Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-07-31
A Clerks Story,


and jumped as If was a lunatic; and well
might, for had been out of employment for
over year, and now had received position
as collector for Dobson & Co., wholesale grocers
and commission merchants, which would pay
me a salary of fifty dollars month. As had
nobody but myself to look after, could manage
to scrape through the month and have few
dollars for pocket money,
My desk stood in the front part of the store,
and when my pen was not gallOping along the
lines OF my paper, or flashing up formidable
columns of figures which told the story of pro-
fits for Dobson & Co.. had very fine view of
that portion of the street fronting the store.
One rainy day had nothing TO do-coectors
never do on rainy days-l had scrubbed my
name on scraps of paper lying loosely around,
and my desk CLEANED with civilian Wilder"
"W. Wilder" civilian Wilder, ESQ.," "Mr.
Wilder" executed in every style of penmanshp.
had Just plunged my pen into the ink to write
william" with q scientific flourish when
heard the voice of my employer calling me from
his private office. | was surprised at this as he
had never dene this before; could it be that
was about to be discharged? What he had to
say was said quickly. was elevated TO higher
position and salary. | could not find words to
express my gratitude, but l muttered some
thing and went back to my desk. sat there for
some time building air-castes, and my mind
was soon confused.
'Iannigan & Col Three cases hamsp was
suddenly bawled remorseleSSly into my ears,
and my brain worked itself back to business.
AT intervals, however, all through the day,
was conscious of a disturbed condition of my
local atmosphere. was thinking of the next
position to mine, book-keeper. certainly
never would be elevated to that position, as
did not know the first thing in that branch
Could | not study it2 The thought gave me
courage, and | determined to enter business
college and learn the art | told my plans to
the book-keeper; who laughed at me. He was
cashier and book-keeper; he had retained the
position fol years; had been with them from an
early day, and had charge of all the office bust
ness and finances OF the concern. had never
tancied him much There was a certain reserve
in his manner which had often chilled me, and
he was extremely "pufed up with his lofty
position, rarely deigning to notice me or any of
the other clerks. often assisted him in making
calculations, or adding up the columns of figures
which he gave me, and for such service he
would reward me with a bunch of cigarettes ::
but even then he seldom said word to me.
Through my occasional sojourns in his Office, |
became somewhat familiar with his duties, and
learned that he had full power of attorney for the
house, signed the firms name to bank checks
and other important documents. The two part
ners, MeSsrs. Dobson & Morrssey, were men
entirely unacquainted with the mysteries of
bookkeeping. They had started in business on
small scale, with small capital, keeping no
books. But their business, in a few years, in
creased to such great extent that they found
II impossible TO dispense with bookkeeper; so
they secured the services of Mr.. Baker, who
came to them well recommended, and finding
things rather confused, he proceeded to make a
thorough reconstruction. In a few months he
presented to the well pleased eyes of Dobson
Is Co. splendid set of books, kept in the most
approved style of single entry; and at the end
OF year he drew up carefully arranged bal
anee sheet, which specified TO a cent the profits
they had made. Baker had more to say than
either OF the partners. GO to Baker and talk
with him." was an expression constantly
made to them. 1t was delightful for them to
have man upon whom they could so implicitly
relY
| had often wished to know to what extent
Baker was compensated for his services [
thought that his salary must be large from the
manner in which he dressed and lived. often
saw him dine at Cassidy's or drive up and
down Canal street with the finest span Of horses
ever wished to see. All this sort of thing con-
sumed money, and no small amount either.
Whenever | went to the theatre, Baker was
there in private box, with ladies, and he fire.
quently came out of some large store on Canal
street with large parcels.
One day-it was the first of the month";
went into his Office to receive my salary, and,
out to see who it was, glanced at an entry he
had Just made: Thomas Baker, one mont s
salary, S125."
Gle can't live on that with the way in which
he spends money" / said to myself ole must
have private income"
never gave this subject any further thought
after that day, but went to learn bookkeeping.
| applied myself to it diligently, and at the end
of six months could manage a set of books
MS readily as competent book.keeper.
plodded faithfully along in my position, hoping
that some day or other should become book
keeper.
Ono day Mr.. Everett, of the firm of Everett &
Co., stood near my desk, talking to Mr.. Dobson.
overheard, Internationally, portion Of the
conversation.
"Mr. Dobson, what do you pay your book
keeper"
Fifteen hundred year"
"Has he power of attorneyr
yves, he signs our checks, and has complete
charge Of our finances. Why do you ask p
because | thought his salary was very large,
Judging from the way ho is spending money.
think he spends great deal more than you give
him. Take my advice, Mr.. Dobs0n, and exam
inc you books"
The rest did not hear as was called to an.
other part Of the store.
About week after this conversation RI
corded above, Mr.. Dobson came to NV desk and
said:
"Wilder are you able to run over accounts
and papersp
Perfectly, Sir and also understand book.
keeping;' J replied, thinking that ] was about
to hc elevated, and wishing to let him know
what knew
"Wel, | am very glad; come down here after
dinner this evening. | want you for some.
thing"
got to the store that evening very early, not
giving myself much time to eat dinner / found
Mr.. Dobson there before me.
81 want TO make an examination of Mr.. Ba.
kers books; | am not acquainted with book
keeping. ! watched you, and found you 10 be
very energetic, and saw Mr.. Baker often calling
upon you for assistance. A friend Of mine has
convinced me that should keep track of nv
own business. Baker Is in the Office now. lie