Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-11-29


1t was many years ago, when the
city-cars were first used in Philadel-
phia, that John Benner, a boy who
lived in the upper part Of the town,
happened to get ride without pay
ing for it. The car was full, and the
conductor passed him without taking
his fare. At first, John thought he
would pay it as he left the car; then
he repeated to himself what he had
heard old people say
T'm not responsible for another
persons mistakes. If he don't do his
business properly, it's not my fault,
and shan't 90 out Of my way to do
it for him."
A poor, worthless plea of the selfish
who hope or wish to gain something
by the shortcomings of others. How
despicable to take advantage of an
others weakness or error or misfor-
tune.
John felt like thief when he left
the car, his fare unpaid. He had half
expected to hear the conductor call
him back once he thought his hand
was on his shoulder. But when he
was safe at home, be boasted of his
small knavery as if it were a virtue.
Il didn't pay anything for my ride,
mother"
The weak, unreaecting woman only
said, didn't you ?"
And John went on boasting, '1've
got six cents now for something else "
Six cents and that was all he sold
his integrity and manlinesS for. How
many other boys have sold them for
a like trihe, making a woful bargain
He who sacrifices one particle of vir-
tue or manliness or kindness for mil
lions of money, makes FOOLS sacri-
flee, at which the fendS who hate
men, laugh.
After this John Benner obtained
dishonest rides, not so much by the
oversight of the conductor as his own
cunning Poor, wretched trickery
His success in this made him mean
and trickish in other things. When
he bought fruit for his parents, he
purloined a handful from the dealer
for himself; he nibbled the cheese and
crackers at the grocery; and seemed
to think it was all gain to get any.
thing without paying money for it
never considering that he was paying
away his character all the time, using
himself up by inches He excused
these meanneSseS and dishonestieS tC
himself by saying they were moth
ing" it was nothing to pick up few
raisinS or a cracker lying before one
Nothing! But some of these moth
ings have a queer way of growing
something.
When John rode i'll the cars with
out paying fare, he never thought of
any one noticing him except the con
ductor, and if he had, he would ne
doubt have said, "Who cares? 1t;
nobody's business but the conductor
and mine" A good quaker noticed
him Notwithstanding, and felt that i
was his business to give him check
So, one day, when he had just left thC
car, and was still in plain sight, ht
said to the conductor:
Conductor, think thee is helping
to make a villain of that boy. | have
seen that he too often escapes thee il
paying his fare. Thee had best bC
more mindful in future" "
The conductor marked the boy
with whose look he was already ia
miliar.
1t was not long after that the youn,
rogue had an invitation to be one o.
party who were to have a festiva
in fine grove on the New Jerse
side OF the Delaware, which they wer
to cross in Camden ferry-boat. Fl
was delighted in anticipation of th
pleasure he should have. When tn
day had come, and he had started t
join the party, he found that he wa
late. But if he took the first car h
might be in time. 1t came, and h
beckoned for it to stop. The COZ
ductor saw him beckon, but neve
touched the bell. John screame
.'Halloo p in vain. The conductc
had recognized him, and took no furtl
er notice of him. John ran to owe
take the car, and leap upon it. FL
failed, and there was nothing for hil
but to walk as fast as he could to th
/, ferry. He even ran. 1t was mit
summer, and the heat was overpowe
ing. Tired and painting, the swes
standing in great drops on his Grin
son face, he reached the great whar
to see the boat, loaded with its merr
} party, already half way to the Jerse
shore. He was disappointed, angr,
, ready to cry. "Why didn't the ca
: stop for me ?" he growled. He wa
paying for one of his rides them
How many was that pleasant festiv'
worth 3? ~
r 1t come to be time for him to 9
2 into a store. He was on the look-ol
for one where he could have suitabl
employment, with good prospect
!, when he saw an advertisement that
: boy was wanted in one of the large'
5 warehouses on the wharf. "That woul
a just suit me- said John. 81 woul
: like of all things to be down the
near the shipping" a 3
: He applied at the place, and WI
]. sent into the counting-room to Il
a head of the firm, a middle-aged ms