Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-03-20
A LESSON FOR BOYS.

In Parton's Life of Horace Greeley, it is re-
corded that while an apprentice to the print
ers' trade in the Office of the Northern Spec
tator, weekly journal published at Poultney,
Vermont, he became one Of the leading mem
bers of the debating society. Although only
in his sixteenth year, he ranked with men in
the maturity and soundness Of his opinions,
and in the ability to maintain them. He was
always ready, and deeply interested in the
questions to be discussed. Thoroughly fur
naished with arguments and facts, dates, names,
figures, places, statistics, etc., he was tormld.
able debater, and an opponent to be afraid
of. 1t is singular fact, but one which, with
other circumstances, furnishes key to his
character, that he never made the slightest
preparations for the meetings of the society,
in the way of dress, except to put on his jack
ct. He wore two garments ordinarily, viz:
a shirt and trowsers. His trowsers were very
short, his sleeves tucked up above his elbows,
and his shirt open in front. A straw hat,
which cost twelve and half cents, completed
his costume. In winter, his clothing was
really insufficient. But he denied himself, in
order that he might piously contribute the
entire amount which he received for his SER
vices-forty dollars year-to his father, who
was struggling in the interior of Pennsylva-
MIA with the difficulties of new farm and in
sufficient capital This was his practice du.
ring all the years Of his apprenticeship, and
for years afterward, and was most remark
able instance of flial duty. He subsequently
worked seven months, without loss of single
dav, in the office of the Erie Gazette, at twelve
dollars month. Months after months pass.
ed, and he drew no money. His habits and
appearance remained the same. The proprl-
etor demonstrated with him upon bis persist
ence in wearing the hereditary homespun,
saying, "Now, Horace, you have good deal
of money coming to you, don't 60 about the
town any longer in that outlandish rig. Let
me give you an order on the store. Dress up
a little, Horace" To which be replied, "You
see, sir, my father is on new place, and l
want to help him all can." Upon the set
tlement of his account, it appeared that he
had drawn, for his personal expenses, for the
seven months of his residence at Erie, six
dollars He took fifteen dollars more in
money, and the rest in the form of note,
which he generously gave to his father.
We commend this example to our boys and
young men, who throw their money away on
the merest trifes-such as billiards, cards,
cigars, and other useless, and, it may be, hurt
ful indulgences Truly, "the child is father
of the man" and the habits and manners Of
our boyhood are likely to stick to US. live
are extravagant, idle and prone to pleasure,
as boys, as men we shall probably be spend.
thrifts, and Of no real use in life. If we ap-
preciate and practice selfdenisl, if we show
zeal for knowledge and virtue, and disregard
mere appearances, we shall, in all probability,
find some good position in life, where we may
become valuable to our fellow-men, and win
their confidence and esteem. Horace Gree
ley was a dutiful boy; he became trusted
man, and his untimely death was more
mourned than that of any man since WASH
ington.