Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 August 1889 — Philanthropy a Big Thing Sometimes. [ARTICLE]

Philanthropy a Big Thing Sometimes.

“Ha, ha !” said Bob, throwing down his morning paper. “What struck you?” asked Frank. “Oh, an item that I read.” “What was it ?” “That one,” pointing to one which chronicled how a farmer in Kansas set out three miles of peach trees iu the fence corners of his farmer, so that the hungry and thirsty travelers should have something* to eat as they drove along. “Well, there is nothing to smile at in that,” said Frank. “No.” ““Of course not. I think it betokens a kind heart in the breast of the old farmer.” “A kind heart? Yes. But not a sound head. It reminds me of a similar case by an old Ohio crank when I was a boy. He did the same thing, only on a smaller scale. His farm had a road on the north and west side—altogether about a mile and a half. The trees set out were alternately an apple, a peach, and a cherry. I tell you he anticipated giving the traveler a bonanza while going bv his place.” “Yes?” “But it didn’t work.” “Why not?” “Weil, I was a poor devil in those days, and had to do anything to turn a penny, honest or otherwise.” '“Well?” “I formed a partnership -with a fruit -dealer in town, and picked nearly all die fruit at night, and carried it in and sold it in shares. Made about fifty dollars on the transaction, and had the fun into the bargain. Oh, I tell you this philanthropic racket is a big thing sonletimes —for somebody. Yes, the travelers got left.” — Wasp.