has always
characterized his efforts, he succeeded in forming a company which
successfully brought to completion the magnificent hotel before
mentioned. Probably no man has been more closely identified with the
project of improving the streets of Chicago.

When Palmer first entered the city he found it situated in a slough. It
was generally supposed that the ground upon which the city was built was
a natural swamp, and when Palmer, among others, advocated the idea of
raising the streets they were ridiculed. But subsequent tests proved
that beneath the surface there was a solid rock bottom, therefore it was
impossible for the water to leach through. When this was an established
fact, and therefore the grumblers were deprived of this excuse, the cry
was raised that the city could not afford it. Against all obstacles the
measure was carried, however, and State Street was widened, making it
one of the grandest and most 'stately' streets among any that can be
found in any city on the entire globe. Indeed, it is difficult to
estimate the possible benefit Chicago may have derived, directly or
indirectly, through the influence of Potter Palmer.

JAMES HARPER.

In a treatise on the Harpers, their life and character, the history of
James is the history of the firm. This firm consisted of James, John,
Joseph, Wesley and Fletcher; James, as the eldest, laying the foundation
of that powerful concern, Harper Brothers, which is the largest and
wealthiest publishing house in America.

James Harper was born April 11, 1795. Like many other poor boys who have
become wealthy he was the son of a farmer. He early determined to become
a printer and, in 1810, was apprenticed to Messrs. Paul & Thomas of the
city of New York. He left home to assume this position, the prayers of
his parents following him. The last words of his mother bade him
remember that there was good blood in him. The printer boy in those days
was made a sort of lackey to be ordered about by all hands. Among other
duties he had to clean the rollers when they became clogged with ink.
The ink would get on his hands and apron, and thence it would reach his
face--thus the printer boy with his blackened face earned the sobriquet
of 'printer's devil.' James Harper became the 'devil' in this office.
There is little doubt but that he often felt discouraged and disposed to
give up, but he regarded this position as only a stepping stone to
something higher and pleasanter.