COLUMSIA DEMOCRAT.
1 have sworn upon tUo Altar of God, eternal hostility to every form of Tyranny over the Blind of Man." Thomas Jeffernon
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY II. WEBB.
Uunc VI.
JSIiOORISBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY, FA. SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1842.
Number 11.
Till
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PERSEVERANCE.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.
iw far is it from here to the sun,
asked Harman Lee of his father's
tice James Wallace, in a tono of
albery, intending by tho question to
louio reply that would exhibit )he
ignorance.
les Wallace, a boy of fourteen turned
ight intelligent eyes upon the son of
ister, and, after regarding him for a
nt, he replied,
on't know Harman. How far is ill
:re was something so honest and
;t in the tone of the boy, that much
rman had felt at first disposed tt sport
his Ignorance he could not refrain from
him o true answer. Still his con
for the ignorant aonientico was not to
ncealcd, and he replied,
nety-five millions of miles, you igno
es did not retort, but repeating over
mind the distanco named, fixed
bly upon his memory.
the same evening, after he had finish.
day's work, he obtained a small lex
on astronomy.which belonged to Har-
Lee, and went up into his garret with
die, and there alone, attempted to dive
he mysteries of that sublimo scienco
read, the earnestness ef his attention
nearly every fact upon his mind. So
was he, that lie perceived net the
ge of time, and was only called back
consciousness of where he was, bv the
en sinking of the wick of his candle
he melted mass of tallow tint had fill
c cup f his candlestick. In another
ent he was in total darkness. The cry
e watchman told him that the honrs
down, until it was past ten o'clock
owly undressing himself in his dark
ber, his mind recurring with a strong
!8t to what he had been reading, h
town upon his hard bed, and gave full
to his thoughts. Hour after hou
id away, but he could net Bleep, so ab
d was he in receiving tho new and
deiful things that he had read. At last
ied nature gave way, and he fell off
a slumber, filled with dreams of plan
boons, comets, nnd fixed stars.
n the next morning, the apprentice boy
ed iiis placo at the workbench with
feeling; and with this feeling was rain
one of regret, that he could not go to
ol as did his master's son.
ut I can study at night, while he is a
,' ho said to himself.
ist then Harman Lee came into the
, and approaching James, said, for th
oso of teasing him.
low big round is tho earth, Jim?'
wenty five thousand miles,' was th
npt answer.
arman looked surprised for a moment
then responded with a sneer for h
not a kind-hearted boy, but oh the con
very stlfiuh, and disposed to injti
cr than do guod to others
3 dear ! How wonderful wiso you are
no doubt you can tell how man
ma Jubitcr hab? Come, let's hear!'
ubiter has four moons,' Jamee answer.
liia
d, with something of exultation in
tones.
And no doubt you can tell how many
rings it has!'
'Jubitei has no rings. Saturn has rings,
and Jubitcr belts, replied James in a deci
ive lone.'
For a momont or two.Harman was silent
with surprise and mortification, to think
at his father's apprentice, whom he es
teemed so far below hi ill, should be pos-
essed ofknowledge equal to his, on the
oints in reference to which he had chosen
to question him; and that he should be able
o convict him of an error into which he
had purposely fallen.
'I should like to know how Ions it i
since you became so wonderful wise?
Harman at length said with a sneer.
'Not very long.' James replied, calmly
have been reading one of your books on
astronomy.'
-Well, you re not going to havo my
books, mister, I can tell you ! Anyhow
should like to know what business you
have to touch one of them? Let me catch
ou at it again, and see if 1 don't cuff you
soundly 1 You'd better a great deal, be
minding your work.'
But I didn't neglect my work, Harman
read at night, after I was done my work.
And I didn't hurt your book.'
I don't care if you did'nt hurt it. You're
not going to havo my books, I can tell you
So do you just lot them alone.'
Poor Jame's heart sank in his bosom, at
the unexpected obstacle thrown so suddenly
n his way. He had no money of his own
to buy, and knew of no one of whom he
could borrow the book that had all at oneo
became necessary to his happiness.
