Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1904-11-11
office, and at a considerably lover wage
xbo, HE hvofher was to drag

later--De tDouKnt ne couiu w hoehihs
else. The position only S45 month,
but he was content with that, for a
while, at !. ast. The years went or,
still he taught school at S45 month.
In the meantime his brother hal
been winning lauiels in the post office.
He was bright young fellow-po
brighter, however, than his elder broth
err, but it was only few months before
he made himself Indispensable IN the
postofflce. The postmaster, desiriug &c
give more time to his private affair, let
the young man the Federal institution
who learned all of ne mail bushes
that he could in an flee so small as
the one IN this town. But the cerk-
ship enabled him TO become acqualni-
ed with the mail clerks that run on
the trains, and from conversation with
them and tudy Of the map he became
familiar with ire routing Of the mails
not only in his vicinity, but of all mail
destined to the Northwest. He knew
about n what bag etter addressed to
Grub Center, :. d., vert, as well as
one addressed to Red Wolf, Wyo
STEPS AHEAD on NERVE.
1t was not so difficult to secure po-
sition as mail clerk on the railroad thea
a. il is now. The civil service gu ii
cations had not been put into effect,
a ID he made application for JOB.
TO his surprise, he was notified that
there was position open to him-if he
was experienced. Though lie had no
actual experience sorting mail on trains
he felt that he did know the business,
aud he stretched the truth just tile
and ted the com papy he had had ex-
perlence.
He was accepted, and backed 10y self
confidence that he would not fall he
made MS first "Trip. 1t Is ,fue ,'e was L.
bit nervous but he held himself in
check, and worked so wei. that at the
end of his run his companion remarked
"Well, you're the best new partner
I've ever had"
Thus was the way of Joseph Murphy
Thirsting for more knowledge, he eX-
tended his learning Of the business Of
carrying mails. A dozen years later he
was given the post af experimentation
mails of his division. and his salary
was increased from SOS month TO
$l0G.
AFRAID eF LOSING PLACE.
His brother was still struggling away
In the small Minnesota town. His pay
had not ben raised, but he tad taken
unto himself bride, and it was not
long before there weie other mouths 90
feed-still at S45 month. Once he WAS
offered the position as principal of the
schools, but he hesitated, and SAID:
mo, don't believe l'!l try it. l
might not be what they wanted, aud
then perhaps should be ont of a job"
SO the school trustees gave the place
to woman, less experienced and even
less capable than himself, who had no
difficulty in giving satisfaction.
Then his brother Joseph came to bis
aid
IN ow, let me get you q job in the
mail service. | can fix it al right so
that you can hold it even while you
are learning. You have just as good an
education as | have and your minG is
lust as active. You will have no trou-
BILE mastering the work"
But again the brother hesitated. He
was the veritable doubling Thomas
of himself.
"No. no, Joe; l don't believe I'll try
it,n he said, l might make a failure
of it, and what would become Of Carrie
and the babies? L must thlLk OF
themn
ooh, pshaw," exclaimed the brother
who had heard of the episode relative
to the principalship. You let one o.
portunity pass by. Why let this? Why
don't you put little confidence in
YOURSELF"
COULD GET OLD JOB BACK.
well, Joe. how do know l could
sort mail? 1 might be able to teach
the kids, and even be principal" he
added, regretfully. But why should l
give up what have for something l
never tried?"
"Shucks," responded the other,
you can get a job teaching school
any time. Take my advice asd try
this. You IL come out ahead"
mo Joe l don't believe / WILL" re-
piled James.
A year later Joseph appeared with
oposition-another opportunity.
The superintendent of the elevator
was going away. and Joseph had Sc
cured the promise OF the position for
his brother. The old superintendent