Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-01-25

An rSHAPrs xAnrE'r. I'D WITT
Two brothezz wese left q joint possession
Of large estske, from which, N harmoni-
Gus and prudent 1nanagenenk there was
prospect Of common lucrative income Of
prosperity and renown. Almost from the
very date 81 which the effects ofthe decedent
were delivered to them, one Of the brothers,
by sdyent;tious circumsfances, and the thriff
which attends good fortune, coupled with
cunning and shrewdpesz, commenced to out
strip the other in the acquisition of material
wealth ard in proportion TO the coIlsc-
qucnrc which this gave him, he became
arrogant and dicfatorial- Upon the ground
Of the common interest in the property, he
assumed to lecture the other, upon the mode
in which he performed the duties incumbent
by the joint heirsllip; and the better to
cloak his purpose Of getting control Of the
entire estate, assumed the tone of fraternal
solicitnde and remonstrance. The Other, early
knowing tho means by which his brother
had got the start Of him, was promptly FESTIVE
under what he considered his intrusive adj
vice, and being Of quick and spirited tenn
per. as promptly told him Of it. Discern
ing too, that his brother was silently and
surely acouirinc the power. and intended to
take the advantage of him. he became very
sensitive about his tights in the estate. and
resented all interference with his sphere Of
duties, and interest under the general legacy.
He knew, however, that a Joint tenancy was
best for the property, and was willing to
hold il 80. If his brother would but strictly
comply with the terms of the instrument
under which they held, and which had reg
ularly gone to probate. He was sensible
and good-natured enough, to admit much
that his brother claimed as his contribution
to the increase, and that he had exhibited
many fne qualities But he claimed as
much for himself, and, also, that under the
circumstances. having already submitted
to much that his brother had cozened
him into agreeing to, his self-respect
and duty to his own. interests, would
permit him TO 20 no further. This unhappy
,aate of things lasted for some time, during
which there was much wrangling and COP
tention-the one, gradually adding to his
strength and influence. and making the
measure If his eucroachment ereater-the
other adonting every mode of persuasion.
and resistance which would not break the
neace Of the family. 10 prevent himself from
losing ali voice and control in the business.
Atlast the latter perceiyine that his brother,
bec.uss n wa. his announced purpose. in
tended 10 take the whole estate In his charge.
determined 70 demand n separation Of in
se-ests which he did BEFORE proceeding to
extrem;ties however. he told his brother.
that II he had mistaken his intentions. and
would five him sufficient guaranty that he
did nat propose to force him into wrongful
and burtf,l measures he would make NO
a;fF;cnltv and this his brother. in martial
and HALFWAY manner a Elected 10 do. but loud-
To ,,ro,astad that the others susnic;;ous were
,.rfo,ndod and that he had navel enter-
,.;nad s,cb . n,rr,ose The injured brother
bowever did not like this reluctant promise
and v;yorous protest and very meagre per-
s,rnancs. and clearly sae;ne To what Il
would ,ea.l concluded ne there was no COM
mon arb;ter to assume at once the sole con-
troll of his own interests. The other resisted.
and long and at times. doubtful struggle
followed. On the one side was power. and
numbers and a claim to sustain the will as
binding nnon both nart;es on the other.
tbere was COURAGE and fortitude. and that
confidence Of success. which high-spirited
men feel when they are forced to contend
AGAINST odds for what they deem their rights
under a broken covenant. The contest end
ed in the triumph Of the stronger brother,
lint not without much reason on his own
mart To acknowledge that his brother had
shown Qualities which entitled him to the
highest respect. and that it was due
10 him that the wrong impression UNI
der which he had entered the fight,
should be removed without malice or vim
dictiyeness. Indeed it was considered by
all disinterested parties, no matter on which
LII. a,