The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1902-12-12

One child Is better than none. but II
that one be lost. there Is none 10 cling
TO or caress and the home IS dosolate
One child is apt 10 be spoiled and self.
ish The best thing for a lone boy
who Is oyerindulged at homo Is 10
send him 10 school early and let him
get licking now and then from other
boys until he learns 10 give and take.
Two boys are far better than one, for
they can be companions and help one
another. Two daughters are better
than one, for they can counsel each
other and 20 around and visit together
and keep each others little secrets. A
numerous flock OF children strength.
ems the family and makes 1t more re-
spectacle in the community. It makes
= strong and influential in the church
and Sabbath school BY and by the
children get married and that brings
In more strength to the family.
Then again there Is economy in IL
for the good mother can hand down
many of the garments OF the oldey
ones to the younger. II the outside
ones are too much worn, there are lots
Of little petticoats and drawers and
Outgrown pants that come in handy
My wife says these "hand downs" as
she calls them, have saved her many
weary stitch. I know a little hand
some grandson who is now wearing a
nice suit made OF q discarded cloak
OF mine. Another advantage Is that
the older ones can help the younger
in their lessons. and this has saved my
wife and lots Of time and perplexing
care. And so, although the oldest boy
or girl gets no hand-downs, but has ev-
cry garment span new, they have to
help the younger ones In various ways,
even to nursing the baby when the
mother Is sick or busy. There is no
law Of prlmogenlture in this country
No English law that gives the paternal
estate to the first born, but all have to
share and share alike and contribute
to the family welfare. From my win
dow I see my neighbours boys working
the garden, and they have a good one
and take a pride in 1t. They find am
pie time to go to school and to play
ball, but will not neglect the garden
But alas! there is a shadow over ey-
cry large family. The time will surely
come when it will be broken up
either by marriage of the children or
emigration of the boys to some distant
region. When they leave us for good
the father Is sad and the mothers
eyes are often dimmed with tears. For
two years we have not seen our young
est boy, who cast his fortunes with a
companion in the City of Mexico, But
he Is coming soon, and the mother is
waiting, hopefully and prayerfully
waiting. We have one in New York,
one in Texas and one in Florida, but
they are good to write to US and cheer
us up, and there is no blight or cloud
ever them. What a comfort there is In
good loving letters from far of chill
dren A good mother writes me that
her married daughter lives in Austria
La and her monthly letters are her
greatest blessing. I know Of nothing
that pays such good dividends upon its
cost as a loving letter from an absent
child or from far-off friend. Only a
little spare time and two cents will
bring pleasure that money cannot buy
more than ever have I noticed this
since I have been sick. Even the SYM
pathetic letters from unknown friends
nave brought me comfort. l wish that
could answer them all and say, as
Paul said to Timothy, "See how long q
letter I have written to you with mine
own hand"
P. ST. have lost letter from Mr.
Lilly and wish he would send me his
address again. have found his book
BILL ARP, in Atlanta Constitution.