Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-06-02

A Young Man Who was Full OF En-
erGy.
fFtom The New York sunr

from the New York SUM-
The liquidation of the rich nrm of
Potter and Stymus calls attention to the
great growth of taste In New York for
the fine decoration of houses. The edu
cation is largely possessed by women,
too. The story of the birth of that firm,
told by an acquaintance, is curious proof
that the present discernment as to artist
10 homes was scarcer then than now.
August Potter and William P. Stymus
were clerks in an interior embellish-
ment and furnishing concern owned by
q peculiar old Frenchman, who was at
that time the leading decorator in New
York. He was an artist and thought
more of making one aesthetic chair than
of closing the most profitable bargain.
Potter was an artistic man, and the old
Frenchman in his better moods admit
ted that his clerk was his equal in get
ting up beautiful designs and combine
tions of materials. Stymus was more of
an enterprising business man. Stymus
heard that wealthy Wall street broker
meant to build q residence that would
open the eyes of New Workers.. It was
said that money was no object, and he
was only waiting to select favorable
site. Stymus evolved plan, which,
even in these days of rushing enterprise,
would be considered bold. He and Pot
ter spent every night for q week getting
their scheme into perfect shape. One
morning Stymus, who had secured q
days vacation, went to q real estate
agent and bargained for the option on
one of the most desirable building lots
in the fashionable section, and only the
large figure placed upon it had caused it
to remain empty. Stymus had not five
dollars about his clothes, but he talked
as though able to pay cash on the spot.
He got q low figure on it and agreed to
give his decision in few days. An
hour later he walked into the Office of
the Wall street broker with roll of
paper under his arm.
81 have heard" said Stymus, una
Dashed, s'that you intend to build o
handsome residence; if that is the case
I am prepared to show you the plans of
what will be the first house in New York,
with the most artistic decorations and
the most elegant furniture. What is
more am ready toput that house on
the best site in the city, and to do the
entire work twenty five per cent. cheap
er than any one else in the United
States"
The broker became interested. He
looked with unconcealed delight upon
the plans for house that Stymus had
secured from an architect, and designs
for the furniture and decorations.
'sI'n tell you what" said Stymus in
conclusion, ''Iam just starting into bust
ness with friend, and we are both de-
sirous of making reputation. If you
are satisfied with these designs, and will
give us your order, we will buy the
ground, build the house, furnish and
decorate it completely, and we will not
ask you to pay one dollar until all is
done satisfactorily. All that we ask now
is your written order"
''What will the cost be finaliy2" asked
the broker, pleased with the young
mans nerve and confluence.
ga quarter of million dollars!" was
the reply.
That was large sum in those days.
and the broker was little staggered.
He agreed to consider the proposition.
A week later the bargain was ratified,
and the young men started in business
for themselves. They had no capital
but their order gave them plenty of
credit. They carried out their agree
ment to the letter, and when the resi-
dence vas completed it was surp, ssingly
beautiful. Everything except the crock
cry and kitchen utensils was provided
even down to the linen. The young
men made Is per cent. net profit out of
the job, nevertheless, and this capital
enabled them to go on and get rich
before competitor came. They are now
millionaires.