The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-04-12

mals in arithmetic and could declaim Rolla's Address 10 the Peruvian's, the old man considered that my education was complete and put me to work. He was rough carpenter, and l became a rough carpenter. l think l was the toughest carpenter in the United States. l built shed once that was constructed in manner so diametrically opposite to all rules of carpentry that it caved Tn three days after its completion and killed | two coal heavers. On another occasion my employer noticed that put lock upside down and hung a door the wrong way. He kindly, but firmly suggested that should quit Alter revolving the i question in my own mind did quit: thought the employer would get angry if didn't. When my father died he left me some money. and was pretty well fixed but Tn a moment of alteration of mind I yielded to the advice of my friends and joined building and loan association. That settled it; in short time the association gobbled my prop erty and loaned my money to some one else. If had a hundred sons would advise them all 10 be solicitors for or presidents of building and loan associa- tlons. There's money in it.
 After that made the most gigantic mistake of my life. l got lob on a newspaper as a reporter, and after stow ing my legs up running route, l bloomed out as a humorist writer. As sad before, the people don't know I'm d humoTist, but that is due 10 their lack of appreciation. and is no fault Of mine. have written some ofthe most exquislteiy all but funny things ever saw. and am now engaged on series of important jokes for an almanac. have wife and three children, and an oce lsional dose of dyspepsia. do not intend to retire from business for some time. The news paper business Is easy and especially easy Tn the task of running the funny end of Il. A fellow has merely to be funny when he feels sad and gnnd ou, humor- ous items every day Tn the year. Then the salary of newspaper men is so enor- nous that college gradua es would rather take situation on newspaper than get iob driving street car. l am stili grinding out mental pabulum for the pubic. and still waiting for some appre- ciAtlve newspaper publisher 10 offer me situation al ; ,ooo per annum.
 w. N. CLARK."
 His private life can be summed up briefly Tn the statement that his writings but reflect the mans real character. In sorrow, misfortune and sickness he was always cheerful, and hls sunny, open. genial nature made him a fsvorite with his fellow-workers, and the soul Of the editorial and repor;orial rooms. His de- voilon to his work was remarkable even Tn d calling whose demands are unre- lenung and in which idlers are unknown. Some of his finest humorous pieces and wittiest paragraphs were written in hours of sickness and trouble, Tn the face of which weaker man would have sue cumbed. Even when the disease which caused his death was makir fast inroads upon his life and strength he would struggle to his desk and uy 10 labor as of old. But those to whom he was very dear and those with whom he had toiled through months and years, knew that though the will was strong the body was weak and that the day was fast approach ing when all would be over. I, has come now and the pen has dropped from the weary fingers forever.
 William Wallace Clark was an ln- tensely domestic man. His home was 10 him his all He loved his friends and was steadfast alike in success as we'll as diversity. but though the most hospi,a- ble of men and fond of entertaining his acquaintances, he was passiona,ely fond of his wife and children and his leisure moments were passed in their society unless compelled to be absent At all times poor man he possessed that sym pathy and affection without which the rich are poor and with which the poor are rich.
 When the end came he met death calmly. even bravely. He did not live in vain for the man who can make thous- ands merry, and cause tears to give way 10 smiles IS more of public benefactor than many whose names we rever- ence and honor Perhaps as humorist the name ot William Wallace Clark Is written, as 1t were. on the sand, for the tastes of men are constantly changing and often after time they will fling aside what they once prized. But with those who knew him well, who were his friends and who valued the man above the writer he will ever be remembered with love, and tenderness and regret. It IS as one of the latter that have written these words.
 WHEELING, w. NA