The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-07-22

PLAY-Politica economies are, 81 course; the oil
remarkable profundity /; they deal in statistics so
multanous, generalities extended, details mi
mute, and views so comprehensive, that requires
man to be one OF that k himself to understand
them. II requires to have faith too, 10 discern
the valuable truths of these worthy men without
faith stubborn reason will not consent to its being a
science, because il would require some fundamental
truths, some axioms, some sef-evdent propositions,
upon which all should agree, TO constitute it a
science which requisites doth not appear to be forth
coming, nor ever shall, we fear, until Adam Smith,
and Say, and Ricardo. and McC ullough, and all the
rest of them agree with the other and cease de-
molishng the scientific structures of each other,
much to the edifcation Of wicked scofiers at the
science.
Above all things we should like to see them agree
to what constitutes the of wealth. concern
Ing which much ingenious argument has been sx-
pended, and the discovery of which would no doubt,
in their opinions, bring round again the golden age
In the meantime, Responding somewhat at the pros
pect Of their concord we must console ourselves in
the absence of the radiance of the scientific lamp
with gllmmer of the lantern of common sense,
whilst INDUCING in few observations not remotely
connected with the question, and in which We in
tend to assume, that industry, although vulgar and
wide spread commodity, in this country especially
is very considerable stream flowing either into
or of the preo ous fountain ifnot the very source
of wealth itself
The bulk of the community will agree, that indus
try is sure road to independence, if not always to
opulence Exceptions may be found, and no scar
city of them either for the greatest energy is not
adequate to accomplish an object, unless il is pro-
perly directed He who would be certain OF attain
ing his end, must be convinced that skill, as well as
strength is an element of success, and the forget
fulness ignorance of this, often entails fearful
amount of trouble and disappointment.
There those who labor too much ,as well as too
little. A person may attach all due importance to
the exercise of industry, and yet not reap as much
advantage from its practice, as another who makes
far less physical effort. However strange it may
sound is nevertheless rue that large class are so
carried away by love of wealth, as to undergo OPP
tionally degree OF exertion incompatible with
health, or in other words with sound mind, in
sound body. 1t is matter of legitimate wonder
that such should be the case; that men, without be-
ing driven to 1t by coercion, or compulsion of any
kind save that which is tho fruit of perverted no.
tons, will throw away positive good-a capacity
to enjoy-for the sake of acquiring possessions that
they will find barren of qualification, because ofthe
use of mistaken means in their attainment. Yet
such is the case. There are thousands who seem
nsensible to the fact that it is not in having but in
using the produce Of industry, that we may COM
mand the means of happiness
Another class are those who are forced by crcum-
stances to make over exertion and certainly those
who compose it are the proper objects of sympathy
It does not follow, that because person is fairly
munerated at the fair market price of his services
that he is not free to complain If it is true that there
can be excess of labor beyond that which is
sstent with proper regard for health and longevity
there is right and an obligation to avoid it. Gus
toms blame very often for the evil of over work,
and we see its influence on every hand.
One of the most pernicious customs Of the many
that prevalent, is that of keeping stores open for
fifteen or sixteen hours day. The man who delves
In the stubborn soil, or who drudges with burthens
of brick and mortar on his brawny shoulders be
meath the scorching sun, for dollar day, is not so
badly of as he who tolls with mind and body be-
hind the counter of the fashionable dry goods store
in this city. From seven o'clock in the morning
until eleven at night, hundreds of young men are
obliged to bear the brunt of these exhausting du-
until the body is fairly faded please the fancifu
manage the intractabe, inspire the suspicious with
confidence, persuade the ignorant, and in word,
kill two birds with one stone-serve their employ
ers, and satisfy their customers This duty entails
degree of mental exertion as well as physical,
which is altogether exhaustng. But il is detrmen-
tai in more ways than in its immediate effects. Ii
totally excludes the possibility of recreation and
self improvement. Some may be Indifferent to
these matters, but none but the ignorant and
groveng will deny that they re both desirable and
essential. Man was not formed to toll and sweat,
and sleep his whole lifetime. On every hand, the
beautiful creation abounds IN seductons to rational
enjoyment, and even within ourselves there is an
instructive and powerful desire for relaxation, as
well for action for repose well activity; to
crafty lawful curiosity,as well pursue with avidi
ty, those objects whose external impressions are
agreeable.
Are the victims of this injurious custom of late
and early toll in stores without redress In truth,
to Judge from the indifference prevalent in relation
to it, we tear that little assistance may be expected
from the community Of this city. And here we are
sorry to be compelled to lay the greater portion of the
blame on the female part Of society, who make it
practice to go shopping at unreasonable hours Not
to speak of the infraction of that commonly admit
ted truth as to improperly Of keeping late hours
about the streets which females attach great weight
to, there is degree of thoughtless Indifference in
roaming through stores at late hours in accord
with our received notions of the superior gen.
tleness and sensibility Of an; and if our adis.
are informed Of the hardshi and deprivation it ex
poses young men to- they cupabe in not abstain
ing from the practice Moreover, it is astonish ing
that employers do not reinqush late hours yolunta.
rily, for viewed question Of profit and loss. they
would, in the gas saved each day. by seasonabe shut
ting be greater gamers than from the nocturnal GUS
tom of those who prefer to lay out their money by
night. We hope that the coming winter may see
some stop put to the evil, and we strongly recon
mead all parties concerned, especially the sufferers
to make move in the matter