'Do, Harman,' he said.appealingly, 'lend
me the book. I will take good care of it.'
No, I won't. And dou' you dare lo
touch il !' was t)iu angry reply.
James Wallace knew well enough Ihe
selfish disposition of his master's son, older
linn him two or three vears,to be convinced
that there was now but little hope of his
having the use of his books except by
stcaltli. Anu irom that ins naturally open
and honest principles revolted. All day he
thought earnestly over the means whereby
he should bo able to obtain a book on as
tronomy, to quench tho ardent thirst that
had been created in his mind. And night
came without any satisfactory answer being
obtained to the earnest inquiries of his own
thoughts.
Ho was learning the trade of a blindma
ker. Having been already an apprentice
for two years, and being industrious and
intelligent, he had acquired a readiness with
tools and much skill in some parts ef hi
trade. While sitting alone, after he had
finished his work for tho day, his mind
searching about for some means whereby
ho could get books, it occurred to him that
he might, byworking in tho evening, earn
some money, and with it buy such as he
wanted. But in what manner to (urn his
work into money, he knew not. It finally
occuired to him, that, in passing a hoiis
near the shop, he frequently observed a pair
of window blinds with faded hanging: end
soiled colors.
'Perhaps.' he said to himself, 'if I would
do it cheap, they would let mo paint, and
put new hangings to their blinds.'
The thought was scarcely suggested
when he was on his feet, meing toward
the street. In a few minutes, he stood
knocking at the door of the house, which
was soon opened.
'Well, my liula man, what do you want!'
was the kind saluation of tho individual who
answered ihn call.
James now felt confused, and stammered
out,
'The hangings of your blinds are a good
deal faded.1
'That's a very true remark, my little
man,' wrs the reply, made in an encourag
ing tono.
And they want painting, badly.'
Also very true, 'said tho man with a good
humored smile, for he felt amutcd with tho
boy's earnest manner, k novelty of speech.
'Would'nt you like to have thom painted
and new hangings put to them?' pursued
James.
I donjt know. It would certainly im
provo them very much.'
i0, yes sir. They would look just liko
new. And lfynu will let me' do them, 1
will fix them all up nice for you, cheap.'
Will you, indeed?' .-But what is your
name and where do you live!'
My name is James Wallace, and I live
with Mr. Lee, the blind-maker.'
'Do you indeed? Well, how much will
you charge for painting them, and putting
on new hangings?'
'1 will lo it for two dollars, sir. The
hangings and tassels will cost me three
quarters of a dollar, and tho paint and vam-
i8ii a quarter more. Anu it will lalic me
two or three evening, besides getting up
very early in the morning to work for. Mr,
Lee, so that I can paint and varnish them
when the sun shines''
'2?ttt will Mr- Lee let you do his?'
'I don't know, sir. But I will ask
him.'
Very well, mv little man. If Mr. Lee
does not object I am willing.'
James ran baek to the house, and found
Mr. Leo standing in the door. Much to
his delight, his request was granted. Four
days from that time he possestcd a book of
his own and had half a dollar with which
to bur somo other volume when ie
should have thoroughly mastered the con
tents of that. Every night found him nor
ing over mis boois, anu so soon as it was
light enough in the morning to see, he was
up and reading.
Of course there was much in it that he
coald pot uiiderstandt and many terms ilia
defied all his effort? ahuveomparisnns, of the
context lo undergtaridi, To help him in this
difficulty, he purchased with his remaining
half a dollar, at aseennd'hand book stall, a
dictionary. By the aid of this he acquired
the information he sought, much more rap
dly. But the more he read, tho broade
the unexplored expanse of knowledge sp
peared to open before him Ho did not
however give way lo feelings of discourage.
ment, but steadily devoted every evening
and an hour every morning, to study while
all through tho day his mind was ponder
ing over the things he had read, as his hand
were diligently employed in the labor as
signed him.
