Patches in the Wrong Place. Don't Crowd.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1625, 1 May 1875, Page 6 (Supplement)

Patches in the Wrong Place.

Don't Crowd.

One of Boston's best known merchants, noted for his shrewdness and penetration, had a test case presented a short time since and came off victorious. As it is an illustration of this millionaire's penetration in great business affairs we give the story here. It appears that the merchant wanted another gardener upon his countryestate, near Boston, and an individual presented himself for that office. ' Understand the business?' 'Yes. been in it for years.' Whom had he lived with last? The applicant mentioned a gentleman the merchant was well acquainted with, stated tha*^ he left for no fault, but that his employer was going to Europe, had sold his estace, and had no further use for him. ' What wages do you expect ?' ' Eighteen dollars a month.' This was astonishingly low for such a promising-looking, sober man. and the shrewd business man rubbed his chin thoughtfully and reflected that it was a bargain lot; but 'wasn't there sonif-thing wrong about it P' His habitual business caution iv this comparatively trifling negotiation did not forsake him. ' Call tomorrow at this time and I will have seen Mr. , your former employer, and give you an answer' The gardener turned and began to walk slowly away: as he did so he displayed two patches on the seat of his pantaloons beneath the line of his roundabout jacket. * Hallo ! here ! j come back here!' called the merchant. ' You needn't apply tomorrow ; I see I shan't want you.' The astonished applicant stammered out something about his knowledge of gardening and eood character, but was cut off by this practical observer. ' Don't want you, sir ; the patches on your breeches are on the ( wrong side. A gardener's breeches ought | to be patched at the knees and not on the j seat. You won't do for me.'

Don't crowd ; the world is large enough For you as well as me; The doors of all are open wide— The realm of thought is free, In all earth's places you are right To chase the best you can— Provided that you do not try To crowd some other man. Don't crowd the good from out your heart By fostering all thats bad, But give to every virtue room— The best that may be had ; To each day's record such a one That you may well be proud ; Give each his right—give eaoh his room, And never try to crowd. Charles Dickens.

A distinguished personage once re* marked to Talleyrand, 'in the.' upper ohamber, at least, are to be found men possessed of a conscience.' 'Conscience !' replied Talleyrand,' to be sure; I know many a peer who has got two.'