Morning journal and courier., 1881-08-09
The Ups and Downs of Life.

'
 While He Was Still a Young Man and
 Became n Chicago Millionaire.
 From the Chicago Inter -ocean.I
 In the South division of this city stands
 an elegant residence, almost palatial in its
 proportions, surrounded by ample lawn
 and refinement. It is the home of one of
 the most prominent 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
 luxury is fulfilled, taste and art and culture
 having kept pace with the liberal expendi-
 ture ofxmoney which beautifed this home
 genial, elderly gentleman is the master
 Ripe In the experience of many years of con-
 tact 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. l A journalist who has the good fortune to I be chased among the close friends of this | gentleman sat in the charming library of the
 home the other day, discussing matters of public concern, respecting which the views | Of the older man were desired by his paper. l During the conversation MT. Blank remarked l that 1t was curious condition of American l society that men of obscure ways should be | leaders today, and the leaders forgotten to- l morrow. 'And," said he, 'it is more re- | markab1e how some of them rise. Take my | case, for example. Rich and prosperous to day, remember with painful vividness time when was vagrant and an outcast hungering for crust of bread, miserable in | sickness and almost despairing.'' The visitor was much surprised at this statement and said as much. After sitting in reflective silence for few moments, MT. Blank said suddenly, 'I've notion to tell you my story. It is so singular that it may be incredible, and it is certainly not an experience one would think had | gone through" The reporter expressed desire to hear the story
 T will tell you on condition that you will never mention my name in connection with it."
 The promise of secrecy was readily given. 'l do not propose, " said MT. Blank, as he puffed leisurely fragrant cigar, ''to be so specific that will worry you. All you want to know are the general circumstances, of course We'll, I came from Devonshire near ly thirty years ago, landing in New York at about the age of twenty five, with my wife, a few pounds in my pocket and stout heart had come to seek my fortune, like many young men before me who found their native land dnkind in Care of them. Almost upon my arriV% 1 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 for rent. My poor wife had made few dimes here and there doing cheap sewing, but the little she could do was not enougA
  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 emaciated, and no one cared to give me employment I 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 ex- hausted and discouraged, feeling miserable and sick, ready to die but for my wife, sank down upon box that stood against lamp post on Broadway. I took my hat off that the breeze might cool my burning head, and l guess I so fell asleep. Anyhow, when be- came conscious of where was and felt some- what rested, rose to put on my hat, when some small coin rolled out upon the sidewalk. My heart throbbed as though miracle had been performed. I picked these up and found others in my hat Altogether I had nearly one dollar. There was good supper for my wife and me, and had besides got an idea. I said to myself will do it regularly. Twas perfectly willing to work for a little money, and no one would employ me; now, since people are willing to give me money without work, I will accept it that way; and did
 Every day after that I slouched down at corner of some public thoroughfare and held out my hat. I asked no one for aims, but just sat there with my hat out. AS fast as any money was dropped in I transferred it to my pockets. The first day I tookin $2. 50, and from that time my earnings were never less, and they have run as high as 1925 in a day. I took to all kinds of tricks to look miserable, and played upon the. public, though was soon well and vigorous as the best that came along. Well, sir, kept this business up six years and at the end of that time had actually taken in little over $3O,- 900, of which had $2O, 900 in one bank and a little in many banks Ithen had two chil- dren, and we lived comfortably.
 When I found had $20, 900 concluded to invest it. did. bought stocks and after quietly speculating two years I had made $227, ,O0O, and concluded to give up my old life and become gentleman again. I came west. bought land in this vicinity. h short time that land more than made me rich man, and to-day I am worth not penny less than $SOO,OOO. That, sir, Ill came from beggar's hat in the streets of New York. Strange story! think so, my self. Really, 1t now seems to me that all this was dream It does not seem real.''
 Mir. Blank relighted his cigar, leaned com- ;ortably back in his chair and remarked, Never despise beggar. You can't tell how .ich he may be-"