It occurred just at this time, Hut a num
of benevolent individuals established, in the
town where James lived, one of thoso ex
cellent institutions, an Apprentices Library
To this he at once applied and obtained
tho books he needed. Instead, however
of resorting to the library for more books of
amusement he borrowed only those from
which he could obtain the rudiments
learning, such an text books of science.
He early felt the necessity from hay.
ing read a book on Astronomy, with
strong desiro to master its contents, for
mathematical knowledgo, and in the effort
to acquire this he first commonccd studying
for he had no preceptor to guide him
a work on Geometry, In working out
problems, he used a pair of shop compasses
with a pointed quill upon one of the prongs.
And thus, all alone in his garret, frequently
until midnight, none dreaming of his devo
tion to the acquirement of knowledge did
the poor apprentico boy lay the foundation
of future eminence and usefulness. Vo
cannot trace his course, step by step,
through a long series of seven years, though
it would afford many lessons of persever
ance and triil m ph over almost insurmounta
ble difficulties. But at twenty-one he was
master nl his trade: and; what was more,
had laid up a vast amount of general and
scientific informaion' lie was well read
in history. Had studied thorough tly tho
science of Astronomy, for which he ever
retained a lively affection, Was familiar
with mathematical principles, and could
readily solve the most difficult Geometri
cal and Algebraic problems, His Geo
graphical knowledge was minute; and to
this ho added tolerably correct information
in regard to tho manners and customs of
different nations: To natural history he
had also given much attention. But with
all his varied acquitcments, James Wallace
felt, on attaining tho age of manhood,that ho
knew, comparatively, but little.
Let us turn now, for a few moments, to
mark tho progress which tho young student
in one of the best seminaries in his native
village and afterwards at college, had made
Like too many tradesman, whose honest in
dustry and steady perseverance have gained
them a competence, Mr Leo felt indispos
ed to givo his son a trade, or to subject him
to the same restraints "aad disciplino in
youth to which he had been subjected. He
felt ambitions for him, and detcrmned to
oducate him for one of the learned profes
sions. To this end he sent him to school
early, and provided for him tho very best
of instruction.
Tho idea that he was to be a lawyer or
a docter, soon took possession of the mind
of Harman, and this caused him to feel con
tempt for other boys who were merely de
signed fo- trades, or store-keepers,
Liko too many others, he had no lore
for learning, nor any right appreciation of
its legitimate uses. To bo a lawyer, ho
thought would be much moro honorable,
than to be a mere mechanic; anil for this
reason alone, as far as ho had any thoughts
on the subject, did he desire to be a law
yer. As for James Wallace, he as the
poor illiterate apprentice of his
father, was most heartly despised, and
never treated by Harman with the smallest
degree of kind consideration.
At the age of eighteen, he was sent away
to ono of tho eastern universities, and there
remained except, during the semi-annual
vacations until he was twenlv years of
age; when he graduated, and came home
with-llie honorary tide of A- -B. jAi this
jimo James Wallace Was between "seven
teen and eighteen years of age, somewhat
roush in his appearance, but with a sound
mind in a souud body although each day
he regularly toiled at the workbench; and
a regularly returned to his books when
evening released him fromlabor,Siwas up a
peep of day, to lay the first offerings of his
mind upon tho thrino. of learning But all
devotion to the acquirement of knowlgode
won for him no sympathy, no honorabl
estimation from his master's son. II
despised these patient, persevering eflorls
as much as he despised his condition as an
apprentice to a trader Hut it was not
many years before others began loperceive
the contrast between them, although on th
very day that James completed his term of
apprenticeship, Harman was addmittcd to
tho bar
The ono completed his education so far
as general knowledge, and a rigid disciplin
of the mind was concerned when he left
college The othur became more really
the student, when ihe broader and brigther
light of rationality shone clearly on his path
way, as he passed the threshold ol manhood
James still bontinued to work at his trade
but not for so many hours each day, as
while he was an apprentices. He was a good
and fast workma.i, and could readily earn
all that ha required for his suppoit in six or
eight hours of every twenty four. Eight
hours were regularly devoted to study. From
some cause, ho determined that he would
make law his profession. To the acquire
ment of a knowledge of legal matters, ihero
he bent all the energies of a well diciplincd
active and comprehensive mind. Two
years passed away in an untiring devotion
to the studies he had assigned himself, and
he then made application for admission to
the bar
Who were admitted yesterday' asked
ed Harman Lee, the day after Wallace had
passed his examination, addressing a fcllo
member of the bar.
