Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-16
From The PA,lodeIohia HeroM.
THE SPIRIT OF SPECULATION
THE YOUNG.

FROM AN UNPUBLISHED ADDRESS
mere rs source of danger that
should excite solici,udc for YOUNG Men.
l allude TO the prevailing ~ ania for spe-
culation. which within a few wears has
set IN upon this nation like an over
flowing torrent. The world before
tins has seen nothing iha, can be com.
pared with IT, and it has become
deeply interesting question. whether all
Tins viii tend. and what will be its re-
suit. All classes of the community are
affected by II. Even age, although
rolling in wealth. Is seized with the in
sa'iable desire ot amaSsing treasures.
and the poor remnant of life, instea d
oil being devoted TO sober enioympnts
and preparation for tina, journey hich
all, sooner or later must take. is devot-
ed to the work III adding field TO field
and heaping up treasures for heirs.
they know not who. But this PHRrs-
zY for such il Is fast becoming. scizes
with peculiar power on young men
IL SUITS their spirit ofenterprize; il meets
their desire for active employment; il
seems adapted to their ardor aud love
OF excitement. And IT cannot be de-
med. that compared with purposes for
which young men have been called
forth IN other times. II possesses many
things which are doubly advantageous
and praiseworthy. Better. by far, iha,
the powers should be devoted TO the
purposes of gain than OF conquest: that
the land should be .raveTsed. and
and the streams be assembled. and the
mountains climbed in pursuit Of wealth.
than IN pursuit Of the spoils of battle;
or TO sirew the earth with the dead, a.
has been the case in other times and
other lands. But .here are perils al.
tending this spirit Of speculation which
should excite alarm, and which. If not
checked and restrained. will speedily
endanger all that we hold dear as a
people. Some Of those perils are the
following: Intends to destroy all sober
habits Of industry. and ell respect for
the slow but vlrtuous modes by which
property was acquired by our fathers.
rev young men are contented With
moderate but certain gains. when re-
ports are borne on every breeze from
every quarter, OF the immense fortunes
made IN few months or n few DAYS.
The ideas Of frugslity, economy and
sober estimates Of life. on which the
proper habits Of republican simplicity
depend are in danger Of being d,,si.
Pated, like chat before the whiflwind.
and all that has been valuable in our
rational estimates Of life, is IN peril of
being broken up. There il danger thu,
all sober habits should be DESTROYED.
there Is danger that all that contributes
TO moral purity aud integrity should be
broken dow ~ there Is danger that every
thing should be made To bend 10 the
acquisition Of wealth. and that there
should be no honesty. no truth. no fair.
dealing no conscience, no education.
no religion, no law. that should not be
regarded a. subo: dinaie 10 tie sudden
acquisition Of splendid fortunes Should
THIS become The passion Of the nation:
should u seize upon our young men
no man can doubt the consequences
Let one giant passion seize the nation.
al mind. and every thing will be pros
iraiSd before II. ss IN the sweepines of
the tempest Over the result. every
man must tremble. ~ ITS anticipated
march over virtue. truth, honesty and
religion, every lover Of his conniry
most be alarmed. and al the power Of
paiernal influence. eli the force NJ the
preeepis 81 the wise. the sober minded
and the good are demanded 10 maintain
every where among our Young men.
The sense Of the value Of slow but Ger.
tain gains. the ooniented snd honest
industry and virtue"
Envy - nounshed sZainsttbe living.
II ceases When the object - dead.