The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-08-12
A Beggar Millionaire.

The Chicago Inter- Ocean has the fol
lowing: In the south division of this
city stands an elegant residence, almost
palatial III its proportions, surrounded
by an ample lawn, the evidences around
being those of wealth and retiement. 1t
nent Of Chicago's many rich men, whose
family is recognized as among the most
distinguished in local society. Within
the mansion the exterior promise of lux
uly is fulfilled, taste and art and culture
having kept pace with the liberal expen-
diture of money which beautitied this
home. A genial elderly gentleman is
the master. Ripe in the experience of
many years of contact with the world,
with the warm, hearty richness of nature
green within him, this man enjoys the
esteem and regard of all who know him
or are honored by his hospitality. .
There is something OF romance about
his life, and now and then it is good tc
turn over the pages of the past to read
how men have battled against the adver.
sites and triumphed over obstacles toe
stupendous for efforts OF the majority
| A journalist who has the good forum,
to be classcd among the close friends oi
this gentleman, sat il the charming Ii
brarv of the home the other day, discuss
ing matters OF public concern, respecting
which the views of the elder man were
desired 10y this paper During the con
versation, Mr.. Blank remarked that il
was curious condition Of American so
cicty that men OF obscure ways should
he the leaders Of today, ard the leaders
forgotten tomorrow. And, said he
sit is more remarkable how some o
them rise. Take my case for example
Rich and prosperous to-day, Iemembe
with painful YiVidness u time when wa
a vagrant and an outcast, hungermg TO
II crust of bread, miserable i'll sickness
and almost despairing."
The visitor was much surprised at thi
statement, and said as much.
After sitting in reflective silence for
few moments, Mr.. Blank said suddenly
'I've u notion to tell you my story. 1t j
so singular that it may be incredible,an'
it ii certainly not an experience on
would think l had gone through"
/
The reporter expressed a desire t.
hear the story. ..... ...
Il will iell you, upon condition tina
you will never mention my name in Col
nection with it. ....
The promise of secrecy was readil
given.
81 do not propose" said Mr.. Blanl
!, rs he pulled leisurely fragrant cigal
''to he SO specific that l will worry you
All you want to know is the general ci
cmstances, of course Well, | cam
, from Devonshire nearly thirty yeai
ago, landing in New York, at abor
twenty-five, with my wife, few pount
in my pocket, and stout heart ha
come to seek my fortune like man
young men before me who found the
= native land unkind in care of them. A
most upon my arrival Ii was taken sicl
and before | had secured any emplo
ment a fever seized me, and when, weel
afterwards, | came back to life, N
money was gone and we were in del
for rent. My poor wife had made fe
dimes here and there doing cheap sev
ing, but the little she could do was n,
= enough, and much before / was able
rose from my bed to seek for worI
Those We're sorry days for MS | can te
: you. Up and down in the streets wa
! dered, asking every place for work, bl
= | was weak and emaciated, and no OF
. cared to give me employment. | WI
> not worth it, really, and so / wenton f,
: two weeks, my health scarcely improvir
my case becoming more and more de
J, perate. One day, utterly exhausted al
discouraged, feeling miserable and sic
q ready to die, but for my wife, SAL
II down upon box that stood against
y lamp post on Broadway, took my h
e off that the breeze might cool my bur
d ing head, and / guess | so fell aslee
d Anyway, when | became conscious
y where | was and felt somewhat rested,
r arose toput on my hat when some smi
V coins rolled out upon the sidewalk N
II heart throbbed as though a miracle h;
been performed. | picked these up, m
d found Others in my hat. Altogether
ri had nearly one dollar There was Il 90,
Ie supper for my wife and me, and | HI
d besides got an idea. said to myself
was perfectly willing to work for lit
"a money, and no one would employ II
h, now, since people are willing to give I
ot money without work, will accept
I'd that way and ! did Every day af
y, that ! slouched down at corner
nj some public thoroughfare and held {
or my hat asked 10 one for aims |
he sat there with my hat out AS fast
any money was dropped in, l transfer
TO it to my pockets. The first day / took
he 81. so, and from that time my earniI
MS We're never less, and they have run
thigh as S25 day. 1 took to all sc