The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-09-19
THE OBSERVATORY.

Eastern newspapers recently re-
ceived the announcement of the death
OF man of some prominence in the
business world The news set me
thinking as to what some men will
barter to get riches. My home was
in one of the Rocky Mountain cities
and | was visiting in a city OF the
Middle West, when l was asked if |
knew this man who has just died. 1t
so happened that | did, and was on
board of trust with him. | mentioned
reputation in my city. l mentioned
the fact that he was a member of one
Of the city churches and big mine
owner. The gentleman talking with
me somewhat surprised me by his
reply, as | had not supposed he had
any particular knowledge of the man.
He said, big mine owner! Member
of prominent church, He once had
his home in this city, owns much
property here now, and one of Our
newspapers; but he could not get
membership in any church in this
place! The declaration coming un-
| awares startled, but | must confess
| did not surprise me, when l knew he
was we'll known in that city. What
was the fact? AS all names and places
are withheld | think l may properly
state what l believe to be the simple
| facts.
In that Middle Western city there
was a group of men who had invested
in mining property somewhere this
way, and became anxious about it, and
desiring some scientific expert thought
they found such in man connected
with an educational institution, and
sent him out to investigate. He went,
inspected, counselled delay, explora-
ton and later, reported his doubts as
to the property becoming paying
project. This confirmed the already
sceptical investors and several were
glad to sell their holdings for mere
song, which went on till majority of
the stock had left the control of that
group. Then when reports began to
:ome that new values had been un-
covered and that the mine would un-
doubtedly prove rich one; when ti-S
next annual meeting was held it came
out that "the scientific man" whom
they had sent to investigate, had Sc
cretly bought up the control of the
stock, and now took its management
into his own mands, and blossomed
out as a shrewd business man, and be-
gan to ally himself with religious and
educational efforts in the mine region.
And while his business position and
command of money let him into many
circles, | knew that he was spoken
lightly of by many of his associates.
| And one OF them told me that on one
occasion a boy in a certain school
in which he was interested got into
some sort OF scrape, and this big
mine owner" undertook with much
self-assurance to talk with the lad and
try to recall him from devious ways,
and during the interview proposed to
pray with the boy. But the latter knew
all too we'll the reputation of the big
man, and afterwards told Of the in
terview sneeringly. 1t is said that
the ostrich will bury its head in the
sand and imagine its ungainly body
is hidden. 1t sometimes seems to
me that the covetous schemes of some
persons so dwarf their other faculties
that they are blind to what almost
every one else sees about them.
This man whom | am writing about
had abundant means at his disposal
with which he might found a school
if he desired; but being trustee of ar
educational institution founded with
other peoples money for the express