Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1857-09-30
Hea0ln9
SOUND SENTIMENTS.

We commend the following extract to all
who arc about entering into business, as well
as those already engaged in it. The hints are
of great Importance, and the truths it contains
arc irresistible in their conclusions:
PR1scIpAL CAUSE OF rFAILUREs.-Surprise is
often expressed at the number of failures occur
ing every wear in the commercial world. Va
rious reasons arc given for this sad result; but
we think the great majority of these failures
may be traced to one cause--gnorancc OF the
value of money. 1t was lately remarked by
one whose business throws him daily among
men of commercial pursuits, that he seldom
knew of house failing who had commenced
trading on its own small capital. The partners
in such firms have acquired a Knowledge OF tho
true value Of money, and while they continue
YEARLY to add to their store OF wealth, they
never indulge in extravaganza, either IN their
commercial or private pursuits.
With young men who are placed in business
by their relatives and supplied libcra!ly with
funds, there is in many cases discovered want
of Judgment in purchases, an aptitude ior last
living, willingness to take an undue license
with the credit system, and to barter future
reputation for present display; i'll one word to
live bcyond their means. \ first success daz-
xles them; they think fortune will always be-
friend them; and that q fine house and hnc
friends are much better than quiet home.
The first delusion is often most fatal TO them
for even while persons partake OF their profit
sion it is noiscd abroad that they are fast lverS
and their credit already begins to suiler.
Payments fall due and accommodation has to
be asked; aud the truth becomes potent to the
creditors that their customers have not met
with sudden losses, but that they have cNpend-
cd in private extravaganza those moneys which
should have been treasured to meet their ell
p,gemcnts. The first false step has been taken,
and although it might be retrieved by manly
resolve, too often the vot:ries OF the world rush
madly on. Appearances must be kept up, they
cxclaim; retrenchnent is 4 hateful word pri-
dencc will come with age, and the enjoyment
of the present is voted to be the only maxim
worthy of following. But enjoyment has al
ready fled from their path; the consciousness
that they are committing wrong every day
of their lives is continually haunting them; in
the midst of sunshine they feel the coming
storm. and shutltler at It's coming fury; restless
days and nights become their portion; and pitt
full excuses fall from their lips whenever money
is demanded by their creditors at last, The
day of ruin comes, and the town talks freely
the men who have been full Of false protonslons
and who have dragged with them to the dus
many innocent persons.
A few simple truths well conncd might save
much Of this misery. Display never bcgets re
spect; fine house is poor exchange for hap
py home; an elegant wife for a loving heart;
system of credit for state of independence
The value of money is shown in en- tc'prise, no
in profusion, and they who would. rise in th'
world must know how to restrain present ell
ioyments for the sake of future su ccess. For
tune is not so blind as mortals have painted her
and those who would win tho holOrs Of thi