Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-03-04
MIS- c L L 4 Y Y
From the Home Magazine.
THE MAN WHO TRIED TO BOR-
ROW HIMSELF OUT OF DEBT.

There are great many difficult, and some
times impossible things but no matter how
difficult or impossible thing may be, YOU
will always find people in the world ready to
undertake its mplishment, whether it
be the discovery of perpetual motion or the
equally romantic attempt to get out of debt
by borrowing.
OF all the work in the world, to live by
borrowing is perhaps the hardest, and of all
work in the world, that is about the mean
est. Pride, independence, and self-respect,
one after the other, are sacrificed, until the
man sinks into contempt.
Peter Ogethorpc was not Il borrower by
profession. He had started in life with a
small patrimony, and worked along indie
pendently, until his tiftleth year, when losses
in trade deprived him of the means of paying
certain obligations, and he found himself
suddenly involved in trouble.
"Mr. Oglethorpe,' said man who came
into his Office one morning about this time,
II want you to settle that account"
at is impossible to do so now, Mr.. Spicer
Wholly impossible, You have heard of my
trouble?" Mr.. Oglethorpc exhibited both
distress and agitation.
"No; have trouble enough of my own,
without looking after that of other people"
was rather gruifly answered. lie had heard
among the first, to ecure his debt if pos
siblc.
II have met heavy losses, " said Mr.. Ogle-
thorpe. CLOSES that cover more than am
worth. At time when / expected to be
easy and comfortable, l find myself suddenly
thrown to the wall"
"What do you propose doing % asked
Mr.. Spiccr, abruptly.
"Dolng JUSTLY" was answered, with some
dignity of manner.
"No one doubts that" said the creditor,
softening considerably. "But what are the
steps you propose taking?"
"My trouble Is so recent" replied Ogle-
thorpe, "that / remain undecided as to the
course Of action. But, of one thing you may
be certain, all will be treated alike"
''Then you mean to stop payment p
"lf have lost the means Of payment, how
am to pay my obligations 90
"You are evidently putting the worst face
upon your affairs, MIR. Ogiethorpe" The
visitor manner underwent further change.
''Let me suggest a different course of ac-
ton"
"Say on" Mr.. Oglethorpe cast his eyes
to the floor, and bent his head in silent atten-
| ton.
"Don't think Of giving up in this way"
The tone Of Mr.. Spicer was insinuating.
"But how am | to 90 forward?" said the
debtors prompt Interrogation "For in
stance, owe you two hundred dollars, and
you want the money %
81 d."
"very we'll And what next?'
"Borrow."
"Borrow?''
eyes. You have many friends who will
take pleasure in giving you temporary aid.
This disaster may not prove so serious as you
imagine, and you may be able TO struggle
through, and recover yourself without a sha-
dow being cast on your good name. Ifyou
suffer present obligations to be dshonored,
remember that your reputation must receive
Strain. This cannot be avoided. There
are men who have no word but dishonest
with which to designate those who fail to
pay them what is due, no matter what cause
produces the failure. Think of this Mr..
Oglethrope, and weigh well the consequences,
before you take the doubtful step you have
proposed to yourself You have a family,
and for their sakes, do not permit this dis
grace to come upon you and them
Mr.. Oglethorpe was partly stunned by
this. lie had not thought of disgrace-only
of misfortune. He sat for some time like one
stupifed.
"Don't give it up, sir Don't give it up!'
Mr.: Spicer laid his hand on the arm of MIR.
Oglethrope, and spoke cheerily. "Neyer
let it be said that you permitted an obliga-
tion to remain uncanceled. Put on a brave.
cheerful face, and you will 20 through.
can wait until tomorrow for nv money
That will give you time to turn around And
whenever you want aid or counsel, remember
that Jacob Spicer is your friend.'
Inc creditors councils prevailed. Mr.
Oglethorpe, instead Of standing up hravalv