The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-07-16

A Chicago journalist is an Ultimate friend Of
a Chicago millionaire, In Il recent conlidcn.
ta conversation occurred tie following mar
ratlvc as reproduced in the Chicago Inter-
Cceah:--
After sitting in reflective silence tor few
moments, Mr. Blank said suddenly 1--we a
notion to tell you my story. II is so singular
that 1t may be incre iltabe, and 1t Is certainly
not an experience one would think | had gone
through"
The reporter expressed a desire to hear the
story.
III will tell you upon condition that you will
never mention my name in connection with IT,"
The promise OF secrecy was readily given.
III do not PROPOSE" SAID MIR. Blank, as he
pulled lelsurely fragrant cigar ITO be 50
specific that will worry you. All you want
to know is the general circumstances, of course
Well, | came from Devonshire nearly thirty
years ago, landing IN New York, at about the
age of twenty five with my wife, u few pounds
In my pocket and a stout heart. | had come
to seek my fortune like many young men be-
fore NE who found their native land unkinG
In care of them. Almost upon my arrival
was taken sick, and before | had secured any
employment fever seized me, and when weeks
afterward came back to life my money was
gone and we were IN debt tor rent. My poor
wife had made few dimes here and there do
ing cheap sewing, but the little she could do
was not enough, and much before was able
arose from my bed to seek for work. Those
were sorry days for us, can tell you. Up and
down the streets | wandered asking every
place for work but | was weak and emancla.
ted, and no one cared TO give me employment.
was not worth it, really, and so went on
for two weeks, my health scarcely improving,
my case becoming more and more desperate.
One day, utterly exhausted and discouraged,
feeling miserable and SICK ready to die but Tor
my wife, | sank down upon box that stood
against lamppost on Broadway. took my
hat off that the breeze might cool my burning
head and guess that | SO fell asleep. Any.
way, when became conscious Of where was
and felt somewhat rested, arose to put on my
hat, when some small coins rolled out upon
the sidewalk. My heart throbbcd as though
miracle had been performed | picked these
up, and foLnd others in my hat. Altogether
had nearly 81. There was n good supper for
my wife and me, and had besides got an Idea.
said to myself, | was perfectly willing to
work for a little money and no one would en-
ploy me; now since people are willing to give
me money without work | will accept it that
way, and did. Every day after l slouched
down at corner on some public thoroughiare
and held out my hat. l asked no one for aims,
but just sat there with my hat out AS fast as
any money was dropped in transferred it to
my pockets. The first day | took in $3.50,
and from that time my earnings were never
less and they have run as high as S25 IN n day,
took to all sorts OF tricks to look miserable
and played upon the public, though WAS soon
as well and vigorous as the best who came
along. Well sir, kept this business up six
years, and at the end of that time had actual.
ly taken IN little over 5000, of which
had $4,000 in bank, little IN many banks.
then had two children and we lived comfort
ably When found had 10000 concud-
ed TO invest it. bought stocks, and after qui.
city specializing two years had made 1927
900 and concluded to give up my old life and
become gentleman again. | came west.
bought land in this vicinity. In short time
that land more than ever made me rich man,
and today | am worth not a panny less than
100000 That, sir all came from beggar's
hat in the streets of New YORK. Strange stO.
ry' think so myself. Really, it now seems
to me that all this was dream. 1t does not
seem real"
Mr.. Blank rcliGhlcu his cigar, leaned com.
fOrtably back in his chair and remarked: NE
yer despise beggar. You can't tell how rich
he may be-"
The journalist went his way that afternoon
dcrlng much, envious of the mendlcant at the
corner and inclined to turn beggar himself.