The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-04-11
BARTON'S INVESTMENT.

~ uOllarS to establish myseH In
small retail business ?" inquired young
man not quite out of his teens, of mid
dle-aged gentleman, who was poring over
pile of ledgers in the counting room of
one of the largest establishments in Bos-
ton. The person addressed turned toward
the speaker, regarded him for moment
with look of surprise, and inquired
What security can you give me. Mr..
Strosser.
Nothing but my note," replied the
young man promptly.
Which, l fear, would be below par
in the market" replied the merchant,
smiling.
Perhaps so," the young man replied,
"but Mr.. Barton, remember that the boy
is not the man the time may come when
Hiram Strosser's note may be as readily
accepted as that of any other man."
"True, very true," said Barton, mildly
-" but you know business men very seldom
loan money without adequate security
otherwise they might soon be reduced to
penury."
At this remark the young mans coun-
tenance became deadly pale, and having
observed a silence of several minutes, he
inquired, in a voice whose tones indicated
keen disappointment. "then you can
not accommodate me, can your"
"Call upon me tomorrow, and l will
give you reply" said Mr.. Barton; and
the young man retired.
Mr.. Barton resumed his labors at his
desk, but his mind was so much upon the
boy and his singular errand that he could
not pursue his task with any correctness
and after having made several sad blum
ders took his hat, and went out upon the
street. Arriving opposite the door of a
wealthy merchant on Milk street, he en-
tered the door.
"Good morning, Mr.. Hawley," said
he, approaching the proprietor of the es-
tablishment, who was seated at his desk
counting over the profits of the week.
"Good morning" replied the merchant
blandly, happy to see you; have seat.
Any news? How's trader"
Without noticing the interrogations
Barton said:
"Young Strosser is desirous of estab-
fishing himself in small retail business
in Washington street, and called this
morning to secure of me the loan of $2,-
900 for that purpose" I
Indeed" exclaimed Hawley, evident
ly surprised at this announcement, but
you do not think of loaning that sum do
you ~
al do not know" replied Barton,
"Strosser is young man of business
talent and strict integrity, and will be
likely to succeed in whatever he under
takes"
+" Perhaps So" replied Hawley doubt
fully, Z" but l am heartily tired Of helping
to establish these young aspirants for
commercial honors"
Have you ever suffered from such a
course 7" inquired Barton, at the same
time casting keen glance at Haw-
ley. u5 Ig n
"No," replied Hawley, for never
felt inclined to make an investment of
that kind"
Then here is fine opportunity to
do so. 1t may prove better than stock
in bank. AS for myself / have conclu-
ded that if you will advance one thousand
dollars will contribute an equal sum-"
"Not single farthing would ad-
vance for such purpose and if you
make an investment of that kind / will
consider you very foolish"
Barton observed silence for several
moments, and then rose to depart.
If you do not feel disposed to share
with me in the enterprise, shall advance
the whole myself" saying which he left
the store"
Ten years have passed away since
the occurrence Of the conversation re-
corded in the preceding dialogue, and Mr..
Barton, pale and agitated, is standing at
the same desk as when first introduced to
the readers attention. AS page after
page of a wonderous ledger was examined
his dispair became deeper, till at last he
exclaimed: t-f .E
Il am ruined-utterly ruined p
How SOP" inquired Hiram Strosser,
who entered the counting room just in
time to hear Barton's remark
The last European steamer brought
news of the failure Of the house of Perrin,
johnson & Co., WHO are indebted to me
the sum of nearly 100000. News of
the failure has become general, and my
creditors, panic stricken, are passing in
my paper TO be cashed The banks re-
fuse me credit, and have not the means
to meet my liabilities. If l could pass
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