Litchfield enquirer., 1863-07-09
Alisfellal1n.
tFRoM THE NEW YoRK MERCURY.
The Hour of Need.

FROM THE NEW YORK MERCURY.
 The Hour of Need.
 If such men as Noel Alton had been the ac cepted advisers of the South, or advised them now, the war of treason against too generous Government would never have occurred, ol would cease ct once for the audacious cormo- rants would ever have been taught to know when they had enough, nor sought for more, and by seeking. bringing destruction spon the good they had. ''s
 Neel Alton was . very wealthy merchant wise enough to know when he had gainsd sui. fcieRt opqlsaee, and then to be content.
 Thus he reflected:
 "I am the sole head of an extensive business an now forty-eight. and l have made money enough. l have toiled hard for it all my life Providence has blessed me, though feel lit. tic worn. Why should l hasten the decline oi life by graspirg at still morsf It would be needless, selfish, impolitic. will retire from business and give others chance. can still be-usetul farm it, and be kind to the distressed and spend the remainder of my days in en- toying what have laborious earned. Three men in my employ have always been faithful to their duties and need helping hand to SC, them up. Nine shall be that helping hand. They shall be my successors in the business of which they are thorough masters"
 To this effect Noel Alton made liberal ar rangement with them, and withdrew to the country. where he purchased and vastly i'm proved large estate, and became a gentleman farmer in the most complete sense ofthe term. His house was magnificent rural palace, and not farm within five hundred miles was so scientifically ordered, so extensive or well stocked as hia own, ncr an estate more beauti- full in diversified grounds and landscapes.
 Generous. and with the means to prove his philanthrophy, he was another" Man of Ross ', of an enlarged pattern and the bounties which Nature afforded him from her fertile soil, seemed model of iberality which he emulated and which made him the object of unnumbsred grateful prayers.
 Used to the palits society and luxuries of the metropolis, such man could not but co.'s tinue their acquaintance in his now abode.- His house was ever open to all his friends, his board loaded for their qualification, and his woods and waters were free to their sporting propensitiea, Often, by his urgent invitations and lavish hospitality, they were induced to make sojourn with him for weeks, without fear of trespassing on his princely welcome and good fellowship; and his wife and children ad- ded their smiles to his own, to make the guests more happy. ..
 The guests duly appreciated all this, and were never weary nor backward in their prai- ses of his character, his possessions and his taste; and each mentioned some object which excited his especial, paramount envy.
 "Never saw such fertile lands."
 "Such scenery"
 "such completeness, foresight and regularity on farm"
 "Such matchless stock" ...
 "So symmetrical and convenient mansion is well set in such frame of glossy terraces and glowing gardens"
 "You should be more proud of your refined, womanly, beautiful and kind-natured wife than all tho rest"
 "And covet most your roay hand of chil. dren."
 "And I am most envious of the idolatry shown you by your poor neighhora and the workmen."
 Noel Alton was well pleased at all this, smiled his thanks, and ever bads them come again.
 A great financial crisis swept over ths land. Banks burst like golden bubbles many in large business failed there was general pan ic and distrust and suffering was widely spread. scant crops, also, made the people apprehepsive, and they were taught practical lessons of economy; and not few mistook ael6shness for prudence.
 Yet in the midst of it all, Noel Alton un. swervingly pursued his liberal course of life. His shining example and cheerful aspect gleamed through the darkness like star in . storm. His hand was still as free, and his house as hospitable as eyer. As many guests resorted there, and their admiration of the host found louder vent than before.
 "You," declared they. fare about the only one we know who remains unchanged in these times of trial, and as lavish and trpstful as ever! You deserve your prosperity and our gratitude; and should the day ever come. though it is not likely, when you shall ohance to need assistance, you will be sure to have it prodered by many grateful heart. Oh that all wealthy men would copy from you! How much they might do to relieve tho people, till this period of general distress shall have passed awayr'
 On inquiring among thsm, Alton found that they were not exempt from embarrassmsnts, and Ae volunteered various loans for their pres ent convenience and their cheerful acceptance of sqch timely favors made the mutual endear. ment stronger.
 One day, returning from hunting excursion | a. .p. |