Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-06-24
WEALTH.

Almost everybody assents 10 the om-
impotence of the almighty dollar" In
the attainment of this we are in earnest,
while in almost everything else we are
comparatively Indifferent. Some of US
attain this desideratum, while others
struggle for years and at last descend TO
their graves without ever having even a
competence.
Sill there are some who have become
wealthy. A few of these have received
their property by inheritance; fewer still
by their social relations; while the lar
ger number have become wealthy BY
their own exertions. Spectators who be-
hold the glitter of wealth regret that
they are deprived of similar means; but
hardly one asks himself the question
whether for the amount he covets, he
would surrender the equanimity, the in
dependence, the comfort, at the sacrifice
Of which wealth is always sure 10 be at
tended. The man who becomes veal
thy By his own efforts is seldom or new
er in a condition to derive comfort from
his acquisitions. His money has cost so
much care and trouble that he overval-
ues it. He will not part with enough 10
make himself comfortable, because he
fears to get in'o. habits of extravaganza,
and he is in perpetual fear that by losses
and disaster he may be brought to want.
The man who inherits his fortune, as a
general rule, errs in an opposite direc-
tiOn. Net having labored for his money
lie sells too low value upon it. While
he increases his expenditures to meet
the enlarging demands Of his family, he
forgets that he is consuming his capital.
After awhile, in the absence of an in
come adequate to meet his current tx
penses, he finds that if he would protect
himself from poverty, he must ecOnom-
ize. How economizs! He cannot do it.
His expenditures have been graduated
upon the desires ofhi family rather than
upon his ability to discharge them. His
social position depends upon his keeping
up appearances. He has not the moral
courage to tell the world that he can take
a position within bis means. He there
fore goes regardless of the future-and
finally winds up bankrupt.
The man who attains wealth bv mar
riage is another example Of the faulty
which attends this universal struggle for
wealth. He perhaps atfsines his end,
but women who bring the larger share
of pecuniany capital into the conjugal
union, are not always the most agreea-
bic welded companions. In many such
cases the wife has bought her husband
and the husband is most decidedly sold.
He is but the fixture of a splendid estab-
liShment, the slave Of caprice, and the
automaton of wonan's whims. His
fortune has cost too much.
But however acquired, wealth seldom
performs Whatit promises, It's external
glitter soon pals upon the senses. and the
vanity which prompted its pursuit soon
becomes saiated BY its possession So
far from being favorable to a proper de-
velopment OF mind or tue social comfort,
it is found to be corroding in its effects
both upon the head and heart. It's true
use is a stimulus to exertiUn. Property
enough to protect US when sick or out of
employ ment, but not enough to allow US
to live in Incidence, is better than wealth.
A competence is desirable, and should
be aimed at by every one. But after
has been secured, to waste
ones energies and vitiate ones mind by
an absorbing chase for wealth, is any
Thing but indicative of sound under
standing Boston Herald.