Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-03-20

James and John are still there, and occupy
ing the same relations. Their salaries have been
gradually raised, and for three years have been
the recipients OF handsome sum OF fourteen
hundredsa year.
1.-The 1st Of January is at hand. Harris & Co.
are about to dissolve, and the senior, who has
made princey fortune-and is queer old
fellow at that--is about to form new co-part-
nership.
6 Boys, says old Mr.. Harris, .you have been
with me a long time l suppose you want to get
ahead, and become merchants?"
1.-The 'boys acknowledged the corn and
John Farmer winked significantly at his asso-
clates.
g But" continued the patriarchal merchant.
to get ahead iii business requires certain quail
ties of mind and body. One must be industrious,
economical, and wide awake, as well as shrewd
Driving fast horses, eating champagne snppers,
and sucking mint juleps, do not furnish the
necessary schooling for merchant. won't
preach, however In one word the first of
can put two thousand dollars i'll the concern,
shall draw a sixth of the profits That's all.
The old fellow turned on his heel, picked up
his hat and left the counting room.
James Bradley the only one of the number
-four in allwho could " face the music"
The other three had perfected themselves in
the art of fast driving, drinking sherry cobblers
and eating good dinners which Mr.. Harris had
limited was not necessary qualification for one
of his partners
John Farmers surplus had been spent in Civ
ing his wife g one more dress." Beefstealts aud
mutton chops, and ice were as unhealthy and
dyspepsia in their tendency as ever and yet
Mrs. Farmer, from the costliness OF her apparel
might be mistaken for the lady Of nabob.
Five years more Old Mr.. Harris is dead, and
though the firm is still Harris q Co., James
Bradley is the senior partner Ha has already
made competence, and does very large BUSH
ness.
John Farmer left the concern three years ago.
1t was supposed because he could not endure the
thought of being IA clerk under his former
companion.
He left Boston and went to New York, but his
unthrifty habits followed him. His wife wore
the greater part of his salary on her back and
disheartened by his i'll success, he had Increased
the number of sherry cobbers in his per diem
allowance to such an extent that he had been
discharged from his place.
Not being able to get another situation i'll New
York, he reached Boston in Strengthened circum-
stances. He was equally unfortunate there.
The teddy blossoms on his nose were against
| him his coat was rusty, and his breath smelt
| like fog from three cent grog shop His last
dollar was spent, and his wife was paying a
| visit to Il friend who had repeatedly urged
| her to spend week with her, and whom she
would have been sorry to disappoint.
| He WAS reduced to the last extremity. His
| old friend and associate, James Bradley, was
| now in aifluence and able to assist him. Mortl
| flying as was the thought, there was scarcely
any other alternate but to apply to him for a sit
uation.
James was shocked when he recognized him
| Sherry cobblers, a thriftless wife, zone more
| dress, and the want of encouragement had done
| their work.
| sis there a vacancy III your counting room
Mr.. Bradley y asked John Farmer. i'll humble
| tone.
.'There is not, John, but will create place
| for you," replied the liberal merchant, as he re-
| allied the situation of his former associate.
''Thank you" replied John, tear starting tt
| his eye at this unexpected kindness-the frs
| he had experienced anywhere, not excepting hii
| own house, for many and many weary monGh
James took him home to dine with him, ant
] Ohm had an opportunity to contrast his Owl
| circumstances with those of his thrifty friend
| He was sad at heart-in short he ruined
| man.
He did very we'll for few months in the
| counting room of his friend, but his old habit'
| soon attained the mastery over him again, ant
he died suddenly of disease produced by dissi
patton.
zone more dress" said Mrs. Green-the goof
| old lady who now a cherished member o
her daughters family-"is the Representative
of the whole system of extravaganza. 'On
more Dress as the type of a great bundle o
bad habits, was the ruin of John Farmer. Don
you know it Sarah y
81 do, mother, and cannot be too Thankful
to you for your wholesome advice. am SUR
that without it | should have procured 'on'
more dress / then wanted another, and another
until had spoiled all my husbands expecta
tions. Poor Ellen Farmer, she is binding shoe
for her daily bread now?"