Douglas Island news., 1907-07-24
God and Nature.

We append hereto the will of man who died in an insane asylum in Hi nois.
 His name was Charles Loundsburg and the English language does not fur nish document more exquisite, tender and pathetic.
 One cannot read this document with out feeling better for having done so, and without rejoicing that there are other things besides stocks and bonds, and silver and gold, and precious stones, with which to make the world beautiful and life a pleasure and de- light.
 What can surpass Gods adornments, the splendors of the heavenly bodies, the beauty of the forests, the grandeur of the mountains, the music of the birds, the perfume of the flowers, the sweetness of a spring morning, the H. lustration of the stars, the brilliancy of sunset and the many voices of little children?
 All these things animated the soul of the unfortunate man who died in an asylum.
 Here is his will
 My right to live being but life es- tate is not at my disposal, but, these things being excepted, all else in the world l now proceed to devise and be- queath.
 I give to good fathers and mothers in trust for their children all good little words of praise and encouragement, all quaint pet names and endearments, and charge the said parents to use them generously as the needs of the children require.
 leave the children for the term of their childhood the flowers, fields, bios sons and woods, with the right to play among them freely, warning them at the same time against thistles and thorns. devise to the children the banks, the brooks, and the golden sands beneath the waters thereof and the white clouds that float high over the giant trees, and 1 leave to the chil- dren long, long days to be merry in, and the night aud the moon and the train of the Milky Way to wonder at.
 devise to the boys jointly all the useful fields, all the pleasant waters, where one can swim, all the streams where one can fish, or where, when grim winter comes, one can skate, to have and to hold the same for the period of their boyhood.. The meadows with the clover blossoms, and butterflies there of, the woods and their ppurtenances, squirrels, birds, echoes and strange noises, all the distant places which may be visited, together with the adVen- lures there found. give to the said boys each his own place by the freside at night, with all the pictures that may be seen iu the burning wood, to enjoy without let or hindrance and without any encumb brances or care.
 To the lovers devise their imaginary world with whatever they may need, as stars, sky, red roses by the wall, the bloom of the hawthorn, the sweet strains of music, and ought else they may desire.
 To the young men all boisterous and inspiring sports and rivalry, and give them disdain of weakness and un- daunted confidence in their own strength. give them power to make lasting friendships, possessing com panions, and to them exclusively give all merry songs and brave choruses.
 And to those who are no longer ehil- dren or youths or lovers, leave mem. ory, and bequeath them the volumes of the poems of Burns, Shakespeare, and other poets, if there be others to live over their old days again without tithe.
 To the loved ones with snowy crowns I bequeath business, old age, the love and gratitude of their children until they shall fall asleep.