National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-04-11
HE KNEW HE COULD RUIZ That EN-:
GTNE

NOT long sfnce boy Of some seventeen years Of
age called on merchant doing Q large business
New York. Being busily employed at the
time, the boy had to walt little before getting
an opportunity for an interview. OCCASIONALLY
the merchant cast glance at him as be stood re-
spectfully at short distance. He was rather
poorly clad, and showed evidences Of pretty hard
work; but his face showed honesty and common
sense, with firm and energetic maniinsss under
the somewhat rude exterior. A practical busi-
ness man requires but brief examination of boy
to declare as to his weight and worth Of charac-
ter. When atliberty, the merchant said, swell,
my young friend, what can do for your"
81 called, SIR" he replied, ITO ask for situa-
ton as an engineer. I was told you were having
q new engine built, and want you to give me-
the place. I'd like to run IL for you"
-"Are you an engineerr' asked the gentleman.
"Ho, sir, but can be,,' he answered, setting his
lips firmly together, standing squarely before the
gentleman, and looking him full In the face. ~
don't understand the business we'll; know some
thing OF It, though But can be an engineer
and will be, and wish you would give me q
chance"
His modest but determined manner pleased the
merchsnt. He was having new engine built for
certain department Of his business, and could,
Of course, have as many experienced operators as
he desired. It was NO object for him to take an
Inexperienced boy and attempt to train him-no
object except to help the boy. Such deeds he was
noted fora fact which, no doubt, had encouraged
the boy to make his application
"What are you doing now?" no inquired.
working in o machine shop In Brooklyn. j
have been fireman, and often worked the en-
gine. think could go along pretty well with
one now If anybody would have little patience
with me-"
"what wages do you ssti"
"Five dollars Q week. SIR"
"What do you do with your money! 60 8
"Giye 1t to my mother, sir" g
"Give It to your motheri Humphi humph!
What does your mother do with TT"
"Well, you see, there are mother, sister and me;
and mother takes in sewing. But 1t goes pretty
hard, you know. They don't give much for sew
ing, and IT'S pretty hard work, too And then the
other work she has to do-you know she cannot
get along very fast at that rate; 80 help her all
can II could get an engineers place, I could
get more wages, and 1t would make It easier fsr
mother"
"HOw do you spend your eyenihgs," asked the
gentleman. 81
al attend the free schools at Cooper Institute,
studying mechanics" he replied. 81 spend all
the time can get studying. know can be an
engineer"
"Do you ever drinkiiquorf"
He looked up with an expression OF astonish-
ment on his oountenance that sHch 9 question
should be asked; but he answered firmly, No,
SIR"
''DO you ever chew, or smoke, or go to the
theatref"
"Never; can't afford It. Mother needs the
money, and If she didn't could make better
use OF It. I'd like to have some books, II could
only spare the money to get them"
"Do you go to church or Sunday -schoolH"
Ia hal Ao-wv, No ha.A
dust Of the floor with bis foot and replied, mo,
SIR"
"why mott" inquired the merchant, 9 little
sharply.
AZ haven't any clothes ct to wear, " he answered.
at takes all the money can get for US to live;
and can't have any clothes" He looked down
at his coarse and we'll worn suit. sit didn't use
to be so when father was living. wss brought
up to go to church and Sunday school. II can
get to be engineer I should go again; know I
can run an engine"
Telling him to call at certain time when he
expected his engine would be In use, and he would
talk further with him, he dismissed him.
But he must have that engine" said the mer.
chant to friend to whom he related the circum-
stances; she will make man, that boy will. A
boy who Is determined to do something; who
gives his mother all OF his money to tighten her
burdens; who does not use tobacco, and does not
60 to the theatres; who spends his evenings in
study, after working all day-such q boy would
make man, and deserves to be helped. have
not told him SO, but shall take him and put him
under one Of my engineers until he is fully capa-
BILE Of taking charge, and then let him have the
engine. He will get $40 . week then instead Of
e5, and be able to tighten Q mothers burdens,
have clothes to wear to church, and buy books to
aid him In his business"
A noble boy, though hidden among hard and
under unattrsctiye garb, will work out and show
his manhood. He may not always find friends 70
appreciate him, but determined, virtuous, and
willing to endure, he will In due time conquer
Mothsr's Journal.