The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1859-10-06
Shattered by the First Storm.

AO tHc IiFc aye VI tWcHty -OHc Ildr-
ry Melville decided to go into business
on his own account.
"W ait until you are twenty fve,"
said IIarry's prudent father.
"And lose four yearsr' returned
Harry, almost Indignantly. cit is
folly"
"The earlier Il young man goes into
business, the Oftener he has to fail be-
fore he grows wise enough and strong
enough for success. My advice is to
wait until you are thirty. There will
be ten chances in your favor then to
one in your favor now."
Harry, however, considered his faith
er old-fashioned and behind the times,
and so let his prudent counsel 60 for
nought. Harry had been three years
in city house, and considered HIM
self full posted up in business matters,
and quite equal to the common run of
traders. Indeed, his talk OH matters
of trade was quite edifying; and an
uninitiated listener could hardly have
failed to give him credit for considera-
bly, more knowledge than was his due.
Harry Melville had $4,000 left to
him by an uncle. At twenty-one it
came into his possession. Upon this
sum he commenced business, in COM
Ipany with young friend about his
own age, and about equally expert
enced.
Ten thousand dollars in cash was
something of basis for credit, and al
though our young traders expended
two thousand in fitting up their place
of business, they found no difficulty
whatever in stocking it with more than
all the goods they needed.
The times were propitious. Money
was cheap. Everybody bought and
everybody sold with scarcely the for
mality of inquiry as to the basis upon
which confidence rested. In less than
two years Melville & Morris were do
ing business at the fast rate of many
thousands per annum, and making fab
ulous profits. To marry, and set up
expensive domestic establishments,
came as a natural result. Both the
young partners committed this addi.
tional folly. To marry would have
been well enough, if modest Prudence
had smiled her quiet blessings on the
rites. But, as it was, silly Pride and
weak Ambition reigned triumphantly.
Old Mr.. Melville shook his head,
looked grave, and demonstrated in pri
vate with his son but Harry grew
impatient at the old gentleman's mar
row minded interference, and finally
requested him to waive the repitition o.
language that was only felt as an an
noyance. Of course the father wa.
hurt, and did not 60 near his son again
for some weeks. AS peace offering
Harry bought new house, for which
he paid down one-half in cash and
gave bills for the remainder, Will
the title-deeds in his pocket, he called
at his modest paternal residence.
Mr.. Melville received his son kindly
yet not with his accustomed cordially
for one or two sentences uttered during
their last interview, stung him severe
ly, and the pain had not yet subsided
"What are these" asked the eldel
Mr.. Melville as as Harry laid upon .
table before his father the title deeds O
the new home.
{" Read them," was the smiling an
swer.
With half curious manner, Mr..
Melville opened a broad parchment
sheet. His eyes glanced hurriedly
over the contents; but his face, insteat
OF frightening, grew clouded. Eek
plain this Harry he said, looking uI
at his son.