10 ACORN passed through his mind as he sat there gazing out upon the noisy street. The manager decided not to decrease his force until he could determine the cause of his competitor's success. He was in doubt as to what course he should take, but finally decided to send one of the clerks, Harry Benson, whom he considered trustworthy and reliable to investigate existing conditions. Benson had been employed by the firm for two years. During this time he had devoted his leisure hours to study, and as a result was now receiving a fair salary, and was considered by Mr. Wilson a very promising young man. Harry investigated the systems employed by the other firm, and reported to his manager, who lost no time in adopting the methods used. A few weeks later their was still no decided increase in Wilson's business and he thinking that the firm was unpopular, notified many of the clerks, that it would be necessary to dispense with their services. Wilson knew nothing of systematic advertising. His ads did not attract attention and Benson was aware of the fact, that this was the reason for the failure, but knowing the nature of his employer, hesitated to speak of it. It was only after much deliberation that he decided upon a plan which he determined to present to Wilson. It was with no small feeling of timidity that Harry entered the manager's office the next morning to state his plan. "Mr. Wilson," commenced Benson, "I understand that business is poor, now don't you think that if you did some systematic advertising it would help matters out?" "I have considered the matter myself," answered Wilson, "and inasmuch as you are interested in it, do you think that you would be capable of handling the work, if I should allow you a fund to draw from?" Harry was surprised at the turn of affairs. "I think I could do it," he replied in a confident tone. It was on the Monday following the conversation in the office that the manager consented to allow Benson a certain amount weekly for advertising and he gave him sole charge of expending the sum He lost no time in planning and considering how best to expend the money, so it would bring the best results. He studied the ads which attracted attention, noting carefully what made them stand out prominently. He found out which papers were most widely read, and the class of people who read them. He fully realized the responsibility which was upon him. Although it was a new experiment for him, he knew that its success or failure depended upon his ability to perform the work. ACORN 11 With discouragements on every hand, and with difficult objects to overcome he kept persistently at his work. Many times during the first few weeks Mr. Wilson was about to give up the work, but seeing Harry's earnestness, he granted him one more month and added more money to his fund. Before many months had elapsed, the firm was having a revival of business. Many of the old clerks were again behind the counters. The old reliable firm had breathed new life, and the good results of Harry's constant labors were now in evidence. Mr. Wilson received many congratulations upon the increased business of the company, but he knew that the young man, seated at his desk in a newly equipped office on the second floor, was responsible for it. PETER KASIUS, '12. The Great Ideal To live each day for what that one day brings; To leave behind forever past mistakes, To look for light, not brood on gloomy things, To banish others' sorrows, ease heartaches; To have one friend one true and loyal friend. Who when all others doubt, can understand, Whose words of censor seem to courage lend Because accompanied by a helping hand. To be more nearly like the Christ each day And to mankind something worth while to give; To leave impressed upon life's rocky way Some thought, some deed which will help others live; Throughout life to endlessly endeavor To help all men to think and do and feel, Self and ambition sacrificing ever This is the highest life The Great Ideal. BECKY, '12.