The daily morning Alaskan., 1904-01-10
HIS LACK OF
 PUBLIC SPIRIT
LorgInaLl

Sitting In lhc reading room or a uOlel one cold winter evening l noticed an old. badly dressed man come in look about hIm as if not knowing exactly what to do. warm his hands by the fire. then turn and go out There was something in his appearance that in- teres,ed me. He seemed like a man who had a history. Whether 1t was a benevolent expression that m accorded with his rags OF am air of prosperity that had been stamped upon hln in other days aud under other circum- stances l could not tell followed him from the room in time to see him go out into the cold. ] asked the landlord about him. and he told me the old mans story:
 Sandy O'Ncill. when a young man, was the pet of the village, or. rather the village was Sondy's pet Some used to call him maudlin over other peoples troubles, but those to whom be gave his sympathy were of no such mind and loved him as be deserved to be loved. Saudy's only trouble was that he had no means with which to make people happy. He never met child that lac didn't run through his pockets to find a cent for candy and when he failed to find one would often lead his little protege to a shop and provide the sweets 'on tick. But Sandy's great charm was a cheerful ness that communicated itself to oth- CTS and was relish to those in dis tress. Always darkest before day Every cloud has a silver lining, Its a long road that has no tun-these and many moro such sayings he had for Respondent friends and would de liver them with slch cheery, winning smiles that none could help being com. forted
 Sandy had more in him than people suspected. He never could become prosperous by ordinary methods for be would give money faster than he could possibly make it. His only chance was to make itall at once. This he did A stranger came to town, took a fancy to him and induced him to go with him to the copper mines of Lake Stu perior. There Sandy became possessed of an embyro mine, which proved of great value, and he found himself a millionaire
 "One day ten years after Sandy had left the town one of our morning pa pers announced that Alexander O'Nenl. the distinguished copper king, a former resident of this city, arrived yesterday on a visit to the place of his l birth It was more than a visit, for Sandy had come to stay.
 'In view of Sandys past charitable disposition, 1t was generally admitted that he would do a great deal with his wealth for the town. A public recep- ton was accorded him, got up by the first citizens. noticed one mans name on the reception committee whom ] had heard speak of Sandy ONeill as maudIu over other peoples troubles The organizers of the testimonial were an interested in property and enter priscs which they hoped would be bene- dted by the copper king. The greeting of those whom he had befriended was different They welcomed him with smiles at his good fortune. with tears at remembering his past kinduesscs.
 Sandy got through the reception as best he could and put it behind him as something with a bad od0r. He went about just as he used to. sympathizing with his friends only now when he left them there was something substantial in their hands to mark his visit He did nothing for the town. only for thc people. For one he put @ new roof on his house. for another paid off mort gage. for another bought a COW that the children might have plenty of milk Wherever he found a sick person he sent the doctor and provided comforts. And everywhere that Sandy went be gave as much comfort with his kindly. cheery words as with his money.
 But when those who had mo need for Sandy's small henclts found thot be would do nothing for the town. when he had refused Co take gu inter est in a park which was intend Go bolster a real estate speculation, a rail road that was to connect the place wilh a noighboring city. a dam to furnish water power, they turned against him When he had first returned hc was Alexander O'NcHl. the distinguished copper king He had not been in town long before the first citizens spoke ot him as Sandy O'Neiu the man with no public spirit whatever
 "Wcn, for years Sandy pursued the occupation he had chosen of giving away his money. Then came great commercial crisis, and the small bal ance that was left to him disappeared Sandy was without a cent By this time he had dropped from among the first citizens, and bis loss made not a ripple h, that part Of the community It was long while before it was known among those he had befriended that he was in warL but when they heard lt they swGrmed about him those who had savings offering to share them with him and those who had not saying through tears. God bless you, Mir. ONeill, and give you back your fortune.
 "Then some of the first citizens who had been interested in getting up his