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In relation to the town paupers, these men were classified thus: Stout and Savage for the town; Haddock for the paupers. Now S. and S. really claimed that they were for the paupers -- i.e., for their best good; and they put Haddock down as a fanatic. We shall see the ideas which all these gentlemen entertained on the subject, as well as their ideas in general, on morals, education, benevolence, crop out here and there in the progress of our story.

Although differences of opinion were entertained in the town, as to the great question of supporting the poor, and sundry hints were floating here and there that the present manner was wanting in mercy and kindness, and behind the age, yet the town at large was united in sustaining the system, and felt safe as long as Squire Ben and Savage were a majority of the Board. And they said the time had not yet come to alter a policy as old as "seventy-six."

Jonas Savage, though a man of some business talent, was a coarse, bold, swaggering fellow. He was ignorant and overbearing. Really one of those uncultivated men that, while they know a good deal, are sharp, exert an influence, and can't be got rid of, you feel uncomfortable when they are about. Savage made his mark on every thing he took up. The town knew he was trustworthy for them. He went, on all occasions, for "retrenchment." Mr. Savage's idea of town expenses was, that they were always unnecessarily high, and he maintained as his theory, and promulgated the same in loud, long, and windy speeches at town-meetings, that by strict economy at least two per cent, of the taxes might be struck off. Esq. Ben. Stout was for retrenchment, but he also earnestly advocated paying up, and a thorough collecting of the taxes, and liquidating all the town charges. Mr. Haddock was earnest in advocating improvements, and for a tax sufficient to meet every needed reform in the community, and for such laws and doings as were consistent and honorable.

The town business requires attention. The selectmen must meet together and talk it up very often. So our Crampton officials often met and discussed the town affairs, town policy, and town interests. They sometimes grew rather heated in argument, especially when the rival views and parties came in decided collision. By appointment, we find the three gentlemen already introduced to the reader, assembled one afternoon at the office of Squire Ben Stout. It happened that Savage arrived a few minutes before Mr. Haddock, and was very warmly greeted by his superior, Squire Ben.

"Did you know," said he, "I was just thinking over the matter -- a little -- and it struck me, that our last contract for the poor wasn't bad, after all. Savage, eh?"

"I don't know," said the other, rather doggedly.

"Why, you see, you see, Savage; here it is, six hundred dollars -- that's all, every cent -- it ain't six fifty, or seventy-five, nor is it seven hundred! Don't you see the point, eh?"

"Oh! hang it, Squire, I know all that; yes, I know it's but six hundred; and yet I, that's enough!"

Squire Ben drew a long breath as Savage struck his hand smartly on the old law book that lay open on the table before him, and looked him straight in the eye. Finally he said,

"Well, it strikes me we have it about as low as it will bear this year, eh? Isn't it low for the present time. Savage? Don't it strike you so, eh?"

"Why, tolerably, tolerably, but I don't think we ca ever get it down too low; the fact is, the taxes are unconscionably high and hard. But if the Captain must have six hundred, we can't help it, I 'spose. They've got to have a living, somehow. They're a trouble, and an expensive sett of good-for-nothings. Hang 'em, say I."

"As for me," said the Squire, "I had rather not have the responsibility of contracting for them. The town had better do it at the annual meeting, when they are all there, you know?"

"Altogether," said Savage, "this milk and water way, just to avoid selling them at auction, don't suit me; it's just no way at all. Put them right up in a lot, and down they go to somebody, probably fifty dollars cheaper than when we contract in this manner."

"It is the best way said the Squire, with firmness unusual. "I go for it with all my heart."

"We could manage it easy enough," said Savage, "if it was not for these croaking fanatics, like Haddock and Phillips. They go so unmercifully for the 'Gospel,' as they call it, that common sense and hard times stand a mighty poor chance, I tell you."

"Ha! ha! ha! Savage, you have struck out the thing just as it is. They are queer."

"Queer!"

"Ai; that is, they -- are -- singular, you see."

"Singular! They are confounded bores and botheration."

Now Squire Ben always got along by carefully picking his way and feeling of men. Savage was blunt, and came right out. He frequently "blew up" the Squire for his caution; and he would have done it now, only the whole current of conversation was changed by the sudden arrival of Haddock himself -- a stout, handsome, gentlemanly man -- who carried a cane, was easy in his manners, frank and self-possessed. Mr. Haddock knew a good deal of society in general, and of his colleagues in particular. He was judicious withal, and very hard to get up a quarrel with, or to really despise and insult. As for the Squire, he greeted him very cordially, and made him take his own chair.