The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-10-04
The Importance of Puae:aaiity.

BEHIND TIxE.''-A railroad train was
rushing along al almost lightning speed. A
curve was Just ahead, beyond which wa.
station at which the cars usually passed each
other The conductor was late. SO that the
period during which the down, train was to-
wait had nearly elapsed, but he hoped yet to
pass the curve safely. Suddenly a locomotive
dashed into sight right ahead. In an instant
there was a collision A shrek. . shock. and
Fifty souls were in eternity; and all because an
engineer had been behind siaas.
a great battle was being fought. Column
after column had been preciptated for eight
mortal hours on the enemy posted along the
ridge Of a hill. The summer sun was sinking
to the west; reinforcements for the obstinate
defenders were already in sight; it was neces-
sary TO carry the position with one final charge
or everything would be lost. A powerful
corps had been summoned from across the
country, and if it came up in season, all vet
would be right The great eonqaeror. conf
dent in its arrival. formed his reserve into an
attacking column, and led them down the HILL
The whole world knows the result. Grouchy
failed TO appear; the imperial guard was beat
en- back; Waterloo WAS lost. Napoleon died
prisoner at St. Helena because one of his mar
shsls was behind time.
A leading firm in commercial circles had
enormous assets in California, it expected re-
mittauces by certain day, and if the sums
promised arrived, its credit, its honor, and lis
future prosperity would be preserved. But
week after week elapsed without bringing the
/ gold AT last came the fatal day on which
the firm had bills maturing 10 enormous
amounts. The steamer was telegraphed at
dav break, but it was found on inquiry that
she brought funds. The next arrival
brought nearly hall million TO the insol-
vents; but it was too late: they were ruined
because their agents In remittlrg. had been
behind time.
A condemned man was being led out for
execution lie had taken human life. but
der circumstances of the greatest proyocation.
and public sympathy was active in his behalf.
Thousands had signed petitions for a reprievs
a favorable answer had been expected the night
before, and, though it had no. come, even the
sheriff felt confident tha. it would vet arrive
in season. Thus the morning passed without
the appearance of the messenger. The last
moment was up. The prisoner took his place
on the drop, the cap was drawn over his eyes.
the bolt was drawn. and lifeless body swung
revolving in the wind. Just at thai moment
a horseman came in sight. gailoping down
HILL his seed covered with foam. he carried
packet in his hand. which he waved partial
llv TO the crowd He was the express rider
with the reprievs. But he had come too late.
A eompar atiyely innocent man had died an
ignomin.ous death. because watch had been
five minutes too slow, making its bearer ar
rive behind time.
1t is continually SO in life The best-laid
plans, the most important affairs. the fortune.
OF individuals, the veal of nations, honor
happiness, life itself are daily sacrificed be.
cause somebody is "behind time" They are
men who always fail in whatever they under
! take simply because they are ''behind time -
There are others who put off reformation
year by year till death seixes them, and they
perish unrepentant, because forever "behind
J time The allies have lost nearly year Al
, Sevastopol because they delayed superfiuous
day after the battle of Alma, and came up toe
late for coup de main just twenty four hours
"behind time Five minutes in crisis i.
worth years. 1t is but a little period; yet il
has often saved II fortune or redeemed peo-
pie. Ii there is one v rtue that should be
cultivated more than another by him who
would succeed in life, it is punctuality if there
is one error that should be avoided. tits being
behind Sun. s.sz Is