Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-03-09
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"uaAe q vacancy VI Will.
From the Washington Republic.l
During the late administration Of
Grant there CHANGED to be a young
man in one of the departments who,
like so many others then and now, had
entered on that terrible decliyity
which begins with the gilded tipping.
saloon and ends-who can tell where
he was a capable clerk, and his sprees
and shortcomings were condoned for
the sake of the memory of his honored
father. Senator. But the road was
sure, and in time, with a discharge in
his Hocket and a drunkard's record
behind him, step by step he passed
the down grade of dissipation, until
wife, children and friends cut loose,
and the quandam gentleman slept in
the parks and lived on charity He
was abandoned by all-all save the
angel Of charity towering near, though
unseen. A temperance reform move
ment claimed him as a trophy, and he
began an upward struggle. Wife and
children came back; but who believes
in a reformed drunkard?" 1t was a
struggle for years to find bread for the
little ones, but he fought bravely, and,
disappointing those who looked for
his failure, he held on, and even saved
Others from going over the precipice.
Preaident Grant, who had known his
father, heard of his struggle and sent
for him. Con~gratulating him on his
reform, he said:
II want to help you; what can dO?'
II want work" was the reply.
"You shall have it. Where would
you prefer to go-in new scenes or
old?'
The young man said. "Send me,
sir, where | left a blackened record. 1t
may encourage others if / regain a
good name, and | would be more use
fulin my former position"
The president wrote a note to the
secretary of that department and
handed it to the young man, who left
but ere long returned with an anxious
face.
1.-The secretary sent out word that
my application would go on file
The president, with an iron-clad ex-
p%letive, said: You can't put your
wife and children on file, can your
Writing another note and handing it
to him, he said: Give this in person
and bring me an answer" Armed
With this missive he confronted the
awful presence beyond the baize doors
and met an impatient refusal.
What shall | tell the PRESIDENT
hs calmly inquired.
That there are no vacancies
When this was delivered at the
White House the imperturaple Grant,
biting the end Of a cigar, seized a red
ink pen and wrote across the face OF
his former note: Make a vacancy, or
l Willl' :.
"Tske that and brig his answer
Yet again did the young man return
unsuccessful. The president obtained
temporary employment for his friend,
taking him in person to another de-
pastmsnt, and awaited the cabinet
meeting the following day. Here the
president seemed az quietly impertur-
able as a sphinx. AS the members
lefs the room the president followed
Secretary - to the door, aud said:
by the way, Mr.. Secretary, who
would you recommend for your sue
cessor2" The sstonished gentleman
replied, and passing to apother depart.
ment, wrote a hasty resignation and
sent il jn. He was relieved Of his
portfolio the following day.
That young man made excellent use
of the faith shown in him by this won
derful judge Of character, and rose to
a position of eminent usefulness and
responsibility, which he occupies to-
day in one OF the largest cities in our
land.