The Unlikely Heroism of 'Old Yesler'

There is no man in this community who has been the object of more personal vituperation and abuse than has Henry L. Yesler, called in derision 'Old Yesler.' He has constantly been represented as a 'hog,' a 'dog-in-the-manger,' and everything else to represent a miserly, selfish character; and yet, there is no man in the town who has, in his own way, done more to promote the common interests, and he has been misunderstood only because he is set in his notions and his notions often conflict with those of others as to what disposition he should make of his own possessions, and as to how he should distribute his bounties. In the present crisis, when the future prosperity of the town depends upon the public spirit and liberality of its property holders, 'Old Yesler' has come to the front in a manner which puts to shame his detractors and sets an example which it would honor our most liberal and public-spirited citizens to imitate. A subscription of $200,000 by the property holders of this county will secure the completion of the Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad. No one dreamed of assessing upon Mr. Yesler more than $10,000, or at most $15,000 of that amount. He voluntarily comes forward and heads the list with a subscription of $20,000—one-tenth of the whole amount, for the payment of which he gives his personal bond. This is in addition to $8,750 previously subscribed, $8,000 of which is full paid, and $1,000 advanced to the company on bonds; making in all nearly $30,000. Now let others come down with an approximate subscription in proportion to their assessable property and the thing is done; and let no man who is not prepared to emulate his example hereafter sneer at 'Old Yesler.'