The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-05-29
Selert StOrp.
WHO SHALL WIN?

young gentlemen" said Doctor Folio.
Principal Of the Oakland Classical Acade
my, al am desirous Of encouraging the
study of English composition among you,
and with this object in view | offer prize
OF ten dollars for the best essay handed 10
by any Of your number, during the pres
ent term, upon the subject which [ am
about to announce"
There was Lush of expectation as the
doctor paused.
"The subject will be, "The lesson to be
learned from the life aud character of
George Washington" " have made this
selection because you are all familiar with
the career and characteristics Of this great
man, and will, therefore, work on an equal
footing"
Doctor Folio proceeded to announce
the required length of tho essays, and the
date at which they must be handed in.
He concluded thus
"Iour manuscripts must be neatly writ.
ten, and free from blots. A sloyeuly man
uscript will fail to receive the prize, what.
ever its literary merits"
This announcement was received with
profound interest ty the fifty pupils of the
academy. All considered the prize well
worth trying for. To school-boy ten
dollars represent large sum. Then, again.
the honor of carrying it off would be
great, and confer an honorable distinction
upon the lucky winner. OF course, all
the boys spoke Of the prize-offer at home.
One OF the boys most interested was
Julian Holmes, son of prominent lawyer
in Oakland.
at is an excellent thought Of Doctor
Folio, said Mr.. Holmes, in a tone Of an.
proval. Il take it for granted, Julian,
that you viii compete
81 certainly shall, father" said Julian.
"Your chance ought to be good one.
You are very good writer for boy"
ayes, father, think my chance is good.
| only wish | felt sure OF il. The sue.
ecssiu writer is to read his essay aloud at
the exhibition on the last day of the term.
Julian's face flushed as he said this, for
he was very ambitious, and had a large
share of approbativeness. That is he en-.
joyed the esteem and respect of his fellow.
pupils and his friends.
at would be very gratifying to me,
Julian, it you would win the prize, his
father said.
81 will do my best, father"
"a father is naturally proud of the sue.
cess Of his children continued Mr.
Holmes. vi am so dcslrous that YOU
should win this prize that | will make you
an additional offer"
Julian listened eagerly.
"fou have often asked me to buy YOU
a row boat, Julian"
ayes, father"
SHOULD you carry off the prize. | will
buy you one that you may feel proud Of
"oh, thank you, father = said Julian,
his eyes sparkling with pleasure allow
Kind you are There is nothing should
like so we'll.
"Don't thank me yet, Julian, returned
his father, with a smile. "Bear in mind
that you haven't won Ihe prize, or go. the
but ! mean to have both, father
said Julian confidently.
Il hope you may, my boy. You may |
be sure that | shall have great pleasure IN |
carrying out my part Of the contract"
There was no fear now but that Julian |
would exert himself to the utmost. That
his chances were excellent, all his school.
mates were agreed, indeed, il was zen. (
orally thought that the prize lay between
him and Harry Carter, d boy Of about his
own age.
There was a great deal Of difference be.
tween the two rivals in social position
though as regards scholarship and talent
they were on an equality.
Julian, as ! have said, was tho son Of a
prominent lawyer, whose large professional
income enabled him to live in handsome
style; while Harry was the sou Of moor
widow, and paid his tuition BY sweeping
out the academy, and acting as ianitor
he received small weekly sum in addi.
tion to his tuition.
| am glad to say that Harry was none
the less respected by his school. fellows be.
cause he performed these menlal duties
lie was frank, manly hoy, aud as popu.
lar as Julian. In fact, the two bovs were
excellent friends, although they were ri.
sals--a fact which was credIiable 10 both.
some poor boys are disagreeabIy envious
Of their more fortunate companions. ana
some rich boys are mean enough TO look
down upon those who occupy a lower no
sinl position.
Harry Carter was quito as much inter.
ssted as Julian 10 the announcement which
'he principal had made. He was honora-
bly, ambitious OF the distinction which
ruuld aecrua fo tho ,.s,.... - - s'