Not to Be Reached

1895

The people of the extreme south of France, in the neighborhood of the Pyrenees, have a hard shift to live. Some of them gain a livelihood by taming bears.

Many others take to begging, which becomes a trade by itself, reasonably remunerative and not exactly dishonorable. Baron Haussmann, in his "Memoires," cites the case of one of these professional beggars who amassed a good property and finally became mayor of a large commune.

Even then he continued to ply his trade, especially in the bathing season, when many tourists visited the country. One of these outsiders was so taken aback at the sight of the mayor begging on the street that he remonstrated with the mendicant.

"I should think you would be ashamed," said the stranger, "you, a man holding so honorable an office."

"Office," said the mayor, "my office! Why, man, this is how I gained it." — Youth's Companion.