The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1879-09-13

WETrISG THE RopEs.-When the i'm.
mense obellsk, which stands in the Square
of ST. Peters at Rome, was to be erected,
it was found that its elevation required
the most powerful machinery and the
highest skill in engineering. Thousands
assembled to witness the achievement,
! aud in order to prevent any interference
with the work, the Pope issued special
bull, i:hIciing heavy penalty upon any
one who should speak before the engineer
announced that the great work was &C.
comp'ished and all danger was over.
Slowly the massive column rose, as round
aud round the wiud|asses were whirled.
The crowd pr. s'ed in, gazing with silent
am' ration. It is near to its place-a few
feet more now few inches only, and it
will stand for ages. But suddenly 1t stops.
The strain upon the ropes has been great
9: than The engineer xpected-they re-
lax. They refuse to carry the mass any
farther-nay, even to hold it where it is.
1t sways with threatening motion. The
crowd is paralyzed with awe-the en-
gineer is beside himself 1t is a fearful
moment. But hark cry. An English
sailor, watching the scene, and 10 his ex.
ctemeut, forgetting the dreadful bull,
shouts aloud. "Wet the ropes" That
lawless order was instantly obeyed. Wa
ter was dashed upon the cables. At once
they became strong and taut again, and
soon the column, which threatened to
crush the crowd below, was firmly fast
enel in its place. 1t is needless to add
that the sailor was pardoned and reward
ed instead Of being punished.
succEss.-Purposes, however wise,
without plans, cannot be relied on for
good results. Random or spasulodic ef-
forts, like aimless shots, are usually no
better than wasted time and strength.
The purposes of shrewd men in the busi-
ness Of this life are always followed with
carefully formed plans. Whether the OBJ
ject is learning, honor, or wealth, the ways
and means are all laid out according TO
the best rules and methods.
The mariner has his chart, the architect
his plans, and the sculptor his model
and all as a means and condition ofsuc
cess. Invention, genius, or even what is
sometimes called inspiration, can do little
in any department, Of theoretic or practi-
cal science, except as it works by wells
formed plan. Then every step is an ad-
vance toward the accom- plishment Of the
object. Every tack Of ship made accord.
ing to nautical laws keeps her steadily
nearer the port. Each stroke Of the CHS
el brings the marbel into closer likeness of
the model No effort OF time is lost, for
nothing is done rashly or at random
Uaknoyn Exchange.
About week ago some young ladies
got up party to go Oh moonlight ex-
cursion. The night finally arrived and
the moon flooded field and river with
glow Of pearly richness. When the party
was ready to leave the house which had
been appointed as the rendezvous, it was
noticed that one Of the most charming
young ladies' Of the cotcrie had a shawl
on. "What's the matter, Lucy Z" inquir-
ed one young lady. "Are you afraid Of
taking cold?' mo, no." she replied.
''rhe thermometer is up at Sc. You'll
roast if you wear that shawl "I'm will
ing to roast" she said, rather pettishly.
Don't you know why she wears tha:
'shawl?' laughed her little brother as he
wiped some taffy off bis mouth with his
jacket sleeve. you keep still, you John
Henry" screamed the dear angel as she
turned trifle red. The boy then got out
of reach and yelled; "l'Il tell you why
sh, wears that shawl When she gets out
o. the river Bob puts his arm under it
aad hugs ha1 and nobody can see through