Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1878-12-14
One Of Bob Ingersoll's Theories Put
TO the Test.


. Not long since. says Peck's Sun, the follow
ing utterance of Bob lngersoll went the rounds
of the papers;
Colonel Iugersoll says be keeps "a pocket
book in an open drawer end his children So
and help themselves to money whenever they
want it. They eat when they want to. They
may sleep all day if they choose, and sit up
ell night if they desire. ! don't try TO correct
them. | never punish. never scold. They
buy their own clothes aud are masters OF
themselves" ,.,tt o.. o.. 'ft
A gentleman living on Marshall street, who
has boy that is full as kitteny as bis father
read the article. aud pondered deeply. lie
knew that Col. Ingersoll was o success at rais-
lug children in the way they should go. and
he thought he would try it. The boy had
caused him considerable annoyance, ADD he
made uh his mind that he had not treated tho
boy right, so be called the boy 10 from tho
street, where he was putting soft soap on the
lamp post, in order 10 see the lamp hghtes
climb it, aud said to him:
my son, have decided to adopt different
course with you. Herr .ofore have been care
ful about giving you money, aud have wanted
10 know where every cent went 70, and my
supervision has no doubt been annoying 10
you Now, am going to leave my pocket
book in the bureau drawer, with plenty OF
money in it. aud you arc at liberty TO use all
you want without asking me. ! want you 10
buy anything you desire, buy your own clothes
aud to feel Gs though the money was yours,
and that you had not got to account for it,
Just make yoarself at home, now, and try 10
have good time," % l.r
The boy looked at thoold gentleman, pm;
his hand 10 his head apd thought he had "got
'em sure" and went out 10 see The lamp lighter
climb that soft soap. The next day the stern
parent went out into the country, shooting
aud return on the midnight train three days
later. lie opened the door with a night key,
aud a strange yellow dog grabbed him by the
elbows OF the pants aud shook him, as he said
like the ague.
The dog barked and chewed vntil the son
came down 10 his night shirt and called him
off lie told his father he had bought that
dog ofa fireman Tor eleven dollars, aud il was
probably the best dog bargain that had been
made this SEASON. lie said the fireman told
him he could soil the dog for hundred dol
lars, II lie could end man that wanted that
kind Of dog
The parent took off bis pants. what the dog
had not removed, and 10 tho ball he stumbled
over birch bark canoe the boy bad bought OF
an Indian for nine dollars, and al army musket
with an iron ramrod fell down 10 the corner.
The boy had paid six dollars for that he bal
also bought himse!fan oyercoM With scalskin
collar and cuffs, and G complete outfit OF calico
shirts aud silk stockings.
In his room the parent found the marble top
Of soda fountain, a vheolbsrrov Gnd "a sheh
filled with all kinds Of canned meat, preserves
and crackers, and barrel Of apples wall
tent and six pairs Of blankets were rolled mp
ready for camping out, and buckskin shir:
and a pair Of corduroy pants lay on'Iha bed
rendy for putting on. Six fish poles aud n
basket full Of fish lnes were ready for business.
and an oyster can full Of grub worms lor ba.t
were quirming on the wash stand. The old
gentleman looked the layout over, looked at
his pocket-book in the bureau drawer, as
empty as contribution box, and said
Young man, the times have been TOO flush.
We will now return 10 a specie basis When
you want money come to me and will give
you nlckle, end you will tell me what you
intend to buy with il. or J II warm you. You
hear mei'
And now that man stands around from tho
effects Of the encounter with the yellow dog,
and asks every man where a letter will reach
Bob Ingersoll. lie says no will kill Ingersoll
If il is the last noble act be ever accomplishcs.