The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-08-04
WiscsHaqeoqs.
Gerrit Smith.

Gerrit Smith is rich philanthropist,
and We are not surprised that he gives so
generously of his abundance, for giving
gratifes his natural beneyolence; but he
may have another motive for giving, not
seen by the masses. He may not wish
to have his heirs tormented with impor-
tunities as he has been. We have never
heard him utter a syllable of complaint;
but We are sure be is constantly besieged
by beggars, and assailed by those who
solicit his patronage. Every reform ed
tor expects him to take his paper, and is
not little surprised if he does not volun-
teer to contribute a hundred or two dol
lars to help him along. Every phllan-
thropic society expects, almost demands,
Pecuniary assistance from such a man.
Multitudes of adventurers ply him with
ietters-one desires to borrow a good
round sum-another asks for farm
and still another wishes to have note en-
doTsed. Lecturers, essayists and others
solicit recommendations from him. He
is expected to speak at public meetings,
pay his own expenses, and contribute to
the funds of the societies, besides
A rich philanthropist is sort of hu-
man Sevastopol, stormed at by those who
have not the wealth he has. He is ex-
pected to have brains equal to his estate,
and never to err. The least deviation
from the straight and narrow road marked
out for him is visited by the severest Gen.
sure. If there is a heaven on earth, it
is, indeed. hard for such a rich man to
enter into such kingdom. Let the
reader follow the noted gentleman of
whom we write, through the working
hours of single day, and then say
whether or not he would be willing to
exchange situations with him. Rises at
hve O'Clock, bathes, eats a plain break
fast, drinking nothing but water-goes
to the office and looks over package of
letters, from every point of the compass,
each letter demanding q reply by return
mail. A literary Liliputian asks for an
autograph-an unfedged bard sends a
copy of verses, and hints that a compli-
mentary note for the press would be ac-
ceptable-an Abolitionist, in distress,
calls for immediate relief-a temperance
man suggests that the benevolent ought
to help him, because he has made such
great sacriGees-an author requests the
patronage of man SO famous for his lib
erality-a black man wonders why a farm
was not given to him at the time the three
thousand were given away-half dozen
applications are made for orations on the
Fourth of July-several we'll known pub
lie men desire his opinion on the "Know-
question-articles for the press
are solicited-something for an annual is
outlines of an autobiogra-
ply are needed for a sketch book-next
comes bundle of newspapers, many of
them are marked-here is an elaborate
review of Mr.. Smiths course in Con-
gress-there is reply to that review
While looking over the papers, knock
is heard at the door-a lecturer on eio-
cution, or astronomy. or temperance, or
comes in, and a request is
made to get him up meeting forth
notice can be written out,
half a dozen men march in 70 make a
purchase of land-here comes a woe
begone looking fellow, with a petition
there comes another, accompanied by a
friend. X is now dinner time, and all
expect to be invited to dine. although the
good housewife has only made prepara-
tons for the usual number which graces
the family board. The guests are evi-
IDENTIFY disappointed; they expected richer
fare, and are surprised that man SO well
to do In the world should live SO plainly.
The afternoon work begins soon after
dinner. Disbursements are made here
and there-deeds are filed out, notes are
in undecipherable hierogiyph-
ics-and with page of Shakespeare, and
4 chapter in the Bible, the toll of the day
IS ended.
There are traits in the character of Mr. |
Smith which deserve universal commend
alton, and ought to be copied By such !
men as Aster, Law, Vanderbilt, Grin
nell, and other millionaires. He is un-
,stentatious, lives in . plain house, which
S plainly furnished, and bis us spread
With ..faymer's fare He dresses neat
y, and never makes > display of jewell
-y-avoids all parade and pomp. and
never refuses to identity himself With the
progressive men Of the ags. No man is
20 black that be is ashamed 70 call him
,rosher, aud sit By his side at the table
10 man is 50 poor that be Is unwilling to
yiye him friendly gTesting. and render
lin assistance ce.-Rion Isdspsndsat.