The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-01-25

you say, remarked our benevolent host,
who had hitherto taken no part in the con-.
versation; "and it reminds me Of a cir
cumstance that occurred in the earlier part
OF my life, which, as it may serve to illus.
trate the subject you have been discussing,
[ will relate.''
There was general movement of at.
tention; for it was we'll known fact that
no manufacturer in the town f. was
surrounded with so many old and faithful
servants as our friend Stevenson.
sin the outset of my business career"
said he, IL took into my employment
young man to fill the situation OF under
clerk; and, according 10 rule had laid
down, whenever stranger entered my
service, his duties wore of nature to in
volve as little responsibility as possible,
until sufficient time had been given to form
correct estimate of his character. This
young man. whom shall call Smith, was
of respectable family. He had lost his
father, and had mother and sisters in
some measure dependent upon him. AZ
ter he had been short time in my en-
ployment, it happened that my confden-
tial clerk, whose duty it was to receive the
money from the bank for the payment OF
wages, being prevented by an unforeseen
circumstance from attending at the proper
time, sent the sum required, by Smith.
My confidence was so great in my head
clerk, who had been long known to me,
that | was not in the habit Of regularly
counting the money when brought to me;
but as. on this occasion, it had passed
through other hands, thought it right to
do so. Therefore, calling Smith back as
he was leaving my counting-hou de-
sired him to wait a few minutes, and pro-
ceeded to ascertain whether it was quite
correct. Great was my surprise and con-
!. Germ on finding that there was consider
able deficiency. 4
"'From whom,' said I, did you receive
this money! 81
"He replied 'from Mr.. --,' naming
my confidential clerk La .s,e.. l..
"'It is strange said I, looking steadily
at him. But this money is incorrect, and
it is the first time that have found it so.'
He changed countenance, and his eye fell
before mine; but he answered with tolera-
BILE oomposure that it was as he had re-
ceived it, -aa9 tas
""1t is in vain,' replied, 'to attempt to
impose on me. or to endeavor to cast sus.
picion on one whose character for the
strictesi honesty and undertaking integrity
is so we'll established. Now, am perfect.
ly convinced that you have taken this
money, and that it is at this moment in
your possession; and think the evidence
against you would be sufficient to Justify
me in Immediately dismissing you from
!, my service. But you are very youn g
man; your conduct has, believe, been
hitherto perfectly correct, and am willing
to afford you an opportunity of redeeming
the past. All knowledge of this matter
; rests between ourselves. Candidly con.
fess, therefore. the error of which you
have been guilty; restore what you have
so dishonesty taken; endeavor, by your
future good conduct, to deserve my con-
fidence and respect, and this circumstance
} shall never transpire to injure YOU The
poor fellow was deeply affected. In a
voice almost inarticula,e with emotion, he
, acknowledged his guilt, and said that. hav.
} ing frequently seen me receive the money
without counting it, on being entrusted
, with it himself, the idea had flashed across
t his mind that he might easily abstract
, some without incurring suspicion, or at all
> events without there being sufficient evi
dence to justify it; that, being in distress
, the temptation had proved stronger than
his power Of resistance, and he had yield.
: ed. Il cannot now he continued, prove
I how deeply your forbearance has touched
i me; time alone can show that it has mo-
r been misplaced He left me TO resume
! his duties.
r "Days, weeks and months passed away
> during which scrutinized his conduct with
e the greatest anxiety. whilst at the same
e time carefully guarded against any ap
pearance of suspicious watchfulness; anc
: with delight | observed that so far my ex
Y pertinent had succeeded. The creates
e regularity and attention-the utmost de
j; votion TO my nterests-marked his bust
9 ness habits; and this without any display
9 for his quiet and humble department wa.
!. from that time rem arkable. At length
t finding his conduct invariably marked by
y the utmos. openness and plain.dealing
: my confidence in him was so far restored
k that, on vacancy occurring in situa
: tion of greater trust and increased emolu
= ment than the one he had hitherto filled.
n placed him in it; and never had I the
:. slightest reason TO repentof the part hat
g acted towards him. Not only had tn,
e pleasure of rejecting that | had, in al
d probability saved a fellow ere ature from {
o continued course Of vice, and consequen
r misery. and afforded him the opportunit,
j. Of becoming respectable and useful mem
# Der Of society. but had gained for my
n self an indefatigable servant-a faithful
Il and constant friend. For years he servet
e me with the creates. fidelity and devotion
l. His character for rigid, nay, even scrupu
i lous honesty. was SO well known, that "a
>; honest as Smith, became a proverb amon'
,r his acquaintances. One morning | miss
- ed him from his accustomed place, and
n upon inquiry, learned that he was detain
=, ed at home by indisposition. Several day
{. elapsed and still he was absent; and upol
|. calling at his house to inquire after him,
n found tho family in great distress on hi
l. account. His complaint had proved ty
E. phus fever of a malignant kind. From
Of almost the commencement Of his attack
81 he had, as his wife, (for he had been som