The Osceola times., 1883-10-13

iiCoS Niiiiu'iNc. II VIII bt uNiilltVCt
by all who have read that sketch,
that few would have envied the boy
of ten his chances for getting on in
life. He began his career without
a single circumstance which could
be mistaken for what we call in these
days, "send off," In this number,
we will give q brief sketch of a boy
we once knew, who began life with
a first class send-of. The material
for this sketch we copy from the
Memphis Appeal of April 9TH, 1888.
1t is headed:
GA ToUGH CITIZEN"
WAsHINGToN, April 4. Col. Geo.
H. Butler, ex-consul to Egypt, and
celebrated as a brilliant writer for
the press, has been q remarkable
character about Washington for
years on account of his unfortunate
failings. AS final resort, after all
other plans for his reformation had
failed, be was induced to enter the
army, and was given the position of
wagon-master, where it was hoped
that severe discipline, and removal
from the haunts Of civilization would
effect IA cure. This experience ap-
pears to have turned out as all 9TH
ers tried so far have. On his arrival
in Montana he INDUCED in some
characteristic display. Gen. Terry
wrote here in complaint of this un-
expected assignment to his command
and asked the immediate discharge
of Mr.. Butler. The letter of Gen.
Terry was referred to the General
of the army, on whose recommenda-
ton the appointment Of Mr.. Butler
was made. Gen Sherman read it
and returned it with characteristic
endorsement, somewhat as follows:
"This man was appointed for the
purpose of developing the latent
good that is in him. Let him be
subjected to a severe course of dis
cipline; send him to Jail, put a ball
and chain on him, shoot him If nee
essary, but don't discharge him."
George Butler, when at school,
was a boy to be envied. He was
handsome, graceful, distinguished
looking, aiIable and engaging in his
manners, and very popular with his
associates. Besides, he was of rich
parentage, and very liberal towards
all of his school fellows. George
had in his train many poor boys, who
doubtles envied him, and looked up
to him as superior being. If to be
happily and fortunately situated in
life constitutes superiority, George
had these constituents in an eminent
degree. To be born rich, to have
the means to crafty almost every
want, to be graceful, intelligent and
handsome, and with all, to be endow-
ed with prince-like liberality, are
circumstances in boys life calcu-
lated to excite a mingled feeling of
envy and admiration among his asso-
ciates. Taking the paragraph which
we have just quoted to be true, it
may be doubted if any Of Georges
old school-fellows will envy him now,
and we are certain none who ever
knew him when boy, will feel any
thing else but hearty sorrow for the
misfortunes of his lite. In fact, ex-
perience, study and reflection will
teach all of us, that the passion of
envy has less of reason to sustain it
than almost any other unruly inhab-
liant of the human heart. The fate
of George Butler is by no means
an uncommon one.. If envy must
have place in the heart and make its
presence felt, let it find vent when
the good man, at the end of life
Of usefulness and benifcence is laid
away in death amid the tears and
blessings of the survivors.
Place two young meE Of equal
natural ability and soundness of
heart in the situation of George But
Ter and Charles --, the hero of
the charcoal sketch Of last week, and
the chances are nine to one in favor
Of Charles coming out ahead in the
race of life. Biography tells an al
most invariable story of the early
beginnings Of great men in free states
how, starting in the midst of poy-
erty, they fought their way, step by
step over all obstacles and disadvan-
tages, to "the steep where Fame's
proud temple shines afar," etc;
whereat the biographer pauses to ex-
press his wonder, and challenges the
admiration of the reader, that any
boy, poor, humble, without powerful
friends, should have asccnded to
such an exalted dposition in the worlds
regard. Accordingly, nine out Of
ten do wonder that boy, with no.
thing but his own God-given force
TO inspire and move him, on being
pressed with the sad alternative to
beg, starve or steal, or make a good
use of his faculties, should have de-
cided TO use his mind and body, and
make way for himself. To decide
right at the start, and then go to
DOING, earnestly, persevoringly and
faithfully, will carry a man long
WAY in a life time. TheY will make