Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-04-19
How to be a Man.

Not long since a boy ofsome seven
teen years of age called on a mer-
chant doing large business in New
York. Being buSily employed at the
time, the boy had to wait a little be-
fore getting an opportunity for an In
terview. Occasionally .the merchant
cast glance at him as he stood re-
spectfully at a short distance. He
was rather poorly clad, and showed
evidence of pretty hard work: but his
face indicated honesty and common
sense, with a firm and energetic man.
illness, under the somewhat rude ex-
terror. Besides, the broad forehead
and swelling temples indicated to one
having any knowledge Of phrenologi-
cal developments the possession of
superior powers of mechanical dis
cernment and contrivance. A practi-
cal business man requires but brief
examination of a boy to declare as to
his weight and worth of character.
When at liberty, the merchant said !:
"Well, my young friend, what can
do for you?"
a called, sir" be replied, "to ask
you for a situation as an engineer. |
was told you were having new en-
ginc built, and want you to give me
the place. I'd like to run it for You" ;"
"Are YOU an engineer ?' asked the
gentleman.
NO sir; but | can be- he answer
ed, setting his lips firmly together,
standing squarely before the gentle
man, and looking him full in the face.
I Il don't understand the business
we'll know something of it, though.
But l can be an engineer, and | will
be. And l wish you would give me
a chance"
His modest but determined manner
pleased the merchant. He was hav-
ing a new engine built for certain
department of his business, and could
( Of course have as many experienced
| operators as he desired. 1t was no
object for him to take up an ineXperi-
euced boy and attempt to rain him
no object except to help the boy
Such deeds he was noted for; a fact
which no doubt had encouraged the
boy to make his application.
What arc you doing now ?" he in
quired.
Working in Q machine shop in
Brooklyn. I have been fireman, aud
l often worked the engine. | think
l could get along pretty well with
one now, if anybody will have a lit
tie patience with me-"
"What wages do you get?"
Five dollars d week, sir.
What DO you do with your money
Give it to mother, sir
Give it to your mother, humph
humpA! humph! what does your
mother do with it?"
Wei, you see, there is mother,
sister, and me; and mother takes in
{ sewing. But it goes pretty hard, you
, know. They don't give much for sew
ING. and It's pretty hard work, too
And then with the other work she
has to 90, you know she cannot get
. along very fast at that rate. so | help
her all | can. III could get an engi.
ueer's place | could get more wages
and it would make it easier for moth
] er.'
How do You spend your evenings p
asked the gentleman.
/ a attend the free school at the
: Cooper Institute, studying mechanics,
| he replied. Il spend all the time
can get studying. I know | can be
J an engineer"
DO You drink Iiquor?"
/ He looked up with an expression
Of astouishment on his countenanc(
/ that such a question should be asked
l but answered, firmly, No, sir"
. do you chew, or smoke, or 90 tC
D the theatre ."
5 "Nevcr-can't afford it. Mother
n needs the money. And if she didn't t
a | could make a better use of it. IL
! like to have some books, if | coulC
only spare the money to get them.
:! DO you 90 to church or Sunda,
SCHOOL,
d He held down his head, pretend
5 ing to brush the dust off the floor witt
c his foot, aud replied No, sir"
!, "Why uot?' asked the merchant,
t little sharply.
it 81 haven't any clothes fit to wear,
r he replied. at takes all the none
t l can get for US to live; and | can
" have any clothes" He looked dow
If at his coarse and well-worn suit. 81
!" didn't use to be so when father wa
e living. | was brought up to 90 t
e church and to Sunday school. III ca
Is get to be an engineer shall 90 agair
W know can run'an engine"
d Telling him to call at a certai
le time, when he expected his engin
y would be in use, and he would tai
I further with him, he dismissed him.
L. "But he must have that engine" sal
rt the merchant to a friend to whom h
II related the circumstance. "He wi
le make man, that boy will. A be
Mt who is determined to do something
y who gives his mother all of his none
k to tighten her burdens who does nt
in use tobacco, and does not 90 to tt
u theatres; who spends his evenings
study after working ali day, such
re boy would make a man, and deserve
be to be helped. | have not told hi
st, so, but | shall take him, put him u
It. der one Of my engineers until he
H. fully capable of taking charge, the
Is, let him have the engine. He will o
lit twenty dollars a week then instead
or five, and be able to tighten mother
en- burdens, have clothes to wear
We church, and buy books to aid his bus
Vt ness"
A noble boy, though hidden amor
hard conditions and under unattra
IT. tive CARDS, will work out and sho
is his manhood. He may not alwa
find friends to appreciate him; b
n determined, virtuous, and willing
nu m endure, he will, in due time, conqut
~ - -Mothcr's Journal.
rn-
54 A California paper heads an artic
zee Remarkable GOODNESS of a young
4 o. r,n -,nl 49, L.. -. - -