Oxford Democrat

THREE PUBLIC MEN.

During Gen. Grant's recent visit to Philadelphia, a singular incident occurred, which would be possible in no country but our own, and from which our boys and girls can draw a significant lesson.

Gen. Grant received a grand public ovation. Over sixty thousand men formed in line to pay the honor which they thought due to an ex-President, a great soldier, and a man who had received welcome from the sovereigns of the world as the representative American.

Forty years ago, as the son of a poor tanner, the man for whom this great ovation was made, was earning "fips" and "levys" by carting wood in a Western village.

In the state carriage with Gen. Grant, under the escort of the procession, was seated the Mayor of Philadelphia, and Mr. George W. Childs. Mr. Childs is a man whose shrewdness and honesty in business have made him, probably, the most successful newspaper publisher in the country, and whose public spirit and generosity have found him friends among the best men in England and America.

Forty years ago Mr. Childs was a friendless boy, peddling peanuts from a street stand.

The Mayor of Philadelphia, Samuel Stokley, is a man whom all political parties respect. Since his appointment to office he has brought his whole authority and influence to bear on the prevention of crime, especially by abolishing low variety theatres and indecent and flashy publications for the young. Probably thousands of boys and girls owe their rescue from ruin to the honest efforts of this man.

Mr. Stokley, thirty years ago, was a lad in a little cake shop, making walnut taffy for his livelihood.

These three men feel an honest pride in recurring to the poverty and hardship from which they have made their way to wealth, high positions, and influence. Every boy in the United States, with ability, industry, and good principles, has the same open road to honor and usefulness which they had.