Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-12-02
NORTHERN TRIBUNE.
SATURDAY. DECEMBER 2, 1882.
Value Of Asl Idea.

Win many ptISOuo euo Maiu OuJoCtS
of life would seem to be the attainment
of wealth and fame. To reach these
coveted results, what immense efforts
are made and how various and multitu-
imous the sacrifices.
One of the greatest weakness is the de-
sire to be known. We do not like to be OBJ
scure even though in our Obscurity we
enjoy all the pleasures the earth can af-
ford. Most men do not object to little
tinsel and few spangles on their per-
sons, and this desire for distinction will
run the whole length of the scale, from
the highest collegiate hOnOrs to the best
aired outside guard of Good Templar's
lodge. Old Diogenes in his Tub covered
himself with immortal fame by the
originality of his idea, which linked his
name with that of the worlds cOnquerOr
Alexander the Great.
And so an idea if it be only original,
no matter how trivial or useless it may
be, is often a vast mine of wealth to its
possessor. Ind4l it not seldom happens
that simple idea is found to be of vast
ly more value than complex one, so far
as worldly emOlument is concerned.
Somebody, whom not one in ten thousand
ever saw, conceived the complex idea of
a sewing machine. An individual by
the name of Howe adapted needle to
this machine, and reaped an income of
$4,000 per annum for his pains. if, in
deed, he suffered any pain whatever in
the elaboration of his idea.
The reader may have heard of an orig
inal genius in his way, who managed to
live very happy for a considerable time
on half an idea. He was confident
he could roll up magnificent fortune
10y selling good silver dimes for nine
cents each, and all that was wanted to
ma his idea a success was to find a
olan for obtaining the genuine disc for
eight cents. He Is probably earnestly
pursuing the "better halfs of his idea,
and il he ever secured it, which is rea-
sonaby doubtful, he may get rich by it.
Monsieur BlOndin had danced on the
tight rope from eaily youth to advanced
manhood. and by the practice of this ac-
cOmplishment. had earned tOlerable
livelihood. But all at once he conceived
an original idea. He looked one day on
Niagara, as millions had done before,
and there arose a magnificent idea before
his minds eye; magnificent to only him
self 50 far as practical results were in
'vOlved. And 50 Mr.. BlOndin carried into
effect his brilliant idea. He introduced
tight rope dancing among the profound
sciences, achieved a worldwide fame,
and amassed a fortune. He took his
Niagara rope with him to England and
stretched it across the Crystal Palace for
twelve days, and as a reward pocketed
about 5000 for thirty minutes labor.
With such examples of success we
need only recommend our readers to be
on the watch for an original idea if they
would become rich or famous. But not
unfrequently some of the most trivial in
cidents which pass under the Observa-
tiOn of men often contain very important
lessons when viewed in their proper
light. Benjamin Franklin saw an i'm
ported wisp of corn in the possession OF
a lady in Philadelphia and examining it
as curiosity, found seed or two which
he planted, and from this arose that
valuable industry the cultivation of
broom corn.
In this way also Europe and America
are indebted for the weeping willow to
the poet Pope, who, finding green stick
in basket of fgs, sent him as present
from Turkey, stuck it in his garden al
Twickenham and thence prOpagated this
beautiful tree. What lesson in these
incidents, an extensive and profitable
trade, springs out of little seed which
arrested the eye and attracted the atten.
tion of the printer philosopher. Its i'm
portance may be seen In every parlor
kitchen, hall and workshop where dirt is
a considered nuisence and good
broom blessing. tts8 ls
Aut there is moral side to this ques
tion. Who may estimate the result of 9
little good seed sown by the wayside OF
lifep even kindly word, how good it is
A tear of sympathy dropped at the au
spicious moment may become river OF
joy to water and replenish desolatt
heart. Let us then never disparagt
seeming trifles for the value Of human
life or the wealth Of an empire may bt
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