A small coastal town in...
Illustration
A small coastal town in France was blessed with a fine natural harbor. In time, it became a regular stopping point for trading ships bound for Africa, the Indies, and points unknown. Ship captains appreciated the deep water channels and the protection afforded them by a harbor sheltered by land on all sides except for a narrow mouth of water leading to the open sea.
Business had been going on "as usual" for perhaps hundreds of years. Then a new generation of city leaders got an idea for improving their harbor. They decided to construct a wooden pier which would extend far out into the water. This pier was intended to expand the docking and loading capabilities of the port area.
It seemed like a good idea. Huge sums of money were lavished on this building project over many years, but somehow it was never quite finished. Lumber rotted or was stolen; other supplies were rerouted or sold. Citizens of the town and captains of ships began to petition city leaders and government officials to halt the project. Their complaints eventually reached the king, who ordered the project dismantled. Though begun with the best of intentions, the unfinished pier had become a dangerous obstacle to safely navigating into port.
At length, the pier was dismantled and the project was abandoned. The harbor was restored to its original state. Great was the celebration on both land and sea when the last plank obstructing the harbor was removed!
- Parker
Business had been going on "as usual" for perhaps hundreds of years. Then a new generation of city leaders got an idea for improving their harbor. They decided to construct a wooden pier which would extend far out into the water. This pier was intended to expand the docking and loading capabilities of the port area.
It seemed like a good idea. Huge sums of money were lavished on this building project over many years, but somehow it was never quite finished. Lumber rotted or was stolen; other supplies were rerouted or sold. Citizens of the town and captains of ships began to petition city leaders and government officials to halt the project. Their complaints eventually reached the king, who ordered the project dismantled. Though begun with the best of intentions, the unfinished pier had become a dangerous obstacle to safely navigating into port.
At length, the pier was dismantled and the project was abandoned. The harbor was restored to its original state. Great was the celebration on both land and sea when the last plank obstructing the harbor was removed!
- Parker
