side one hangs the epaulets of an English general, beside another a
commission to the English parliament, neatly embossed, while
many of them, although not bearing the explanatory label, could
be distinguished by the characteristic stamp of the renowned
family.
It had always been Mr. Clinton’s wish for Fred, the youngest
brother, to perpetuate this distinguished family line, and it was.
understood that James should manage the estate, since he was.
less assuming and not so ambitious as his junior brother.
It thus became settled in the mind of the father that Fred should
receive a complete education. He was four years younger than
James, and, being the baby of the family, became the idol of the
home. Fie inherited none of the milder traits of his father’s
character, but was possessed with the same inflexible, iron will.
Fie was obstinate, headstrong and morose, besides he had a tem
per which every one feared. When he set his mind for anything
it was next to useless to argue with him, and thus the family
gradually became to regard his decisions as final.
But on the other hand he was gifted by nature with such
oratorical talents and such marked characteristics of a party
leader that his father urged him to choose law as his profession.
With this marked talent in his favor he grew to be a favorite
in society, for no recital or entertainment was deemed complete
without the participation of Fred Clinton. He was quick to
analyze every situation, and with his keen, shrewd, scheming ways
was able to obtain the money so necessary to bring him into and
keep him in society circles. His polished speech and keenness to
understand human nature so completely enabled him to conceal
his baser traits, and act in such a manner that those who were not
intimately acquainted with him would fain believe him to be other
than a real gentleman. However, it was this better side of his
son’s nature that influenced the father to educate him. He was
quick to learn, and his father hoped that a classical education
would do much to eradicate his vices and develop in him a desire
to rise to political prominence.