This lawyer says that one of the best ways of developing your abilities is to write, and he found time in the establishment of his early practice to write for the newspapers of his community. He lived in a large city, and certain columns of the newspapers were usually open for the discussion of public questions, and he took that opportunity to get acquainted with the community. However, he was very careful to see to it that he wrote only his own true convictions, and, when matters were thrown open for public discussion he endeavored to suggest through the columns some topic of general interest. He did not hesitate to write on this subject, and made it a point to put forth an article of sufficient strength and value which he could later support if it were attacked, and in this way he engaged in many controversies in the community which brought to him an increase of business. He also made arrangements with a farm paper to answer legal questions in its columns, such as queries on line fences, and the like, and made a nominal charge for the answers. He answered a column to a column and a half of questions each month, and made a certain charge for his opinion on other subjects which he could not answer in the paper. This was all done under the auspices of the farm paper. They were very glad to give him a certain amount per month for this service. This brought him during the year considerable business. He states that the income he can directly trace to this kind of writing, netted him not less than $1,500 to $1,800 per annum. Also from time to time, on certain matters of general interest, he would put out a little pamphlet under his own signature and sell for a small figure—10 or 15 cents. From this source he derived several hundred dollars a year, as well as bringing his name before the community in a novel and interesting manner.
During the first four or five years’ practice of any attorney, he can very well afford to do this kind of work and it will help establish him in his community. It will not only make him acquainted, but will at the same time develop his ability as a writer and a thinker.
PLAN No. 660. HIS INTEREST IN POLITICS MADE HIM MONEY
He was a young fellow full of ambition and energy and was interested in all subjects which came up for political discussion. He was especially interested in matters in which the temperance issue was involved. He was a “Progressive” and did not hesitate to tell people of his political convictions. He was a good speaker and had trained himself in this work. He could talk before any meeting or gathering and make a creditable impression.
When I first saw him he was introduced as the “Boy Speaker” of that community, and the speech he delivered was very good. He could excel most of his seniors. Soon his services became much sought after by all aspirants for office in his political party, and this won for him recognition.
Coupled with this ability he worked hard for his friends. If a man has friends, and they believe and have confidence in him, they will let everybody know it, and they let everybody know that this man was the right kind of fellow for public office. The result was that when his friends were successful he had a selection of some of the employment they had to offer, and as a result got an appointment as clerk to one of the courts which gave him an opportunity to study first hand—the law.
He now enjoys an income of $100 a month, as well as the privilege of studying and observing the way lawyers conduct their cases. He is planning to later take up the law. He is associated with the various judges of the superior court, and his friends are among the best people of the city.
What he has done, many young men can do if they only have the initiative to follow out the general plan which he has adopted.
PLAN No. 661. REPORTER LIVES FOUR YEARS IN WASHINGTON
This is undoubtedly a wonderful experience for any man. He was a reporter on one of the daily papers, and was acknowledged as one of the very best men in his profession. His income was small, but he counted among his friends many of the best men in the community. Some of these, of course, had ambition for public office. One in particular engaged his services, and to give him as much favorable publicity as he possibly could during his campaign for United States Congress.