New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-12-20
Rejected Cruuhs.

Rejected Crumbs.
One half the world does not know how
the other half livee; and, perhaps, 1t
should be so-certainly such has been the
case through centuries. Were the situation
different, commerce would lose much of its
power. The chiffonnier who dives into
boxes Of refuse, and picks filthy rags from
street cutters, has little need 10 understand
what is going on in the millionaire's finely
furnished mansion; the wealthy man does
not care to even look into the miserable
novels Of those who gather bare susten-
ance BY picking up poor crumbs which have
been rejected by the more fortunate. How
ever. an instance ia recalled where pro-
fessional chiffonnier of this city managed his
affairs so adroitly that he never needed
sympathy from any source. H. came here
from France many years ago, very poor, yet
of an uncommonly independent disposition.
In his native land he had been tolerably
we'll of, and when misfortunes overlook him
he concluded to make new start in Amer
lea. Arriving here, he was unable to pro-
cure employment to his liking, and in an
erratic mood determined to turn ragpicker.
At that time very few Of that protes-
zion could be seen. though the field was
3 much larger one than even the
most extravagant supposed. Our hero had
not Piled his new vocation many weeks be-
fore he mastered the situation and con-
tented himself in the belief that he had
indeed found mine, though it was dirty
one. All the trifles and rejected crumbs
which he gathered into his coarse sack met
with ready sale, and as he lived the life Of
q beggar most of his income was boarded.
Gradually bis business increased. and to
such an extent that he actually hired pick
ers. Soon his little room was found too
small to accommodate his wants, and .
house was hired, but he continued to hunt
rags and overhaul refuse boxes. Occasion
ally his fortune turned up silver spoon or
bit Of jewelry, result Of servants' careless
ness. On he ploddeu, never needing weather,
never seeking Amusement, intent on the de-
tailSof his queer labor. In fact, he grew
enthusiastic in his profession and regarded
it almost with veneration. He pursued that
occupation several years, and with such
success that before he was we'll aware of it
he had goodly bank account. In eonse-
quenoe Of abstinence and exposure his
health failed, and for Q short time he re-
msined idle. In that space his mind van
dered back to his early history, and he
contemplated his condition. Suddenly q
desire to return to the scenes Of his boybood
triumphed, and he put his business IN an
agents hands. Wearing Ane clothing did not
at first quite please him, but he sailed for
France like . gentlemen. Aehort visit sat-
is6ed him, and he returned tDNsw Orleans
to resume his former life, but tho voysge
had worked change in him. He no longer
carried sack and hook, but was the head
Of an humble though remunerative bust
ness. On becoming acquainted with him
it was only natural that he should be ques.
toned concerning his past habits. In re-
latipg his experiences he declared that he
would not dispose Of his interests for
$4,000. His former pride gradually re-
fair fortune, he retired, and for all We
know still lives, wiser man for dropping
into and steadily pursuing an humble occu-
patton.
This reminiscence was recalled by sight
which greeted the reporter last week. A
msa who once held an office in this city and
considered himself an equal Of the best,
being reduced financially, struggled hard
but vainly against adversely. Finally hum
ger pressed him, and now he has accepted
. very humble occupation, toiling ten hours
daily for . sufficient sum TO keep wolves
from his door. All his ambition il vanished,
no more aspirations for great things, CON-
tent to earn bread by the sweat Of his
brow. He looks far more dignifed engaged
in manual labor than be would seeking for
an uncertain Office.