OCR Text |
Show Two Rich Men's Boys Every Jewish child, no matter how rich the parents may be, is taught a trade. A year or two ago a daughter of one of the Rothschilds graduated at the Normal School of Paris. She received a diploma which certified to her fitness to teach in any school in France. Of course, she will not use it, seeing she will inherit millions of francs, but the principle which led to her gaining that diploma is one that Christian parents should adhere to in educating their children. One of the blessed legacies of the "hard times" is that many young men and young women were thereby compelled to support themselves. Some years ago, there lived in New York City, Peter Embury and Philip Hone. Both were rich men and had become so by their own industry. Hone was one of the elite of the city, and lived in magnificent style. He had several sons. They were "good fellows," but their "great expectations," aided by the indulgence of their generous father, indisposed them to active business life. Mr. Embury was a plain old-fashioned man, and lived in a wholesome but simple style. His boys were brought up to work and support themselves. One day the two fathers talked over their boys. "Friend Embury," said Mr. Hone, "why is it that your boys are all smart and hard-working, while mine are good for nothing except to spend money?" "Well, Philip," replied Mr. Embury, "you are fashionable, and move in fashionable society. You have brought up your children in that school. Like other rich men you had the mistaken idea of educating them to be "gentlemen." "They lived with you. On your table were the choicest wines and around it the choicest company. The remained at the table for hours, drinking healths, instead of tending to business. You taught them to do nothing and to spend money. It is not strange that they are what they are." "I see it my friend," replied Mr. Hone; "but how did you train your children? You, too, are a rich man, and your sons know it." "I brought up my sons to work," answered Mr. Embury, "and to take care of themselves. They all board at home and they pay their board every week, just as if they were strangers. "If they need money I hand it to them and take their notes for the amount. When the notes are due they pay them. I don't let, the fact that (unreadable) rich father preven them from supporting themselves. "I live on good but plain food. Wine or liquor is never seen on my table. My boys have not, therefore, acquired drinking habits. I am not fashionable. I move in good society, but I live in no style. I ? honesty and goodness and self reliance in my boys by my own example. I began life without a penny and took care of myself. I intend my boys shall know how to support themselves before they have any of my money to spend." "Friend Hone, if you would rectify the mistakes you have made in educating your boys, you must begin by teaching them to be industrious, and to take care of themselves." "I know you are right, my old friend," said Mr. Hone, with much emotion. "But your advice comes too late for me to profit by it. I have made a failure in my family." And the magnificent old gentleman turned sadly away. Perhaps there are readers of the Companion to whom Mr. Embury's example may be stimulating and instructive. It may be humiliating to our national pride, but we fear that no country can show so many "family failures" as ours -especially of late years.- Youth's Companion. |