The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-01-26

| Thompson performed labOrs of love In
the office of the World-Democrat. Oc
| casionally. when the Office was empty
OF reporters and an emergency rose
| the city editor was able to send him on
an assignment for which he could give
him space rates; so the young man was
| able to pay his board, and that was all
| he asked. He was bright. cheerful
youth, and was in day general ia
vorite in the Office. His briskness did
not fail. his cheerfulness was never
| wanting, his optimism was never con-
quered. There was no better COPY
turned in at the "W.D's" desk than
came from his pencil.
He had found boarding house when
the carnival crowds had departed. One
day there appeared at table man
whom he recognized as famous
traveller, just returned from long
journey through Central and South
America
That is the region toward which
much OF the trade of New Orleans is
looking. Here was the man who would
know about it. He had come into the
city without ostentation and had not
made his presence known 1t was an
ideal opportunity for the reporter.
thompson engaged the stranger in
conversation and drew from him long
discussions of the conditions of the
markets in the countries he had visit
ed; Of the manners and customs; of
the feeling toward the United States,
and especially toward the people OF
New Orleans; of the prospects OF new
steamship lines being able to pay. and
Of the extent of country the various
ports would serve.
He fastened to his room with the
information still fresh in his ears,
and for three hours drove his pencil
swiftly along the paper. Then he has
tened to the "W-D" Office
Here you are. Mr. Duncan" he ex.
claimed. Here's the best thing I've
done yet. A real Interview" He laid
the copy on the desk.
why, what's this?" asked Mr. Dun.
can
Interview. George X Boiling. Great
traveller. You know him."
But he's not in town"
Yes he is. l found him"
But look here, Thompson. I'm
sorry, but the chief doesn't like paying
you SO much space He said to quit
1t. So can't take this
"Oh yes, you can. l didn't offer to
sell that to you. l don't want pay.
I've earned enough lot my board al
ready this week. That's present, Mr..
Duncan. Won't be able to make many
in two years. Only one more
christmas, maybe. Got to get in ex-
tras. You print that for me-"
SO it was printed 1t was clear
beat" Not another paper had a line
On Mr.. Bolling's return. And in the
early hours of the next forenoon Mr..
Duncan was reused from a sound sleep
~ the telephone bell to answer the
queries of his chief
Who did that Boiling interview"
vas the question.
Thompson"
well, you put that man at work.
Thirty dollars a week. You ought to
lave had sense enough 10 put him at
work long ago."
So the best two years of Thompson's
life were provided for. Busy years
hey were, years in which he did all
hat newspaper man can for the up
building of his city and of his paper,
ears in which his cheerful helpful
less shone like sun in the dingy
flee of the World-Democrat. From
he copy-boys up to the chief himself,
nd back to the stero-room and the
team-table, every man and the so
lety editor. too, swore by Wilbur
ienry Thompson, and blessed the day
hat brought him to New Orleans.
But as the days went on he grew
'eaker and thinner. His voice was as
heerful but not as strong. his step as
uick but not as firm.
Ae last came day when his desk
as vacant. Duncan was worried.
lalf dozen reporters gathered in one
orner. discussing the absence in low
'nes. A telephone bell rang, and Dun
an answered. A weak voice came to
i'm through the receiver:
Hello! Hello, Duncan? Say, this is
thompson. Well, I'm afraid the two
ears are up. I'm in the hospital.
ice place. Gentlest nurse you ever
Nv. Good-by, Mr.. Duncan! They've
cen fine years to me-"
The city editor dropped his head on
Is arms and cried. He could not help
Nor could any of the others when
ley heard the message
They took up collection hastily.
he chief added to it and Wilbur Hen
: Thompson was rushed to California.
ut it was too late for any lasting
BOD. A month after he reached the