Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 193, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1916 — Chicagoan Makes Costly Experiment in Honesty [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Chicagoan Makes Costly Experiment in Honesty

HICAGO. —Time was when A. W. Kaney was a trusting, confiding person w ho V believed that in every human heart there is a pay-streak- of honesty. Mr. Kaney lost his wallet:. In it were papers and some $125. So he inserted an

advertisement in the newspapers, as follows: “A TEST OF HUMAN NATURE — The writer of this believes in the basic honesty of humanity. Sometime Tuesday night he lost a billfold containing about $125. He does not need the money, does not want it, but desires above all things to have it returned to stop the jeers of scoffing friends who do not hold his opinion. If the finder will return the purse to room. 328 Hotel Sherman, Jie will not only save

my peace of mind but will be rewarded beyond every expectation. A few nights later, Mr. Kaney was dressing in his room at the Sherman preparatory to going out. There came a rap on the door. Opening it, Mr. Kanev found there a blond youth of cherubic countenance and confiding mien. "He asked me,” said Mr. Kaney, “if I would gije him a description of the billfold and its contents, which I did minutely. Hr Said: ‘l’ve found jour wa - let. It’s at home. At first I was going to keep it, but after seeing your ad in the paper I just couldn't. And, God knows, I need it, too. But I am going to gi ' e *‘*Fine'- Fine!’ I shouted, patting him on the back. ‘That’s fine. Not only have you proved vourself an honest youth, but you have restored me .something more, than the mere money-my belief in the basic honesty of mankind. And you have also enabled me to give the laugh to a lot of iny I oubting* Thomas friends. For that, lam going to give you sso.’ « The youth with a lump in his throat thanked his benefactor and departed, saying he would go home, get the purse and return with it. Overjoyed at the proof of his convictions, Mr. Kaney went over to his “d my Bert p.n, . diamond rtng and a watch.” me/nll, the chenible countenance and the confiding mien has not showed up. Neither has the purse.