Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1895-08-24
ELMER LEE,
OR, The MODEL CLERK.
BY W. g.


but honest parents, who lived in
Selma, little village in one of the
Western States. In this village
there was a flourishing academy,
which Elmer attended regularly.
Being endowed with a good mind,
and attentive to his studies, he made
rapid progress in the several branch
es taught In this school. At the
same time he had the advantage OF
excellent moral training under the
parental roof and the Sunday School
which he never neglected.
The teacher strongly advised his
parents to send him to college; but
unfortunately they had not the
means to do so, much as they wish
cd it. His father, therefore, con-
cluded that the best he could do
was to make farmer or mechanic
of him. Something better, however,
awaited him.
1t so happened that on the day OF
the public examination of the school,
Mr.. Allen May, a merchant of En-
field, neighboring town, came to
Selma on some business. The min
lister of the village, an intimate friend
Of Mr.. May, invited the latter to ac-
company him to the academy TO wit
ness the examination of pupils. Mr..
May was highly pleased with the
ease, readiness and correctness OF
the answers given. His attention
was especially drawn to Elmer, who
excelled all the rest in every branch.
81 am very much pleased with
that boy,' remarked Mr.. May.
"What is his name, and whose son
is he 2"
"His name is Elmer Lee, son OF
Abner Lee of this village answered
the minister. "He is an excellent
youth. l wish he could go to col
lege. He has extraordinary talents
which should be developed by high
er studies.'
Mr.. May inquired into tho dispo-
sition and general character of the
boy, and was informed, that, in this
respect also, he stood prominent
among bis fellow pupils and in the
community.
This was enough for the merchant
who looked above all other qualifi-
cations, to honesty and integrity of
heart.
III cannot do anything towards
sending him to college, said, he,
but if he is willing to become NOR
chant, will take him into my charge
and make II merchant and man of
him."
Pleased with this proposition. the
minister, at the close of the exami-
nation, conducted the merchant to
the house of old Mr.. Lee and intro
duced him to Elmer's parents, and
laid before them Mr.. Mays PROPOSE
ton. They gave their ready con-
sent and expressed their deep graft
tude, while Elmer was almost beside
himself with joy at this good for
tune.
At the end of two weeks Elmer
went to Enfield and entered as clerk
in Mays Mercantile Establishment,
carrying with him good heart and
an honest purpose, the blessing of
his parents and the good will of all
his friends and acquaintance.
Mr.. May was not rich man in a
worldly sense, but he was rich in
good qualities. He enjoyed the rep
utation of being man of unblemish-
ed character. He was very method
ical, both in domestic and business
matters. In his house every one
was expected to be active and indus
trious; and he remarked that moth
ing in this world was so offensive to
him and 80 uncomfortable as an idle
person. Every one was required to
rise and retire at fixed hour, and
each duty was to be performed at its
proper time. No one dared to vio-
late this rule. The exceptions, if
any, we're only permission granted
by him. His table was furnished
plentifully, but only with plain and
wholesome food. He abhored lux
urious living and foolish and expen-
sive apparel. He claimed that many
persons injured their health and
shortened their lives by INDUCING
in excuses both in eating and drink
ing, and in dress. He laid great
stress upon the necessity of being
temperate as well as honest in all
thing. Amy of his employees who
violated or deviated from these rules
were summarily discharged. "For,p
said he, .'whoever is careless or dis
honest in small matters, will sooner
or later he so in matters of great inn
portance. will have none about
except such as / can confidently
trust and depend upon and those
that do right need not be afraid OF
losing their position.
By such a strict but correct meth
cd OF conducting his business, Mr..
May always succeeded in having
reliable help, and in keeping every
thing in order, both in his business
and domestic affairs,-saving and
!. oouc ~ &s,r f~ox,, ~o.~ a.