The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1859-08-03

might be the object Of the contribution.
In the neighborhood where Mr. Jacobs
resided, there lived young man by the
name of Edward Mason. His parents
were poor but when quite lad, he de-
voted much Of his time to reading and
study The old miser appeared to feel
some interest in young Edward, and re-
peatedly said he would make smart man
Although in humble circumstances, Mr..
Jacobs never offered to give him dollar
Or otherwise assist him.
One morning, as Mason was passing
along the str eet, gentleman with whom
he was slightly acquainted, called him
and inquired if he would not like to enter
college,
al should" sad the boy, 'put my
parents are not able to give me an qduca-
ton
" [ thiuk as you take to learning, a
cl assical education will be of great ad.
vantage to you. For some days have
thought on the subject, and now I'll tell
you what l proposed to do. If you will
continue dilligent in your studies, 1 will
procure the necessary funds and have you
enter college.
Edward thanked his friend, at the same
time remarking, 81 did hope Mr. Jacobs
would render me some little assistance /;
but now have no hopes Of him he is
almost too mean too live, as is known by
every one."
Young Mason continued his studies,
and, when prepared, entered college his
friend furnished the means necessary, His
vacations he spent at home with his
parents, and occasionally called upon his
old friend Jacobs, whom he found to be
as sociable as ever to him. But gradually
he become weaned from the miser, and
took occasion TO speak aisrespectlly Of
him. During one Of the vacations he
called upon the old gentleman, and con-
trived to pin piece of paper on his back
on which was written, " am miser ~
As Mr.. Jacobs passed along the streets be
heard much laughter, but did not suspect
the cause till he called into merchants
couuting-room, who, seeing the paper
pointed it out to him"
This is some Of Mason's doings," said
the old gentleman. He should have
more respect for me, and feel that an
too far advanced in life to be tr.hed with
Ever after this circumstance, Edward
was shy of the old gentleman, bat he was
free to condemn his niggardIy course anc
miserly disposition. When he was with
his associates, and Mr. Jacobs happened
to pass along, he would fling out some
improper remark, that caused laugh a
the old mans expense.
Finally Mason graduated studied law
and commenced practice in his nativ,
town. He had brass enough to be a goot
lawyer, and impudence sufficient to sue
ceed. Edward had uot been in practice
but year or two, before he was engaged
in case in which Mr. Jacobs was al
interested party. Mason was opposed t.
him. In his plea he was very severe upoI
the old gentleman. He touched upon hi
mean and niggardly behavior, which haC
become notorious, for long series o
years, and accused him of being anything
but an honest man. He had never beer
known to be generous in single instance
like sponge, he was constantly drawing
in, but letting nothing out.
=" Everybody" he continued, . in thi
vicinity has heard of his disposition eve
the children shun him, If should re
peat one-half of the follies and meannesse
that are laid to bis door, most of gbicl
are true, l have no loubt, you, gontleme
of the jury, would be astonished beyOn
measure But l will not rake up tn
past. In the present case you have hear
the evidence on both sides, and. if 20
have an iota of common sense. you caunC
hesitate in whose favor to decide"
Notwithstanding the plea of Esquir
Mason, the jury decided 10 favor of Nj
Jacobs.
Having the name of being hard cha
acter, no one seemed to put any confdenC
in him, aud his enemies often resorted I
the entanglements of the law, dependin
mostly upon his unpopularity for the
success but they were often defeated
The name of Jacobs became SO notc
rious on account of his reputation f
meanness. that no one pretended to ca
upon him for charitable purposes. II
was known as the rich miser. and likene
unto Dives of old
He had lived 10 the common ave