Drafted In (Paperback)

PREFACE. In sending the present volume forth as a Sequel to The ttread Winners, we gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to the author of that book, for permis sion to do so. Some of the characters, which figure prominently in those pages and in whom we became more or less interested have been indentified in real life and the vicissitudes and reverses which Time has wrought in their respective fortunes, necessitates this appendix to that pleasing Social Study. It will perhaps be found more serious than social but we believe that in view of the present world-wide significance of the great questions arising among the Bread Winners of the world, it presents a picture of social life which may be studied with profit by rich and poor alike. Were the two classes as distinct in their personali ty, in real life as in the picture presented by the author of the Bread Winners, and like the planets and their satellites, revolving harmoniously in their respective orbits, then would the eternal fitness of such human systems be established. But the truth is, condition in this life is changeable as the wind and fortune, evanescent as the dew promotion cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, vice nor virtue, toil nor treasure is the inalienable inherit ance of any class or family of man. It seemed the very irony of fate that elevated Maud Matchin in the social scale, and reduced Captain Farnham The Autocrat of society, and knight of her ambitious dreams to the lowly estate of a bread winner. It is at this period in their respec tive lives that we take up the narrative so ably and auspiciously begun. And we do so with much hesita tion, conscious that its manner of relation, may invite invidiouscomparison but, as truth is stranger than fiction, a simple faith in its unaided power to touch some responsive chord in the human heart, must be our apology. While we appreciate the genius of the writer of The Bread Winners and recognize his intimate acquaintance with the better and brighter side of life we regret that his knowledge of that numerous class the bread winners was insufficient to furnish him a single worthy example, to reflect a measure of credit on the time-honored decree of the Almighty By the sweat of his face, shall man eat bread all the days of his life Yet the wisdom of the mandate, needs no defence. The history of the worlds progress, is the unwritten history of toil. Some of the names, most honored among men which come down to us, like benedictions from the past, grew bright, like the plow-share, in the the rough school of labor. The genius which has revolutionized the world and worked out progress and advancement for humanity, was born of toil. The masters whose names adorn the scroll of fame, were not idlers, and the great Master Ihe Carpenter of Galilee has left an example of patient service, and humility, for all ages and all people. Individuals, bound together by the masonry of wealth may set up barriers, and strive to widen the breach between man and man statesmen may dis semble, and proud arrogance oppress royalty may toy with its costly baubles, while starving millions clamor for leave to win their bread but He, who loves righteousness, and hates robbery, shall yet establish justice on the earth. The fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood ofman shallbe confessed when its kingdoms and crowns shall have crumbled to dust. THE AUTHOR. T., . 201 E, Houston St.N.Y, DRAFTED IN A SEQUELTOTHE BREADWINNERS STRANGER THAN FICTION. MRS. CHARLES RAYMOND had waited in the library at least half an hour for the appearance of her tardy escort to the opera...