The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-05-12
A WOMAN'S FRIEND.
sYLvANus COBB, JR.

measures. more or less peculiar to him seif. by which he judges his fellows; ano as they approximate to his standard arc they, in his eyes, worthy and qualified. The weights and the measures of some are broad in their range of capacity, and extremely liberal and compensating in their mode of application and though they may not always estimate man for exactly what he is worth. yet the result of their judgment will be in the right direc- ton, and they will be sure to make no great mistakes. On the other hand, there are well-meaning, honorable men. whose scales and measures are set to a certain poise and capacity, and the sub jeot who does not draw the beam at the appointed notch, or the measure to the specified line, is cast aside as lacking and unworthy. In this way good men often make woeful mistakes, just as our good friend, Alpheus Balcom, of Lindenvillc, member of the American board of com missioners, once made mistake. l will tell you about ii.
 Alpheus Balcom removed to Linden vile from New York, in the spring of 1858. 10 take charge of the wooden mills in that place. During the financial crash and business wreck of the previous year the woolen company had become disin- tesrated. and work for a time suspended :: but with the dawning of the new year the s,rong-hearted of the company came to- gcther again, and, with the addition of one or two new men, commenced better business than had been lost. Mir Bal com was new man-new in the Lin- denville company, but an old hand at the business, and he assumed the place of managing agent of the mills. He was of middle age, stern and unfinohing in his integrity: answering in what he considered to be the line of moral duty :. and intensely loyal 10 his church and creed.
 When MT. Balcom came to the mills he found Casper Wellfieet at the book keepers desk Casper was young man, oi three-aad-twen,y, and had been in the employ of the company for several years, and during the twelve months last past he had entire charge of the books of the mill /; and furthermore. he had been recommended to the new agent as a young man of honor and n- v, well qualified to keep the companys ac- counts.
 Of course Mr. Balcom mad many busi- ness friends and. as might be supposed. he received applications for places in the new fieid of which he had taken charge Experienced book-keepers sought place with him. and among them were men whom he would gladly have pleased One man in particular he would have in stalled over the books of the company if he could have done so honorably. This was Charles Graves. very exemplary young man, an excellent accountant, and d class-leader in the church of which he had been 2 member. As II was. he said to Graves. before he left New York:
 = Hold yourself free for little time. Graves. The young man who has had charge fthe books II Lindenville during the past year has been recommended to me very highly. and should not wish To remove him without cause. Bu, cannot tell how he will seit me. Should tind occasion To make change. you shall hear from me-
 Mir. Balcom assumed the management of the mills, and took up his residence Tn where he had assurance that hls wife. who had been weak and s'ckly, would gain strength and health. During the first week, he discovered that Casper Welltieet, was competent ac- couniant, and prompt in the discharge of his duties.
 During the forenoon of Monday. as Mir. Balcom and the book-keeper were alone sk. sk r.
 Mir. Wellfeet, did not see you at church yesterday"
 Neither did see you, sir" returned Casper. with smile.
 Had the allusion been one of business his bearing would have been strictly deferential; but when the agent chose to broach a matter of this kind he conceived their positions equal.
 Were you there.' Balcom asked se- riously.
 II was at church, sir.''
 Whose v
 Il attend a, the Riverside church, sir :"
 Is that where Mir. Broadview preaches."
 Yes, sir
 Mir. Baleom turned away and left the ofnce. and during the remainder of the day Casper fancied that he was cold and reser7ed.
 On the following day Balcom ap- preached the book-keeper again.
 MT. Wellfieet, have been requested by the secretary of our board to canvass this town and obtain subscriptions in aid of your foreign missions For what amount shall have your name!n
 The young man looked up with frank, truthful smile.
 You must excuse me, Mir. Balcom. would gladly assist if could."
 How, sir ?" exclaimed the agent, with a dispieased look Do you mean to say that you are not able p
 :. am not'
 You have no family, and are in the re- eeipt of good salary. and are yet unable 10 contribute your mite toward so holy