what is more, beloved by all who have
the honor of his acquaintance
Horace Greeley arrived in New York with all
his possessions in q portmanteau, and ten dol
lars in cash. Although we love to joke Mr..
Greeley upon his singular mode of dress, and
his peculiar /" isms." there is no man living
whose character as a man we admire more
Greeley with all his oddities is great man.
Coleman and Steison, now proprietors of the
Astor House, were once waiting on board of 4
'sound boat" and rose to the dignity of stew
ard. They are now classed among our first
men, and are not ashamed of their origin, for
which we admire them.
Alexander Stewart, the celebrated dry.goods
man, was once a clerk, and commenced business
in a little thread and needle store, in a very
small way.
Lord 81 Taylor who have just opened an i'm
mense store in Grand street, were both poor
young men, and commenced in little store on
Catharine street. They, too, were clerks.
Stuart the candy man, failed in Scotland, and
emigrated hither, and opened very small candy
shop in Greenwich street. His wife attended
the store while he made the candy. They could
not afford the salary of an errand boy. He is
now the richest confectioner in the world.
Edward Phalon commenced business as a
barber, in small shop in the Bowery. He is
now reputed rich, and the largest perfumery
manufacturer in the country. His store in the
st. Nicholas cost twenty thousand dollars to fit
up, and the one on the corner of Broadway and
Dey streets, cost but little less.
Abbott Lawrence, of Boston, was poor boy,
without friends or money. He now owns three
or four whole towns, it is said.
Stephen Girard. although he received the aid
OF an influential friend at starting, mainly by
his own exertions, became the richest banker in
the State.
Mr.. Westervelt, our present Mayor, gradua-
ted in ship.yard.
The Harpers were pressmeD, and while fol-
lowing their occupation, published their first
book, on speculation.