The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-06-04
LOVE VERSUS WEALTH.


There can be no doubt in the minds
of those who have made observations
relative to the matter that many of the
matrimonial alliances which are formed
in civilized and Christian communities
are based upon the true principle OF
mutual affection and proper apprecia-
ton of the proper qualities that each OF
the contracting parties believes the
other to possess. 1t is equally evident
to those acquainted with the history of
many who have formed life partner
ship that one or both have been in
fiuenced in taking that important step
by sinister motives, mainly if not eX-
clusively.
1t frequently occurs that those who
are seeking only wealth and position,
regardless of the question whether there
is sufficient congeniality of character
to insure felicity or command respect,
find that they are doomed to lead a
life of splendid misery, compared with
which the humblest position i'll life, above
absolute want and restitution, is by far
the most preferable, if domestic felicity
reigns in the household. But we in
tended to relate a narrative-not to write
homily.
We will premise and assure the read
Ell that the incidents related in the fol-
lowing narration were of actual occur
renee, the writer having obtained them
from one who was perfectly acquainted
with the facts in the case.
Walter Congden first saw the light in
the city of Boston. Here he passed his
childhood and grew to mans estate. In
his boyhood he was left fatherless, and
reared by the kindest of mothers, who
was left III but moderate circumstances,
possessing humble but neat home,
and an income that, with economy and
industry on her part, barely sufiiced to
afford her livelihood and enable her
to give her darling son the opportunity
of obtaining thorough education.
Our hero made good use of the oppor-
tunities afforded him for cultivating his
mind and acquiring useful knowledge !;
and when he left the classic hall, where
he had spent several years in mental
toil-in climbing the rugged hill of
science-to enter upon the active duties
of life, it was with IA more than ordina-
rily well-disciplined mind.
In that same city dwelt Miss Celes-
before she entered upon the stage of ex-
istence-had followed the calling of a
retail grocer III the same locality that he
occupied at the time our tale com
mences. He enjoyed the reputation of
being scrupulously honest and just in
his dealings, and commanded the re-
spect of all who formed his acquaint-
ance.
He spared neither pains or expense,
so far as his somewhat-limited means
would permit, to give his daughter Il
first-class education. Her success in ac-
quiring knowledge and advancement in
learning was all that he could desire,
and ut the age of Is she was thoroughly
informed relative to the branches taught
in seminaries of learning, and possessed
all those accomplishments which are
considered as indispensable to young
lady's finished education.
Walter and Celestia were playmates
and firm friends in early childhood. The
two families were on the most intimate
terms of friendship and social intimacy.
Our hero and heroine, during term of
several years, attended the same school
and, although he was her senior in age
by three years, they were often members
of the same class, and often did he as
sist her in advancing in the studies she
was pursuing. AS they advanced to
more mature years, the feeling of re-
ciprocal friendship that had from their
childhood existed between them ripened
into the warmest most-ardent affection.
and when Walter had arrived at the age
of % years they were betrothed, and
,,.l
ticipation to the day i'll the not-distant
future that should witness their destinies
united, when they should publicly ex-
change VOWS to walk the rugged pathway
of life together.
At the time of which we now write, in
the spring of 1S49, the news of the dis
covery of gold in California had pro-
duced intense excitement throughout
the length and breadth of the land.
News of the almost-fabulous amount of
wealth that in short space of time was
procured from the recesses of the mines
of the golden Eldorado produced a
Willingness in the mind of many an as
pirant after wealth TO forego the enjoy
ments of civilized life and endure the
hardships incident to the expedition for
the prospect of achieving fortune.
1t was frequently topic of CONVERSE
ton between our young friends in their
private interviews, and finally they came
to the conclusion to postpone their mar
riage until Walter should try his fortune
among the gold-diggers of California, in
the hope that the tickle goddess would
crown his labors with success, and they
could commence the journey of life to-
gether with a competence.
Arrangements were made for carrying
out their plans, and in due time our
hero babe his fond mother, his affianced
spouse and other friends at,ieu and
started ON his perilous journey. At