The morning times., 1897-01-24

and the counter than to the drawing-room.
Though during his every waking hour be
was more or less engroSsed in his busi-
ness, he was a most devoted husband and
father.
People who knew Mr.. Willard well say
that when he made friend of a man
that man was always friend of his. But
he was a good hater, too. II was very hard
task TO effect Il reconciliation with Joseph
willard, if by chance you crossed him. He
would not make up. This, however, was not
the case with lis brothers, between whom
there had been a difference of many years
standing. Several years ago a most com
plete, anlicabic understanding was reached
among the three willard brothers
Joseph Willard was or, at least, he
thought lie was, a thorough judge OF
character He believed that he was en-
dowed with the faculty OF reading men.
Ii man, for instance, came to him 10
rent a piece of property, he would mentally
'size him up" and il his face did not
suit him he would not do business with
him. Money was no consideration then.
Many years ago smooth New York
multi-mlliOnaire came TO Washington and
put up at Chamberlain's. He was told-of
Mr. Wizards objection to selling certain
property.
I'm tell you what l Will do" said
the millionaire, Il will go down to Mr.
Wizards home in day or two and make
a bid for that property that he cannot
resist
,ffyl, = :, \, II.
home. He returned the next day with
certified check for a million dollars. He
went to Mr.. Wizards house and began to
question him about the property named
above. Mr.. willard gave his character
istic answer, that there was no sign of
sale on the buildings, etc, but be added,
''the property can be bought if enough is
offered"
What is the lowest you will take for
it, was the question.
lone million dollars was the answer
Quick as a flash the man of millions
pulled out his precious check and rendered
it to Mr.. Willard. The latter was really
flustered for a moment, but he replied that
that particular piece of property was not
for sale.
In Mr.. Wizards later life lie became
very well acquainted with Dir. Irving c..
RoSse, the well-known specialist in brain
and nervous diseases, and the doctor had
the most commanding admiration for Mr.
Willard. DR.. Rosse said last night:
Notwithstanding the many eccentric-
ties of Joseph Willard, to those who kne w
him best he was a stanch and generous
friend, with kindly impulses, and above
oil
wealth, to which he had devoted most of
his life, brought forth from his detractors
the reproach of being parsimonious /
must say, however, that in late years
this epithet has not had for me the effect
that it formerly did, for to speak the truth
it is to me rather a recommendation than
otherwise to hear people say OF manthat
lie is economical. If we had in our COM
munity more people Of frugal and saving
habits, we should see less financial and
other distress, and many persons at pres
ent in financial straits from inability to
collect outstanding obligations, as nenI-
bers of my own profession, for instance
would not have to stand off the landlord,
tile grocer, the butcher, as many of them
are obliged to do, from sheer necessity
LAS an object to youth trying to get on
in this selfish world, Mr. Wizards char
acter may be held UP as shining light,
and the political economists may see in
him an example of what persistent effort
may accomplish. Say what we may the
example of this eXtrao ordinarys man is
worthy of imitation and praise in more
senses than one
'If 1 had to write his epitaph," said Mr..
Thomas a Brown, Il would say of Joseph
willard Here lies an honest man, the
noblest work of God / knew Mr.. Willard
every day for twenty years. While he was
looked upon by many as a man OF eccen-
tricities, he was a good friend : to his
friends and most scrupulously conscien-
cious person. In ali my business intercourse
with him we never so much as drew up
contract If he wanted me to do piece
OF work for him be would tell me exactly
what he desired, ask me the price and tell
me to go on and perform the service He
never disputed a bill. If, for instance !
should render him a bill for $4,000 he
would always insist ON paying down to the
last cent. That was the kind of man
Joseph Willard was.''
Mr.. Willard did not distribute charity in
an ostentatious way. 1t is known, how
ever, that he was generous in a quiet way
and did mucht to assist many worthy people
Some girls laugh SO much they get wrin-
kles around their mouths.