Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-02-07
One More Dress.
CHAPTER III.
ny OLIVER OPTIC.


The long run tells the story: SO let us step for
ward few years, and look into the countingroom
of our clerks.
James and John are both there, and occupying
the same relative positions. Their salaries have
been raised, and for three years they have been
the recipients of the handsome sum Of fourteen
hundred dollars year.
The first of January is at hand Harris Il Co.
are about to dissolve, and the senior who has made
princely fortune, and is queer old fellow at that
is about to form a new co-partnership.
g Boys" said old Mr.. Harris, "you have been
with me long while. suppose you want to get
ahead and become merchantsw
The "boys" acknowledged the "corn," and
John Farmer winked significantly at his associate.
But" continued the patrarchal merchant, I" to
get ahead in business, requires certain qualifca-
tons of mind and body One must be Industrious,
economical and wide awake, as we'll as shrewd
Driving fast horses, eating champagne suppers
and sucking mint-jueps do not furnish the neces-
sary schooling for merchant | won't preach,
however. In word the first of January is close
upon US. Those of you who can put two thousand
dollars into the concern shall draw a sixth of the
profits! That's ALL"
The old fellow turned on his heel picked up his
hat and left the counting-room.
James Bradley was the only one of the number,
four in ALL who could !" face the music" The
three others had perfected themselves in the art of
driving 2:4o horses, drinking sherry coblers and
eating good dinners, which Mr.. Harris had limited
was not necessary qualification for one of his
partners
John Farmers surplus had been spent in giving
his wife one more dress" As his salary was in
creased from year to year, Zone more dress" was
the oftener required. BeeEsteak, mutton-chops,
and ice were as unhealthy and dyspeptic in their
tendency as ever; and yet, Mrs. Farmer, from the
costiness of her apparel, might have been mista-
ken for the lady of a nabob
Five years more Old Mr.. Harris is dead; and
though the firm is still Harris & Co., James Brad
ley is the senior partner. He has already made a
competence, and does very large business.
John Farmer left the concern three years ago.
1t was supposed because he could not endure the
thought of being clerk under his former compan-
ion He left Boston and went to New York, but
bis unthrifty habits followed him. His wife wore
the greater part of his salary on her back; and
dsheartened by his il-success, he had increased
the number Of sherry cobblers in his per diem al
lowance to such an extent that he had been dis
charged from his place. Not being able to get
another situation in New York, he reached Boston
in Strengthened circumstances. He was equally
unfortunate there. The toddy blossoms on his
nose were against him; his coat was rusty, and his
breath like the fog from three-cent grog shop.
His last dollar was spent and his wife was paying
visit to friend who had repeatedly urged her
TO spend a week with her, and whom she would
have been sorry to disappont!
He was reduced to the last extremity. His old
friend and associate, James Bradley, was now in
afiuence, and able to assist him. Notifying as
was the thought there was scarcely any alternative
but to apply to him for situation
James was shocked when he recognised him
Sherry cobblers, a thriftless wife, Zone more
dress, and the want of encouragement, had done
their work.
rs there any vacancy in your counting-room
Mr. Bradley p asked he, in humble tones.
There Is not, John, but will create place
for you," replied the liberal merchant as he real
lied the situation of his former associate.
Thank you" replied John, tear starting in
his eye at this unexpected Kindness the first that
he had experienced anywhere not excepting his
own house, for many and many a weary month
James took him home to dine with him, and John
had an opportunity to contrast his own circum-
stances with those Of his thrifty friend He was
sad at heart-in short, he was ruined man.
He did very well for few months in the count
ing-room of his friend, but his old habit soon OBJ
tanned the mastery over him again. and he died
suddenly of disease induced by dissipation.
Zone more dress" said Mrs. Green--the good
old lady was now cherished member of her
daughters family-"is the representative of the
whole system of extravaganza, One more dress, !"
as the type of great bundle of habits, was the
ruin Of John Farmer Don't you know it, Sarahy'
81 do, mother, / cannot be too grateful to you
for your wholesome advice. / am sure that with
out il should have procured 'one more dress :
then wanted another and another, until i had
spoiled all my husbands expectations. Poor Ellen
Farmer, she is binding shoes for her daily bread"