The Morning Star And Catholic Messenger

Self Made Men.--Some time ago one of the leading Northern periodicals commenced the publication of a series of articles purporting to be sketches of the lives of men who, from humble positions, had, by their untiring energy, intelligence and business capacity, risen to the very first positions in the commercial world. Whilst not disposed at present to enter upon a similar course, we yet feel it a duty to give credit where credit is due, and hence, in a few words, we propose to show that New Orleans, whilst certainly behind New York in population and wealth, has business men of whom she may well be proud and whose foresight will eventually raise her to that commanding position which, as Queen city of the Southwest, is justly hers. In the front rank of these we must place our friend, Mr. John Miller. This young gentleman, commencing with a small and unpretending store at the corner of Rousseau and Jackson streets, has in a few years built up such an immense business as to necessitate his removal to his present magnificent store, No. 621 Magazine street. He carried to the building of his fortunes an energy and determination rarely given to man, and these attributes, directed by a ready wisdom, led him rapidly to success. Trusted, by the magnetism of his high integrity, with the interests of thousands, the poise of his well-balanced mind never trembled under the weight of its burden, and his inborn honesty armed him against those temptations which beset the paths of those who, like him, force their way to positions of so much trust. It is impossible, in a short newspaper article, to touch upon all those points of character which, when blended, make up the great secret of success; but, should any one doubt the correctness of those remarks, with which this sketch must close, we would simply refer him to the past history of the Fourth District, where Mr. Miller's small beginning is recorded, and to the splendid store and stock at 621 Magazine street, and, in the contrast, he will find the irrefragible proof.