the only one we know of who occupies this responsible post. He is a fine writer and skilled in ornamental work. We are reliably informed that he acquired this skill and knowledge at the cost of great personal sacrifice, his preceptor being our friend, Lyman D. Smith, the well known author and teacher, whose methods he closely follows. _The Journal_ takes pleasure in according this deserved recognition to Mr. Hill, his pupils and his race." FREDERIC S. MONROE. Mr. Frederic S. Monroe, of New Bedford, Mass., is employed as stenographer and typewriter to the Pairpoint Mfg. Co. (a corporation with a paid-in capital of $825,000, a weekly pay-roll from $6,000 to $8,000, employing a force of several hundred skilled workmen), and engaged in the manufacture of gold and silver plated ware, casket hardware, fine cut glass, decorated ware and decorated French china. The company has stores in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Montreal; from each of these places as well as from the factory a force of traveling salesmen are sent out, who cover the whole of the United States and Canada. [Illustration: FREDERIC S. MONROE.] He has held this position for four years, and has given perfect satisfaction. He resigned a clerkship in the book and stationery store of Robert W. Taber to accept his present position. Was in the employ of Mr. Taber for about two years and a half, and prior to that time had filled the same position with his predecessor in this business, Jas. M. Lawton, Jr. Was with Mr. Lawton for about twelve years, and for the last three had entire charge of the book and stationery department, when he increased the business by the purchase of a music and art store. So far as the character of the service rendered in these different positions is concerned, I think the length and regularity of the employment will speak for him. Speaking to Mr. Monroe regarding the position he now holds, he said: "I taught myself stenography as a boy of twenty, and after having mastered it tried to maintain such proficiency in it as to be ready at any time to accept a position in which a knowledge of stenography would be a prerequisite. Have never thought that 'luck' had anything to do with the opportunities I have had, and rather think they are due to hard work in making myself competent, and then, when a chance was offered, to try and be a little more than equal to the demands made on me." CHAS. J. BECKER. While traveling in New England a few years ago, I visited New Bedford, Mass., where I met Mr. Chas. J. Becker. This young man executes some of the finest penmanship I ever saw in my life. He is employed in one of the largest and best business colleges in New England. He has held his present position for five years. [Illustration: C. J. BECKER.]