The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-11-07
she tribune.
A HELPING HAND.

n 14AANos
The story, with its application, so far
as the point OF a moral is concerned,
may be an old one. So is the sunshine
and the dewdrop old. So ia the human
heart; and the impulses and affections
of to-day had life in the morning of
pleasant "a thing of beauty is a JOY
forever" and may / not add, that pure
ioy. springing from the heart, must be
forever beautiful. The simple story [
have to tell give only as a pleasant
picture. / knew the parties. One OF
them is still living within the sphere OF
my knowledge.
Amos Dutton, at the age OF nineteen,
left his home at Vermont and came to
Boston. His parents were both dead
and he had been lief. pennies but by
hard work, and close application to every
chance that he could grasp, he had
managed to gain good common school
education, besides supporting himself
and helping twin sister. At length
his sister married, and he resolved to
seek his fortune in the city. He yearn-
ed for q better and broader field of
action than was open to him in his far
away home, and having obtained recon-:
mendations touching his character ana
habits from two or three prominent men,
he set forth,
Never mind the youths initiatory
struggles A less resolute will might
have failed Business was dull, and
good men were being discharged in all
departments of trade. Finally Amos
Dutton entered the warehouse of An
drew Sears, on Milk Street, and asked
for employment He was willing to
perform any labor, no matter how me-
NAL, SO thatit was honorable, and would
not debar him from rising by merit.
Mr.. Sears liked the appearance OF the
youth, and he was willing to accept the
recommendations at their face value !;
but he was not in want OF help. he
had within week discharged a number
of hands.
Dutton took back his commendatory
documents, which had by this time be-
come we'll worn, and having thanked the
merchant for his kindness, he turned to
depart.
THAT lad has the qualities of gen
tleman, at all events" said MIR. Sears
to himself, as the applicants handsome,
pleasant face was turned from him.
The entrance to the countlng-ho
was by narrow court, and as button
was passing out he say ,glitterlng OBJ
ject upon the pavement. He picked 1t
up, and found it to be q bosom pima
fine emerald set in gold. He turned
back and re-entered the office, and hand
ed the jewel to Mr., Sears, simply re-
court, and that the owner would be like
" to call there in quest of it. The mer-
chant took the pin, and said he thought
he knew who the pin belonged to, and
he would see that the proper owner re-
gained it. And without waiting for
thanks or praise, the youth again de
parted.
Mr. Sears had seen the yong man pick
up the valuable jewel, and had partlcu-
larly noted his movements on the occa-
sion There had been no hesltating-no
casting about of the eyes to see it he
was observed but the instinct seemed
to be within him to do right. And the
merchant said to himself
The lad is certainly honest. -
And after this the merchant put on
his hat to 60 out
Amos Button, on his way down the
court, did not find another jewel; but
when he reached the street. he found
man in trouble. An old Negro, who
had been drawing heavy bale of mer-
chandise on cart, had overturned his
load, and his strength was not sufficient
to replace it. Io vain he tried to lift
the ponderous bale back upon his cart,
and IN vain he was still striving. Men
were passing, but none offered to assist
him. Dutton saw, and he FASTENED to
the poor Negro assistance as he would
have FASTENED to assist brother.
Hold on he cheerily cried. Let
me help you, my fried
The youth was as strong as he was
willing, aud very soon the heavy bale
was in its place, and with profusion of
thanks the old African went on his way
rejoicing.
Mr.. Sears had reached the door of his
warehouse just In season to witness this
scene, and again he spoke to himself -
This youth has strong arm and a
willing one. The time may come when
| shall need SUCH | will secure it now
and | believe he investment will be a
good ene."
And he called the youth by name, and
beckoned him back.
My boy" said he with a kindly
smile, Il have changed my mind. ]
will try you. | told you truly when
told you that | did not at present need
more help; but hope shall need il
ere long. / have witnessed that you are
truthful and honest, and | have also wit
messed that you haye strong and help
ing hand, and willing one too. Others
might have returned the jewel; but few
Mould have risked the CRIME and labor
of helping that poor negro with his
street-soiled burden.
And Andrew Sears took Amos Dut.
ton into his employ; and his anticlpa.
tIons were more than realized Not on.
ly did the youth prove himself honest in
ali things, but his helping hand was ever
ready when there was possible need.
Years and years have passed since that
time Andrew Sears has gone beyond
the shadowy vale; but Amos Dutton
is living yet, doing good with his vas,
wealth, and honored and beloved by all
who know him.