The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1922-11-09
A PHILANTHROPIST
By Mr.. j. Il. X.


Some nine years ago, early one foggy
morning, l alighted from an Atlantic
steamer at Ellis Island After the usual
red tape and chemical analysis a poor
migrant has to undergo l secured adj
mission. The gates were flung open and
l was able to enter the inner portals of
the promising land" of which l had
dreamed and longed for.
felt like law student who CLOVIS with
untold prospects when he passes the bar
examination. But wasn't to practise law.
l was purported to be a capable master
of the-yes, shovel and pick, if you please.
l had to get start you know. Of course,
l had, like all optimists further visualized
hopes.
Here in pause inspired deep breath
of the new surrounding atmosphere. 1t
gave me rather pleasing taste, but it
warned me that l stood on foreign land
with different standards of life. A life
that would be in many respects novel to
me. My native tongue and conventional
tiles would be of little use, regardless of
how much had struggled to acquire them,
I should tuck them in the bottom of my
trunk
AS cast glance about me l realized
that was in strange land. There were
no familiar faces of chums, playmates,
or beloved folks to see. In fact, not a
single soul knew to depend upon or even
to speak to in my native language. was
alone and alone had l to face the world.
AS l wandered up the street l stepped
upon scale and the indicator pointed at
112H pounds. l remember this distinctly
because when got off the scale patheti-
cally remarked: "What nerve Going
out to meet life for myself while but a
mere bundle of a boy" This was con-
irmed upon entering lunch room and
facing a large mirror.
In reality l could not resist becoming
emotional. l could see tears rolling down
On my cheeks. Right there l realized my
blunder. However, to return was not feast
BILE for my purse contained only $3.50
/ picked up my suit case in one hand and
in the other my convenient lexicon q had
to have it handy at all times) and pro-
ceeded on my way. When the power of
locomotion began to show signs of weak
ness, 1 said within myself: "You have
to brace up and be courageous, as you
were in your determination on deciding this
journey, in order to head for your destiny"
l assembled the black horse for Milwau-
kee. Doubtless l looked very gloomy for
dear gray-haired lady, sitting opposite,
was moved with compassioh8-- She came
and seated herself by me and as we con-
versed L told her my story. "Poor little
boy" she remarked in a motherly, appeal
ing soft voice and low tone, "Don't you
feel all alone?" l lifted up my eyes and
with smile replied: 81 did, Madam
before you came"
How much her sympathetic expression
and kind interest meant to me- / felt like
l had been reborn. "Gee!, l murmured.
thousands of miles away, still here's a
mother who cares"
Come and meet my two sons" she said.
They also showed their kindly hospitality,
which rekindled my dying spirit.
Space does not permit to state all they
did for me consequently confne my mar
rative to briefness. By this synopsis l
hope you will receive some idea of my
theme. My assertions that my newly
adopted country is "a land flowing with
milk and opportunities, if not With honey"
was fulfilled by my rapid progress.
Money, friends, you say! Why, it
seemed wherever / turned I met friend.
But, as we all know that the road of life
is full of ups and downs and can not be