Page:Discipline and the Derelict (1921).pdf/97

 experience as the best which could have come to me; it was my salvation. It gave me hard muscles and a strong body and a strong will; it showed me that one must have backbone and principles if he would win the respect of men; it taught me courage and self-reliance and initiative; through it I was able to find myself, and by it I was helped to overcome the handicap under which many another youngest son or only child is struggling.

I was trying not long ago to help the father of an only son to solve his difficulties. The boy had been dismissed from college because he had failed through loafing and irregular habits. The father was a man of moderate means, but the boy had had every indulgence and no responsibility.

"What shall I do with him?" was his query.

"Put him to work for a year," was my reply; "give him something difficult to do, and let him see how hard it is to earn his living."

"I have a farm," he went on, "I could put him out there; but it would be a hard life. He would have no pleasure; the surroundings would not be such as he has been used to, but I'll do it."

"If you do," I warned him, "you will have a more severe struggle than the boy. After your disappointment has grown a little less keen you will go out to the farm some day, and you will see the boy dirty and perspiring and tired and your heart will be touched; you will say, 'Why should I torture him in this way,' and unless you are a strong man you'll bring him away with you."

"I believe I shall," he said shamefacedly, "I believe I haven't the courage to do otherwise."