The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1900-11-13
cURE FoR oYERWoRK.
1t Was a Severe One But 1t Proved
to Be Profitable in
the EOd

81 used to be one of those chaps who
try to kill themselves with overwork, -
said a hale and hearty business man
of 6O-odd years, relates the Washington
Star. ''but before had quite accom-
piished fatal termination, as so many
of my brethren have done and are
doing, found was injuring my bust
ness by it and quit"
How can man injure his business
by devoting himself to it completely ?"
asked a tired-looking party. ''That is
preposterors."
rs it?" smiled the hale and hearty
man.
"Well, listen a moment, and when
you have heard, maybe you viii
feel called upon to think it not so
excessively preposterous as it seems.
Thirty years ago, at which time had
built up a business that was worth S1o,-
600 a year to me, I was so overworked
that 1 was almost a shadow. My di-
gestion and my nerves were gone, I
could scarcely sleep, and the little
spells of rest l took when my wife and
the doctor forced me to do it were
of no use at alk Lord knows how long
I would have stood, it, but the business
was growing and was making more
money every day, and 1 seemed to think
that that was justification for the loss
of everything else save honor. ] had
one big manufacturing firm whose pres
ident threw into my hands yearly
contracts that brought me at least half
my profits, and 1 was about to re-
ceive one that would net me $3.50
and greatly increase the yearly bust
ness. The president had been friend
of my fathers, and it was on this ac-
count that he had given me first chance
at his work, other things being equal
L had not seen him for a couple of
years, and just before awarding the big
contract he wrote to me to come to
the city where he lived to talk the
matter over. 1 worked harder than
ever to get everything up before taking
four or five days out of busy time,
and rode at night to the city. I was
at his office when he got there, and by
Jove, he didn't know me.
my dear boy he said, when told
him who 1 was, you are killing your
self with oyerwork I know all the
symptoms, and know dozen men who
have gone just the way you are GO
ing"
oh, guess not laughed. 4 may
be working pretty hard, but I'm young
and have a good constitution, and /
think can stand it.
HE was testy old fellow, and he
argued with me until he lost his tenn.
per.
81 tell you, Fred he said at last,
I know what I'm talking about, and
Iwillnot bea party to your self-destrue-
ton. You've got more work than you
can do already and I'll II. give I'll that c0n
eIaos il, and give them, besides, one
half of the business I've been letting
you have. That will give you good
deal less to do, and when you have
pulled yourself together again, and
given chat good constitution of yours
a chance, I'll see what we can do for
you
''WeT, it almost took my breath
away, but he was not to be moved to a
reconsideration, and went back home
without the contract. suppose
might have worked harder than ever
to get other business, but the old gen
tleman's method of getting at me
brought me to my senses, and I con.
cluded that when a man was working
so hard he was injuring his business
probably it was time for him to take
a rest. And take a rest did, for a
whole year. I worked, Of course, but
without crowding things, and when ]
went to see the president to have a
talk with him about larger contract
than ever be didn't know me again,
was so much improved in appearance,
and when told him who was he not
only gave me the work, but insisted on
my taking him out to a champagne
dinner as fee for his medical advice !"