The Westerly echo, & Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1854-1858, 1855-08-30
The Importance of Punctuality.

We commend the following article
from the Baltimore Sun, to the atten-
tion Of our readers, many of whom have
no doubt suffered more or less for not
being up to the mark in point of
time.
BEHIND TIME.'-A railroad train
was rushing along at almost lightning
speed. A curve was just ahead beyond
which was station at which the cars
usually passed each other. The con-
ductor was late, SO late that the period
during which the down-train was to wait
had nearly elapsed; but he hoped vet
to pass the curve safely. Suddenly a
locomotive dashed into sight right ahead.
In an instant there was collision. A
shrek, shock, and fifty souls we're in
eternity and all because an engineer
had been behind time.
A great battle was being fought
Column after column had been precipi-
tated for eight mortal hours on the enc
my posted along the ridge of a hill
The summer sun was sinking to the
W0st reintorccments for the obstinate
defenders were already in sight; it was
necessary 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 yet would be right -
The great conqueror, confident in its
arrival, formed his reserve into an at
tacklng column, and led them down the
hill. The whole world knows the re-
suit. Grouchy failed to appear the
Imperial guard was beaten back Wa
terloo was lost Napoleon died a pris-
oner at st. ii elena, because one of his
marshals was behind time.
A leading firm in commercial circles
had long struggled against bankruptcy.
AS 1t had enormous assests in Califor-
MIA, 1t expected remittancss by certain
day, and, ifthe sums promised arrived,
It's credit, its honor, and its future pros
perity 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 to
enormous amount. The steamer was
telegraphed at day-break, but it was
found on inquiry that she brought 10
funds, and the house failed. The next
arrival brought nearly half million to
the insolvents, but it was too late; they
were ruined, because their agent, in re-
mitting, had been behind time.
A condemned man was being led out
for execution. Ho had taken human
life, but under circumstances of the
greatest provocation, and the public
sympathy was active in his behalf
Thousands had signed petitions for re-
prieve, favorable answer had been ex-
pected the night before, and, though it
had not come, even the sheriff felt con-
fdent that it would yet arrive in season
Thus the morning passed without the
arrival Of the messenger. The last mo-
mcnt was up. The prisoner took bis
place on the drop, the cap was drawn
over his eyes, the bolt was drawn, and a
liielcss body swung revolving in the
wind. Just at that moment horseman
came into sight, galloping down hill, his
steed covered with foam. He carried
packet in his right hand, which he wav-
cd partially to the crowd. He was the
express rider with the reprieve. But
he had come too late. A comparative
ly innocent man had died an iguominious
death, because watch had been five
minutes too slow. Making its bearer
arrive behind time.
1t is continually so in life. The best
laid plans, the most important affairs,
the fortunes Of individuals, the veal of
nations, honor, happiness, life itself, are
daily sacrificed because somebody is
behind time There are others who
put off reformation year by year till
death seizes them, and they perish un-
repcntaut, because forever behind time.
The allies have lost nearly year at Sc
bastopol, because they delayed super
Auous day after the battle of Alma, and
came up too late for a coup de main just
twenty-four hours behind time. -
Five minutes in a crisis is worth years.
1t is but little period, yet it has often
saved fortune or redeemed people.
If there is one virtue which should be
cultivated more than another, it is
punctuality if there is one error which
should be avoided it is being behind time.
Ba5" The wild horse which in years
past has cut up so many Gamers ON the