Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 October 1875 — Boston Reminiscences of Trade. [ARTICLE]

Boston Reminiscences of Trade.

One of the most methodical and unimpassioned men, says the Boston Commercial Bulletin, was Buckram, the former dry-goods potentate of Boston. His manner of discharging one of the “young men who, after trial, was found not to be up to the requirements of the business” is related as follows: The youth would be summoned to Buckram’s desk and be thus addressed: _. “James, how long have you been with us?" -“-Two years and a half, sir.” “Two years and a half? Ah! Have you had any vacation, James?’’ “ No, sir,” would be the response, as James began to entertain a more kindly feeling toward the “old man,” who would terminate the interview by saying: “ Well, James, you had better go up home for awhile. Mr. Balance, give James twenty dollars; and, James, we will send for you when we want you again.” One of the aforesaid boys, who did not develop a decided talent tor the dry-goods business, incurred the displeasure of Babbidge, the partner of Buckram, and, being found unemployed one morning, was ordered peremptorily to assist in sweeping out. The youth did not obey the order, but sought an interview with the chief. Obtaining an audience, he said: “ Mr. Buckram, I do not think Mr. Babbidge likes me, and he does not treat me fairly at all, sir. This morning he ordered me to sweep out, and, as I have been here three years, I do not think I ought to be called upon to sweep out, and I did not” Buckram settled his head a little firmer into his stiff shirt-collar and replied: “Ah, is that so, Edward? Well, if there is such a difference between you and Mr. Babbidge we shall have to part with you or him. Mr. Balance, won’t you ptease look up Edward’s account.”