Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-01-23
BENEATH HIM.
81 would starve first"
"Then starved"

''Then starve!"
Uncle Adoniram Barney, as he was call
ed by all who knew him, had been having
a serious conversation with his nephew
Charles Charles had lost his temper en-
tirely and Uncle Adoniram had at last
reached the utmost limit of fOrbearance.
The question under discussion was the adj
visibility of the young mans seeking
some occupation In which he would be sure
to make a living.
Charles was q, and his uncle up to this
time had assisted him in every possible
manner, but, strangely enough, though
possessed Of fine intellect, carefully Gull
tivated, he had done nothing to earn his
own living He had been unwilling to
study for a profession, and at this time
had small prospect of obtaining situa-
ton, and smaller prospect of keeping a
position if he found one.
eff ] could only find where | belong, "
Charles began again. He had cooled down
a little, and was disposed to argue the
point trife further. Il can never make
a good clerk or bookkeeper, and you know
as we'll as | do that / am utterly lacking
In mechanical ability.
"And the worst of all is, Charles, you
are utterly lacking in the quality of appli-
cation, Uncle AdOniram replied. you
talk about your lacks as if they were some
thing to brag Of If you have got fair
common sense and fair education you
can make a good clerk or a good book
keeper, and you could learn trade if you
want to- 1t is all bosh, every bit of it,
and now that you have come to man S
estate you ought to be ashamed of such
childish balderdash. | have given you the
best advice could under the circumstances,
and whether you follow it or not is your
own affair.
Decidedly, said Charles, rising in a
white heat Il always supposed you cared
something about me; but when a fellow S
only relative, and that relative a rich man,
advises him to look out for a situation as
car conductor there can certainly be but
one opinion about it. :"
''You are right, Charles said Uncle
Adoniram; there can be but one opinion
decline, for your own good, to 60 on sup
porting you, and, taking INTO considera-
tion your constant failures to support your
self, | advise You to try for a car conduct
or's position You will learn to be accur-
ate and attentive You will know what it
is to work for your bread; and this. In my
opinion, you need to know more than any
thing else.
''Then you don't care for the humilia-
ton, the social ostracism, that will be the
inevitable results of such an occupation ?"
the young man inquired as he nervOusly
turned the knob Of the door he has Just
opened.
"Not red cent. Uncle Adoniram re-
Piled If man is going to be cut by his
friends for earning, in the only way that
is open to him. an independent living
then social ostracism is the healthiest
thing | can think of. The only thing
that should humiliate an able bodied man
is dependence upon others. You have be-
come so accustomed, Charles, to being
looked out for that the alternative seems
very undesirable to you.
This was putting it hard, as Uncle
Adoniram told himself afterwards; but
the case was desperate and heroic treat
ment was the only kind that would an
swer Your charity shall not be further
trespassed upon, > was the proud answer
eff ever take a relative to bring up
Uncle Adoniram. | will be still more gen
erous, and refrain from INVITING him with
how much he has cost me. Here is the
money you gave me yesterday, and which
| was mean enough to take, - and the
young man emptied the financial contents
of his pockets on his uncle's desk. "'Since
you have turned me out of doors, sir. pre-
fer to go penniless. Good morning.
Uncle Adoniram was on the point of
calling his nephew back, but thought bet
ter of it and sat perfectly quiet as the an
CRY man slammed the door and walked
down the street
There was good deal of temper about
that last performance, said Uncle Ado
hiram. 'but there was some honest pride
as well. don't just see how the boy is
going to get along without money; but |
suppose he won't starve as long as his
watch lasts.
The old man was right. Charles pawn
ed the watch which had been left him by
his father. and then searched diligently
for Job. He left nothing undone to Sc
cure what he considered suitable situa-
ton, but his efforts were useless. There
was call for mechanics and employment
enough for professional men, but for him
there was absolutely nothing
There are hundred clerks and book
keepers to one situation. gentleman to
whom he applied told him, and with "a
touch of pity for the evident discourage
ment of his applicant asked him a few
sensible questions.
Nov, if you understood stenography, "
he said, after careful catechism, II could
show you some court work which would be
very remunerative.
Charles shook his head. His expert
ences were beginning to make him feel
very small.
Il should be glad to help you, the gen
tleman went on kindly, but really don t
see any way to do it. | know of position
you could have at once as car conductor,
but -
The young mans face was abaze, and
his eyes looked as if they would strike fire.
But what?" he asked, as his companion
did not finish this sentence.
''Ifyou were a relative of mine" the
gentleman replied "and had tried for
other positions and failed as you tell ME
you have, l should say. put your pride in
your pocket and buckle to it ! should tell
you also to make use of every spare mo-
ment, and study stenography as if your
life depended upon it.
But when man once takes such posi-
ton Charles began IN feeble remonstr-
ance. his face still scarlet.
He is always obliged to keep it you
were going to say the gentleman inter
rupted. ''That is stuff and nonsense. If
you have the right pluck and ambition
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