Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-06-22
TOO MrCH MONEY.


Said friend to me on recent occasion,
81 never saw but ono man in my life, who ac-
knowledged he had quite as much money as
he knew how to dispose Of | had called
at his house one day, when gentleman pre-
sent urged him to scheme from which no
might realize large profit. "You are right
said he, "as regards the probable success Of
the speculation, but | shall not embark in it
| have too much money now This worry
uncommon remark struck mo most forcibly,
and after the gentleman had retired. | asked
Mr.. p. to explain. "Yes," said he in reply,
81 would not cross the street to gain thou
sands | should be happier man if my in
come were less. | am old, and in year or
two whatever | possess will avail me naught
my daughters arc Dead and l have three
sons upon whom | look with fathers PRIDE
My own education had been neglected my
fortune was gained by honest labor and care
full economy | had no time for study, but
resolved that my sons should have every ad-
vantage. Each had the opportunity of gain
ing fine classical education, and then gave
them the choice of profession. Tho eldest
would be a physician the second chose the
law; the third resolved to fol- ow my footsteps
as a merchant.
This was very well-I was proud of my
them distinguished, or at least useful to their
fellow men. | had spared no expense in
their training; they had never wanted mo-
ncy, for | gave each liberal allowance
Never had men fairer prospects Of becoming
honored and respected but look at the re-
suit. The physician has no patients; the
lawyer has not single client and the mer-
chant is above visiting his counting house.
In vain | urged them to be more industrious.
What is the replys There is no use in it
father-we never shall want for money: we
know you have enough for all ! So look at
my disappointment Instead of being active,
energetic members of society, my sons are but
iders men of fashion and display. True
they have few vices-perhaps not many
their associates they have never done
anything to bring disgrace upon my name
but | have expected them to add to the little
reputation l have gained. 1t is not the mo-
ney that l care for; as my son says, have
enough for all But let the physician attend
the poor, and the lawyer see that justice is
done to those who have not the means of
paying the enormous fees now required by
the members of the bar The merchant may
not need the reward Of his abors but there
arc a thousand benevolent institutions to the
support of which it would be a pleasure for
me to see him contribute, They would at
least be useful, each in his vocation, to those
around them now, selfish amusements is their
only aim. This is the burden upon my heart,
and this is the reason Of the remark you lis
ten to- Had they been obliged to struggle
against difficulties to gain their professions,
and were they now dependent upon their
own exertion for support, my sons would
have gained honor to themselves and mo-"
This is the experience Of many wealthy
parent, though all do not grieye at the result.
1t has almost passed into proycrb, that
nothing can be expected OF rich mems sons :"
and in looking about us at distinguished men
of our own day. how few do we find who have
been nursed into greatness.
The farmers son studies in intervals snatch
ed rom active labor he gains the rudiments
Of thorough education from well thumbed
books, which he cons over by the floating
flame of the winters fire or the misty light of
the grcy dawn. His task is rendered dou-
bly, hard, inasmuoh as he is without an in
structor, and must solve the most difficult
problems and unravol the most intricate
truths, simply by his own persovering efforts.
At length his task is in measure accom-
plished. the first stept is gained; but new
difficulty arisos lie is without means, and
must serve long and tiresome apprentice
ship a a teacher, clerk, or often the two
combined, ere he can save enough to enable
him to enter college. Three or four years Of
close study, with the most rigid economy,
brings him to the threshold of active life, and
should he choose a profession, the same scene
must be in part enacted ere his object is ac-
compishod
Mark well the contrast Which man,
think you, is best fitted TO succeed Surely,
not he who has been eradled in luxury, and
brbed along the path of knowledge No,
rather would we trust the selfmade man, who
has already over-mastered difficulties under
which one less resolved would have fallen
and though one may be favored by position,
connections, and ample means, it is more
than probable that the other will look back
upon him whom he has far uutstrppcd in the
race Of life-lfcrckamts Hagazine