The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1857-10-17
SELECTIONS.
From the Presbyterian
Hard Times and Retrenehment.

However ueedlessly the cry Of "Hard
Times, like that of '.WoH Wolf may
have often been uttered, there can be no
doubt that the wolf has now come IN
GOOD earnest. Such excitement, terror
and depression as have prevailed IN our
commercial cities for weeks past have rarely
if ever. been witnessed before. The con
fused and deranged state of financial affairs
has paralyzed all branches Of business, and
multitudes are filed with anxiety as to what
the future may bring forth. In addition to
the ruin which has Oyertaken many who
were in prosperous circumstances, there Is
every reason to fear that much suffering is
in store for the laboring classes and the
moor. Manufacturers, artizans, builders, ana
others who have been accustomed to en-
ploy large numbers Of operatives are SO
embarrassed that they can no longer carry
ON their business as usual. Already thou
sands have been turned out OF employment
and many more must share similar tate.
What IS to become Of these working men
and their families during the approaching
winter, is difficult question to answer In
all probability, they will find the times hard
indeed. Charity will have abundant scope
for her kindly Offices, and even then prlya-
ton and want will hardly be eitectualy
prevented.
Those who are comparatively well proyl-
ded for will also be compelled to re-adJ9Sst
their mode Of living to suit the state OF the
times. Few will be able to count upon the
income to which they have been accustomed.
A paralyzed business yields but small pro
frs. whilst investments in stocks Will proba-
Div paw but meagre dividends. Diminished
receipts require curtailed expenditures, and
all except those in afhuence must look
around to see where the curtailment shall
commence.
Most persons who have been cOntempla-
tine outlaws in improvements and matters OF
mere convenience and luxury, will probably
postpone their designs to a more ausplclous
season. Some viii perhaps furnish their
tables more frugally, and others may wear
an old coat or half-worn dress, instead OF
replenishing their wardrobes at additional
cost. Lessons in economy have been sadly
needed. Extravaganza has been running
riot over the land. All classes have felt
its influence. The rich have layished money
rs if there was no end to it, and those IN
moderate circumstances have toolishly emu
lated their prodigality. Thousand dollar
shawls, fifteen hundred dollar tur eaPes'
and twenty-five dollar pocket handkerchiefs,
will be in less demand than for some years
past. However unwelcome may be the
parting with these costly baubles, or others
which at less cost are to those who buy them
equally extrayagant, it must be done. Ne
cessity makes no allowances. Her man
dates, however hard, must be obeyed. 1t
the effect of this crisis shall be to teach
people to live within the bounds Of some
thing ike reason and prudence, 1t will be
all the better for them in the end.
But what is to become Of the enterprises
of benevolence in these times1 This IS
serious question, and one which should be
Wondered by all who love the cause OF Christ
There is always great danger that in such
times they viii be the first to suffer. When
retrenchment begins, contributions to char
itv are often the first items to be Topped OF.
This viii inevitably be the case now, unless
the people of God firmly resolve that what
ever sacrifice may be demanded, they will
not stint the Lords cause. 1t Will not do to
diminish the incomes of our Boards. Already
they are suffering for want Of means. Their
ordinary operations cOnnOt be carried for
ward without embarrassment, unless con-
tributions are kept fully and promptly up
to the accustomed standard; and instead OF
retrenching, there Is loud call upon them
to 90 forward and expand. The heavy
losses sustained in India by the Board of
Foreign Missions make a special call for
increased contributions to Its treasury.
In these circumstances we think there Is
q peculiar claim upon our churches in the
rural districts. Agricultural pursuits have
been Welding unwonted profits for years
past. No year has probably ever surpassed
the present in fruitfulness. Whatever tenn
porary difficulties may attend the disposing
of crops, agriculturists will before long real
ize ample returns. Prices may be some
what lower. but still they will be well paid.
Asa class, they arS now the rich men OF the
land. Whilst business and credit are pros
trate in the cities, and want stalks abroad
on every hand, they will be receiving their
ample returns, and will have enough and to
spare. Shall they not bring suitable thank
Offering into the Lords treasury? Will not
the agricultural interests enlarge their ibe-
raEty in this crisis, when the resources OF
beneyolence are likely to be embarrassed
because of the cutting off Of streams by
which they have been usually replenished?
There has always been too much dependence
on the cities, to bear the brunt in sustaining
our benevolent enterprises. People in the
country have seemed to think that the resi-
dents of the cities were made Of money.
AS this delusion is made in a fair way to be
dispeled, it is to be hoped that the agricul-
tural classes viii realize their responsibility
more fully, and endeayor to do the full mea-
sure of their duty in every good work.
WATER-TIGHT Co1IPARTMENTS.-TheC Ca
Tfornia steamers are henceforth to have wa
ter-tight compartments. No steamer not
tbus orovided can hereafter expect or de- /