nts were
repeatedly rejected--the majority of voters always so necessary to
an honest election was forever on the side of my lucky opponent.
When I withdrew from the political field, impoverished by my
efforts to advance the prosperity of my party, I embarked in a
small commercial enterprise; but owing to the tightness of the
times, and my want of capital, I was soon obliged to give up and
throw myself upon the mercy of my creditors. I have tried popular
amusements, and lost money--that is, I failed to make it. I even
branched out into fancy speculations, but they only served to sink
me still deeper in the yawning depths of insolvency!'

Mr. Algrieve here paused, and seemed to look down into the frightful
gulf with a shuddering expression, as if he were not quite accustomed to
the descent yet.

'In short, gentlemen, I am completely prostrated--I am floored! And
is the world willing to help me up? By no means! On the contrary,
when I commenced falling and slipping on the stairs of human
endeavor the world was ready to kick me down, down, till I reached
the--in short, gentlemen, till I became what I now am. Now, what
have I done, let me ask, that I should fare thus? Have I not made
an effort? I appeal to you, gentlemen, to say. [A voice from the
crowd here chimed in: 'Yes, Algrieve, your efforts to live without
work have been immense!'] But here I am, poor and persecuted; my
family are in want of some of the common necessaries of life; and
now, gentlemen, I beg some of you will buy that book (holding out a
copy of the 'Pilgrim's Progress'), and do something to avert for a
while, at least, the pauper's fate!'

Some benevolent gentleman, either from a charitable motive, or to put an
end to his lachrymose oration, bought the volume for $1.25. Mr. Algrieve
received the money with many expressions of gratitude, and, gathering up
his stock, moped off into the drinking room, and invested a dime in a
gin cocktail, and five cents in a cigar, with which he sought to solace
himself for all the inflictions of the inexorable world.

Thus Jordan Algrieve goes about telling of his reverses and misfortunes,
exhibiting them to the public eye like a beggar his sores, without shame
or remorse; seeking to levy contributions on his fellow men, as one who
has been robbed of his estate. Reader, will you say that you have never