The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-03-16

The March number of Harper's Magazine
contains sketch of the merchant prince, A. T..
Stewart, from which We select the following per-
sonal anecdotes:
Accident made him merchant. Where he
was to be in connection with an experienced
business man, and to contribute capital, he sud-
denly found himself principal alone, charged
with the rent of a store, and with the whole re-
sponsibility devolving on him. With that in
domitable will and wonderful energy which has
marked his whole life he at once went back to
Ireland, converted into money the moderate for
tune which he had inherited, invested that for
tune in goods-principally the laces which were
manufactured at and around his birthplace--and
then retured to New York and opened his store.
And in this connection may be mentions
ed an incident of touching interest-one of
many showing, perhaps, somewhat of the
Tcottish blood in his veins, which, if it rarely
forgives an enemy, never forgets friend. A
young lady, whose acquaintance he had made,
said to him the day preceding the opening of his
store: "You mnst not sell anything on the NOR
row till ! come and make the first purchase, for
| will bring luck" True to her promise, she
drove up in her carriage early in the day and
purchased goods to nearly $500 in value, prnci-
pally of Irish laces Long years passed the lady
married and removed with her husband to
European city. Mr.. Stewart was in that city on
was still living, but in very reduced circumstan-
ces. Her husband was dead, but before his death
had squandered her fortune Procuring good
apartments, he caused them to be furnished in "a
style corresponding with her former position in
life. Then calling upon her and renewing his
acquaintance, and after conversing on old times
and former friends asked her to take drive
with him around the city in his carriage, which
stood at the door. After looking at some objects
= - 1. T.. I. Al
ing, "This if it meets your approbiation is your
future home" He settled an annuity upon her,
and during the residue Of her life she lived not
only in comfort, but in comparative afiluonce,
supported entirely by his bounty Truly, if she
brought luck to the young merchant, that first
mornings purchase was lucky one for her.
But there was another incident connected with
the sales of merchandise on that first day. of far
more Importance in its results, though apparently
trihing in its character One of the clerks stated
to purchaser that q piece of calico was of q
certain quality, that the colors were fast" and
would not wash out, and if net so, the article
would be taken back and the money returned
The remarks were overheard by Mr.. Stewart,
and he called the clerk to him and spoke with
Indignation: "What do you mean by thus say
ing what you know to be untrue: 7" The clerk,
perhaps astonishcd at thus being called to ac-
count, replied that the woman would not return
the goods, and if she did she could easily be put
off by stating that she must be mistaken and the
purchase must have been made at some other
store. But no, that not the point A lie
had been told TO induce a purchase; and no goods
must be sold i'll his store or in his name under
any Misrepresentation whatever. The clerk
could conform to that rule or at once vacatc his
place. This interview between him and one Of
his first clerks WAS narrated to the writer few
wears since, when, in familiar conversation, the
direct question was asked, ''To what do you at
tribute your great success n merchant! -
THAT ! have conducted my business from the
first on the basis of truth. Truth, truth" he
added, with great emphasis sis the talisnanic
word; and if have any one earthly wish or de-
sire greater than another il is that in this respect
my example may be commended and followed by
young men entering into business, and especially
| by young merchants"