From Canal Boy to President | Page 6

You have no idea of the
hardships of his life."
"I am used to hardships, and I am not afraid of hard work. But you
seem disappointed, mother. What have you thought of for me?"
"I have hoped, James, that you might become a learned man, perhaps a
college professor. Surely that would be better than to be a common
sailor."
"But I wouldn't stay a common sailor, mother. I would be a captain
some time."
I suppose there is no doubt that, had James followed the sea, he would
have risen to the command of a ship, but the idea did not seem to
dazzle his mother.
"If you go to sea I shall lose you," said his mother. "A sailor can spend
very little time with his family. Think carefully, my son. I believe your
present fancy will be short-lived, and you will some day wonder that
you ever entertained it."
Such, however, was not the boy's idea at the time. His mother might
have reason on her side, but it takes more than reason to dissipate a

boy's passion for the sea.
"You speak of my becoming a scholar, mother," he said, "but there
doesn't seem much chance of it. I see nothing but work as a carpenter,
or on the farm."
"You don't know what God may have in store for you, my son. As you
say, there seems no way open at present for you to become a scholar;
but if you entertain the desire the way will be open. Success comes to
him who is in earnest."
"What, then, do you want me to do, mother! Do you wish me to stay at
home?"
"No, for there seems little for you to do here. Go to Cleveland, if you
like, and seek some respectable employment. If, after a time, you find
your longing for the sea unconquered, it will be time to look out for a
berth on board ship."
James, in spite of his earnest longing to go to sea, was a reasonable boy,
and he did not object to his mother's plan. The next morning he tied his
slender stock of clothing in a small bundle, bade a tearful good-bye to
his mother, whose loving glances followed him far along his road, and
with hope and enthusiasm trudged over a hard road to Cleveland, that
beautiful city, whither, nearly forty years afterward, he was to be
carried in funereal state, amid the tears of countless thousands. In that
city where his active life began, it was to finish.
A long walk was before him, for Cleveland was seventeen miles away.
He stopped to rest at intervals, and it was not until the sun had set and
darkness enveloped the town that he entered it with weary feet.
He betook himself to a cheap boarding-place whither he had been
directed, and soon retired to bed. His fatigue brought him a good night's
sleep, and he woke refreshed and cheered to look about him and decide
upon his future plans.
Cleveland does not compare in size with New York, Philadelphia, or

Boston, and thirty-five years ago it was much smaller than now. But
compared with James' native place, and the villages near him, it was an
impressive place. There were large business blocks, and handsome
churches, and paved streets, and a general city-like appearance which
interested James greatly. On the whole, even if he had to give up going
to sea, he thought he might enjoy himself in such a lively place as this.
But of course he must find employment.
So he went into a store and inquired if they wanted a boy.
"What can you do?" asked the storekeeper, looking at the boy with his
countrified air and rustic suit.
"I can read, write, and cipher," answered James.
"Indeed!" said the storekeeper smiling. "All our boys can do that. Is
that all you can do?"
James might have answered that he could chop wood, work at
carpentering, plant and harvest, but he knew very well that these
accomplishments would be but little service to him here. Indeed, he
was rather puzzled to know what he could do that would earn him a
living in a smart town life Cleveland. However, he didn't much expect
to find his first application successful, so he entered another store and
preferred his request.
"You won't suit us," was the brusque reply. "You come from the
country, don't you?"
"Yes, sir."
"You look like it. Well, I will give you a piece of advice."
"What is that, sir?"
"Go back there. You are better suited to country than the city. I daresay
you would make a very good hand on a farm. We need different sort of
boys here."

This was discouraging. James didn't know why he would not do