Some half a dozen, and among them
sturdy young fellow that nobody ever heard
of before.
'Indeed! Well, what kind of an exam
ination did he make?
A good one The Judges tried thoir
best with hi:n, but ho seemed furnished at
every point. lie is said to bo a young me
o hanio, who has thus qualified himself in
the time that ho could spare from the labors
of his handicraft, by which he has suppos
ed himself.'
'A mechanic! Pah! The whole court
room will smell of leather or linseed oil, I
suppose, after this. Did you learn his
name?'
'James Wallace, I believe he is called.
James Wallace! Are you surel'
'Yes that was it. Do you know him!
You look sufficiently surprised to Know him
twice over
'My father had an apprentice by that
name who affected to be very fond ef books
but surely it can't be him.'
'I am sure that I don't know. But thero
comes a client for you, I suppose.'
As the latter sptke, a man entered tho
office and asked for Mr. Lee
'That is my name sir,' said Lee, bowing.
'Take a chair.'
The stranger seated himself, and after a,
moment's pause,said.
I wish you to attend to a case for mo.
I have been sued this morning, as executor
f an estate, and tho claim set up is a very
mportant one.'
The whole easo was then stated, with au
exhibition of various documents. After
Lee had come lo understand fully its merits
he asked who was tho lawyer of the claimants
A young ftllow only admitted yesterday
by the name of Wallace. I am told he has
it in charge He was however consulted
some months ago and his services retained
to become active at this time,
Lee turned lo his friend with a smile and.
remarket!
'So il seems that I am doomed first to
come in conlact with this young mechanic,
Quickon thn faeftf OnlVj
admitted yesterday, and to-day pushing--on
a raojt important suit. But Pll cool him
off, I'm thinftmg.'
'You must do your best sir, for there is
much at stake,' said the eliant.
Rely upon that. But don't give your-
self a moment's uneasiness. A few year
experience at the bar is always enough to
set aside your new beginners.
I wonder if it can be fathers old ap
prentice?' the lawyer remarked, alter his
client had gone.
,Il's as likely as not, his mends said.
But wouldn't it be a joke, if he gained tho
suit over you?'
!Never fear that!
'Well, we shall sec!' laughingly replied
his friend.
On the next day, James Wallace took
his seat among ihe members of the bar anj
marked with a keen interest, and an air of
intelligence, all'lhat passed. One or two
of the lawyers noticed him kindly but the
majority Lee among them regarded him
with coldness and distance. But nothing of
this affected him, if, indeed, he nolioed it at
all.
The cause which he had been retained,
and which proved to be the first in which,
he took an active and prominent position in
the court room, came up within a week, for
all parties interested in the result were anx
ious for it to come to trial, and theiofore no
legal obstacles were thrown in the way
There was a profound silence, and a
marKed attention and interest, when tho
young stranger arose in the court room to
open tho case, A smile of contempt as
he did so, curled the lip of Harman Lee.bnt
Wallace saw it not. The prominent points
of the case were presented in a plain, but
concise language, to the court; and a few
remarks bearing upon ihe merits of the quo
being made, Ihe young lawyer took his
scat, and gave room for Uia defence like,
wise to define their posilinu.
Instantly Harmon Lee was on his feet,
and began referring to tho points presented
by his 'very learned brother,' in a flippant,
contemptuous manner. Thero were thoso
present who marked the lighl that kindled
in the eye of 7rullaco, and the flush that
nassed over his countenance, t Ihe first con
temptuous word and tono that were uttered
by his antagonist at tho bar, lliosd soou
gavo place to attention, and on ait of con-