The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-07-12
rAE EplroR,s LAST COPY.

In a drawer of his desk few days after he had
started out long, long trail, found the last
editorial Editor b. c. Ashcroft Of the Monroe IN c.
ENQUIRER The members of his staff reading it. felt
as IL he had paused upon the trial turned round and
delivered message to them his last word before
disappearing down the dim visas of the eternal path
way.
cheerful philosophy of lfe and yet had note Of sad
that brought tears to the for in it the writer
betrayed the fact that he knew death creeping upon
him. The premonton had come warning him of the
grim spectre leaning his shoulder watching per-
haps waiting only for the last line to be written before
snatching him away into the darkness of oblivion.
Writing bravey, with smile perhaps at the last
quips and tear when he thought Of leaving forever
the company Of the loyal men who had worked with
and for him in the long and hard years OF the travail
OF the office, imagine him lingering the
hne crossing the last period folding the copy
lucantly, tendery laying it in the drawer where it
would be found when they to go through his
things and then turning with smile face the
serger and saying: "An right old I'm ready; much
obliged to you for waiting; when"
Because of the inspiration it viii bring to others
reprints the last words OF this brave
listed gentleman who lived his life full and loyalty
fought his battle for the right alone and unap-
plauded On the seclusion Of his day den and who
did his duty he 1t, strengthfuly purposefuly
and unafratd to the last. OF how many is it
that their lives HIS life, quiet unassumins
citizens doing well by their God their country
fellow men, and going down to the grave alone
applauded but secure and happy in the consciousness
OF having kept their little lights burning steadi!
upon their affairs. The manuscript follows:
Many time during the years gone by have
the call of the at the type-settng machine
at the for copy This is my last to that
unstaying call-copy
1.-THE eyes Of him who hangs the copy the hook
after it Is set read the proof for they will be
death dmmed. The hand that wrote 1t will not mari
proof sheet for before 1t that hand
will be cold numb and cunningless in the grave
1.-THE thought Of laying aside my pen-and that for
ever-is staggering one. but there is vince
cry aloud not bit of it. About the best thing to
is to be reconced-and If I not reconced what's
the difference?
WAS your uncle reconciled when he death" q
preacher asked boy whose uncle had died
THE boy replied, Reconced, Hi he had to be-.
NOW this contemplation OF unbuckling the harness
OF quitting the work love. is calculated bring on
sob stuff and It be that you like
read that kind of stuff-but do not like write
For many years have written copy for tn En-
quirer have told OF the successes OF our people
gladly told Of their Joys and It has delight
to chronicle the fact for them the banner
CESS f1oated full that for them bugle OF
victory sounding sharp and clear. Sorrowfully
have told OF grIefs Of people With heavy
and unwilling hand told Of death entering the
homes of people. Of pain, Sickness suffering and
loss coming to the people whose servant have been
way Of furnishing tham With the local But
will talk OF the events good bad, cheering
or sorrow-laden. in community.
II pass my pen to another hand wish I knew
will take my place hOre IN the Enquirer office
might tell him few things that would be of interest If
not of benefit to him.
my work, have intimated, has been pleasant
There been, Of course times OF gloom. The paw