The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-11
Poverty to Affluence

From the Galveston News.
 In the great freight yard small boy was picking up chunks of coal with greater less display of energy.
 He was not a large boy. His hair need ed cutting badly. and ever and anon he would drag the sleeve of his ragged shlrt across his nose, much as a bass violinist operates upon his resounding dog house.
 The coal he had gathered was in the end of long sack which he trained upon the ground as he walked.
 Between the rows of sealed freight cars he passed the cinders having less effect upon the soles of his bare feet than they would have had on a rubber buggy tire, and presently emerged at a clearing, as it were, through which ran a short spur of track. On the track was private and Palatial car
 The little parkway in which the car stood showed that careful attention had been given it by some devoted yardmas- ter seeking promotion. Grass was grow ing nicely upon it. and it was surrounded by tasteful border of old coupling pins. In cleared spots in the grass grew:
 One verbena. rather young.
 Two fat-headed sunfiowers
 One small cedar tree
 The car was a beauty. This was cor rect, for it belonged to the first vice pres ident and general manager and general superintendent of the east and west lines of the Mud Creek, Squirt Valley and Ac- cidental railway.
 The First V. P A. G. NJ and G. S. O. T. F. and W. l.. sat upon the observation end of his car and observed He had observed that most of the cars were Mrs; that most of the rolling stock had octagon-shaped wheels and that the yardmaster was playing pinochle with the switchman in the latter's shanty, which needed paint badly.
 Although he was smoking a large cigar with gold band on it, the official was not happy. Not only were things appar- ently going to the tarnation bow-wows. but the cook had put garlic in his soup, and garlic was a plebian vegetable, and ne felt debased.
 lie also observed the little boy. f1is occupation was not lost upon him Calling to him, the official reached over and lifted the child to cainr chair beside him and questioned him.
 'Gh huh,' said the official; caught you, have ]? ?'' The child smiled. | Not yet" he said, "Ill carry it tc the supreme court if necessary" The official started.
 You will admit that you've been stealing coal" he said
 Not at all,p the little boy said with dignity; "I have the coal, it is true but In matters connected with rail- road 1t Is wise to never admit any | thing"
 Putting his fat hands upon his fat knees the official stared at the child His face shone with excitement
 Do you know whose coal that is?' he demanded. The little boy smiled again.
 "No, sir" he said simply; neither | tha a,-l1 .. It seems to be lost"
 Then why isn't it found?" the rail- road man inquired The boy shook his head.
 "The wrong man probably needs it, he suggested. Its a matter for the management to settle" The official rose | to his feet.
 Son." he said, you are wasted on Q job like picking up chunks of coal ! in a freight yard. l will place you al the head of our legal department We have a man there, but he's n g. He tried to learn the exact meaning of the word differential and it ruined him."
 Thank you, sir" said the boy proudly; q can but do my best, though young"
 That's all right" said the official Tots of railroad attorneys have col lege pennants hung up In their offices You'll make good. never fear. Have a cigar"
 And the little boy, drawing deer whiffs of the fragrant Havana, look ed back upon what he could remember oi his 10 years of life. and marveled that this could be the same boy-the same agged urchin that had made a living since he could remember by selling railroad yard coal to whomsoever would buy, and his soul swelled within him "I'll have car like this next year, he said. And the expense accounts oi the legal department next year showed | that he was a true prohpet.