The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-07-29
SUDDEN DEPRECIATION IN VALUE.
A Youth who Was Fond of Silver and
Pictures and bis Unhappy Experience.


He was rather. anxious to make an
impression on his new acquaintance;
not for any particular reason, but just
because he liked to appear Ito be
somebody" The chance apparently
came when the subject of flats came
up.
II have been thinking of taking
one," said the acquaintance, "but Pm
afraid it costs too much to furnish one
nicely. Still, I'm tired of boarding."
..As to furnishing" said the young
man. fitting back in his chair and
speaking like man of great expert
ence. of course it depends on what will
satisfy you. / presume small Hat
can be furnished for 5000; but Pm a
little particular what have around the
| house myself. 1t cost me something
| like$700 to furnish my fiat. l don't
believe in getting cheap things"
mo; it's not good plan, acquiesced
the acquaintance. Il suppose that
figure includes carpets"
| 20, yes; everything of that sort
cookstove, dishes, and all that"
! "Silyer and plated-ware."
| "Dear me, no. The young man
raised his eyebrows in surprise. II
hardly consider that in the expense of
| furnishing flat. you know. That's
rather a luxury Still I must have
| $500 worth of it. like to see solid
| silverware on the table, and I've been
adding it to that we got as wedding
presents"
"Of course" said the acquaintance
thoughtfully, Il don't believe l could
| 90 in for much of that at the start,
though"
1T isn't necessary. my dear fellow.
Merely fad of mine to be surrounded
by handsome things. A cheap plate
will do just as WELL"
How about picturesPf
20, there one can soar as high as he
pleases. / must have $400 worth, but
then I'm extremely fond of them. If l
were rich I'd spend thousands on them.
But it isn't necessary. l simply take
a pride in furnishing my house as
handsomely as my means will allow.
Il suppose man has to have a clock
or two?"
.'Yes, but you can get one that will
keep time pretty cheap. OF course. if
YOU want nice mantel clock it comes
higher. | have two-one worth $10C
and one worth $50. l don't consider
those in the cost of furnishing any
more than watches. My wife has one
of those worth $50 easy, and wouldn't
take $50 for mine."
I'D have to have a sewing-machine,
too"
"You can get pretty good one fol
$50 or $40. / paid $65 for mine
though"
.Eh. YES. where do YOU live. NAV
askP"
THE address was given.
"Yes, yes; thought so. Right IL
nv district. Tn obliged to you"
Quite welcome. Of course. it ism
necessary to go in quite so heavy, un
less, like me, you By the way, wha
business are you IMP"
I'm assessor for your district"
"I-you-excuse me-did YOU"
you say you have total of $1.57
worth of household and persona
property. And your wife, believe
has some diamondsp"
.Rhinestones; nothing but rhine
stones, and they were wedding
presents. And as for the furnitur
and all that suppose you didn't tax
! what said in earnest. just littl
Joke of mine, you know. I-why
f you'd offer me $3.50 for the whole lay
: out 1 wouldn't take it for fear of bein!
: arrested for swindling."
I But the silver?"
+ ':Nickel-plate. every bit of it, an
badly worn at that"
"And the clocks?,,
Nothing but gilt and have to b
wound up with monkey-wrench."
But the young fellows in the adjoir
|, : ing room, who had put up the job o
the young man, couldn't keep still an
longer. They had to laugh. ChicaS
1 Tribune.