Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-06-05
Miscellany.
HAMMERING 1T THROUGH.
BY X. p. ALLEE.
PART THE TWO FRIENDS.

PART THE TWO FRIENDS.
EVER since the pronounced decree that
by the sweat of a mans brow shall he
eat, there has been an unsuspended effort
by the majority of mankind to shirk the
responsibility upon the shoulders of other
people. The desire to eat of the fat of the
land without physical labor is universal,
and upon this one desire | find that the
general run of the human mind is en-
phatlcally unanimous. Furthermore,
riches alone can render that desire a GER
tainty. Hence we see that he who tolls
the hardest is the one who denies himself
the most. He who is already far ahead on
the road TO owealth gradually loOsens his
purse-strings at the demand of luxury.
Gradually, | say; that is, as the purse
fills, the opening slowly increases in di-
mension
Ii was this desire-inborn, as he be
lieved-that led Matthew Bernard to aban-
don the haltpay of a merchants clerk,
and seek for wealth in the earth; to be
come an agriCultuTist in reality. farmer
IN deed. His experience | will relate, that
il may assist some and decide others in
the course they choose to pursue for the
accumulation Of money.
well, Mat, hear that YOU have thrown
up your position in Yardstick's store" re-
marked Harry Thomas to Bernard, on the
street
Yes, have done so, and am now look
ing out for a chance at something quite
different answered Matthew.
What in particular have YOU in view?'
Think | shall go upon a farm" was
the smiling answer
.IIa, ha that's good; decidedly the best
thing I've heard this long time. What!
Mat Bernard, the good looking, white
handed mcaSUrer of calico, going 10 farm
ingn' jokingly laughed Harry, seeming to
think his friend was merely in sport
You may laugh as much as you please,
Harry, but that IS the conclusion | have
reached" ." answered Bernard and the look
OF determination on his face convinced
Harry there was more truth than fiction
i'll his friends decisive words.
We'll, if that be SO, then must say that
wish you much comfort and pleasure
delving through the summers heat and
winters snow. But Mat-pardon me if |
speak plainly can't help thinking you
are making fool Of YOURSELF
NO apology, Harry. | know well
enough YOU mean right if you do indulge
in terse terms; and as for being fool, |
think | have sense enough to see that
can do better at twenty dollars per
month on farm than can at twenty-five
in a store"
Probably SO, answered Thomas, rather
doubttully; possibly Lot In mercantile
business one has a chance for advance
mcnt; but farmers man ia only clod-
hopper all his life"
Think YOU that Horsford or Everson
are clod-hoppers?H asked Mat, as smile
passed over his Countenance.
"Oh, no. they are rich, and hire all their
work done They spend their time as
gentlemen. making farming a mere pas
time"
And yet heard Everson say. a few
DAYS since, that he commenced as boy
at I'VE collars month and worked his
way up calmly answered Bernard.
hen your mind is set on that line of
business, while mine is bent on going
through the one | am now in. Perhaps
may have to stand at the counter all my
life; but we Will see about that some other
time, :" said Thomas
"When?" asked Mat.
If we both live, meet me in five
years to compare notes." answered Harry.
Well five years hence we will cast the
balance, but remain friends as of old, in
tie Interim"
,"CCer3iqly; good day"
GOOD day" answered Bernard. And
ne TWO friends entered upon their diverg-
ing roaas TO wealth, each with a hope
and desire to excel the others balance
sheet.
Matthew Bernard was an orphan, de-
pendent upon his own energies for sup.
port. Harrison Thomas could boast of
parents in independent circumstances but
not wealthy. They moved in good society,
and had their sphere of social influence.