The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-31

IOmS lie, destined 10 manifest ltSeu IN
one form and another. for many years 10
come. Dlsgruntled political opponents
make use Of it to this day, when they
wish TO be as narrow-minded as their
small natures will permit, which is very
narrow-minded indeed. 1t concerns Toms
nection with the State-Street Congre-
gational church, and goes back TO this pc
Rod Of his boyhood. Tom was deeply in
terested I'm church work. He associated
himself with good old Hugh Carpenter,
who was then officiating The women
workers of the State-Street congrega-
ton looke& upon the boy as promising
subject for the ministry. In one way and
another they favored him. In time, II be-
came noised about that Tom Reed would
60 70 college for the express purpose Of
fitting himself for a Congregational pulpit.
But his parents were poor, so the women
of the church would help him pay his
wayl Already the lad had decided on the
advantages Of a higher education. He was
turning his thoughts toward Bowdoin Col
lege Longlngly, he looked toward those
classic halls. Eventually, we shall see
how it all turned out.
Right here, few words from Toms
sister, Mrs. Conley. must not be over
looked. / cannot but think it passing
strange that Mrs. Conley should be so
ignorant OF her famous brothers early
life. In a long conversation she advanc-
ed but one or two attractive ideas. What
/ am now telling you is Of avail prin-
clpally because il shows how suspiclously
reserved the Reed family is concerning its
own antecedeuts. Tom Reed himself ala
all in his power TO make it as hard as
possible for me TO learn anything about
his early life He not only refused any
information, but would not offer the name
of any old friend. who would be cOmpe-
tent TO speak for him. in the face OF his
own excessive Independence, or perhaps.
modesty. This is what Mrs. Conley has
TO tell Of her renowned brother
"Tel me-" / asked. what were the
tastes OF your brother, in his younger
days"
Il do not remember"
'What was he interested in?'
81 DO not remember"
''Was he interested in books?'
"Oh, yes; he had a whole library"
''Where did he get the books?'
81 do not remember"
Ibid he buy them?"
eyes, / presume So"
"Was there kind gentleman living I'm
the neighborhood from whom Tom Dor
rowed books, which ne read at night, by
the light of the blazing pine knot, after
the fashion Of all great bcys?"
mo: we had two fire places in that
house. but the books belonged 20 Tom"
"How did your brother earn his first
dollar?"
II do rot remember"
"Your father was very poor?"
'Yes."
ole did not buy the BOOKS; he could
not have afforded IT, where, then, did they
come from
Really. / do not remember
Ibid Tom have 500 in Portland before
be went to collegeY
mo"
what was the name Of your fathers
ship"
81 do not remember"
did yDur brother eve. tpfe you any
where2"
81 do not remember"
'Then you were younger than he was,
and would not be likely TO remember"
"Oh. yes; l am very much younger
than Tom: but you ask so many funny
questions 1t Is SO dron."
Thomas Reed himself is equally un-
communicative / called on him -four
times in rain storm, Finally, he adj
mitted me. | told him what / wanted
He listened closely to what l had 20
say then remarked:
81 do not see how can help you"
''But you know all the facts"
Mr. Reed smiled softly
II do not propose" he said. ito write
an autobiography OF my youth: If / did
! could not do IL now. anyway"
''But tell me the names Of people who
are familiar with your early experiences,