, 1923-01-25

Last week marked the 217th an
~niversary of the birth of Benjamin.
Franklin. H. O. Bishop writing II
The National Republican gives US Z
very interesting sketch of Americas
most versatile genius:
Delve intb the history OF Benjamin
Franklin and you will surely come ia
the conclusion that he was just about
the most versatile man the country
has eve produced. The 18th day Of
the present month will be the eth
anniversary Of his birth.
Franklin might we'll be termed the
daddy Of the leaders of the Revolu.
tionary period. He was . ma Of 20
when Washington raj born. and 81
when Thomas Jefferson made his
earthly debut. He was M old man
of 70 when he affixed mis- signature
to the Declaration Of Independence.
In selecting his parents Franklin
made q first class choice. His faith
er was a great believer in children,
and reared II Of them; seven by his
first wife and 10 by the second.
BENJAMIN was number eight In the
second flock.
Franklin gives this interesting de-
scription Of his parents: my father
had an excellent constitution OF
body, vas of middle stature, but we'll
set, and very strong. He was in
genious, could draw prettily, was
skilled a little in music, and had q
clear, pleasing voice, so that when
he played psalm tunes on his violin
and sung withal, as he sometimes
did in an evening after the business
of the day was over, 1t was extreme
L. III - I4@. H. - @
chanical genius, 90, and on occasion,
tradesmen's tools; but his great ex-
cellence lay in a sound understand
ing and solid Judgment in prudential
matters, both in private and public
affairs. In the latter, indeed, he
was never employed, the numerous
family he had to educate and the
straitness of his circumstances keep
ing him close to his trade. But I
remember we'll his being frequently
visited by leading people,. who con-
suited him for his opinion in affairs
of the town or of the church he be-
longed to. and showed a good deal of
respect for his judgment and advice.
He was also much consulted by priv
ate persons about their affairs when
any difficulty occurred, and fire.
Quently chosen an arbitrator be-
tween contending parties. At his
table he liked to have. rs often n
he could. some sensible friend OF
neighbor to with. and al
ways took car to start some in
genious or useful topic for discourse.
which might tend to improve the
minds Of his children. BY this
means he turned our attention to
what was good, Just and prudent In
the conduct OF life; and little or no
notice was ever taken of what re-
lated to the v%ictuals On the table,
whether 1t was well or i'll dressed, in
or out of season. OF good or bad
flavor, preferable or inferior to this
or that other thing of the kind. SO
that I was brought up in such a per-
feet inattention to those matters as
food was set before me. and SO un-
observant OF 1t that in this day II I
am asked I a scarce tell a few
hours after dinner what I dined up
on. This has been a convenience to
me in travelling. where my compan-
ions have been sometimes very un-
hanpy for want OF a suitable Eratifi-
eai!on OF ;fais more dolisate. 5asaiss
better instructed. tastes and appe-
titles.
A Tributc to His Parents
my mother had likewise an ex-
cellent constitution. She sucked all
her 10 children. I never knew eth
er my father or mother to have any
sickness but that OF which they died.
he At 80 and she at IS years Of age.
They lie buried together At Boston.
where I some years since placed .
marble over their grave. with this
inncriptiOn: