San Andreas independent., 1858-08-14
Principal Cause of Failures.

Surprise is often expressed at the num-
Der of failures occurring every year in
the commercial world. Various reasons
are given for this sad result; but we think
the great majority of these failures may
be traced to the one cause-ignorance of
the value of money. 1t was lately re-
marked by one whose business throws
him daily among men of commercial pur-
suits, that he seldom knew of house
failing who had commenced trading on
its own small capital The partners in
such firms have acquired knowledge OF
the true value of money, and while they
continue yearly to add to their store of
wealth, they never indulge in extrava-
gance. either in their commercial or pri-
vate concerns.
With young men who are placed in
business by their relatives and supplied
literally with funds, there is in many ca
ses discovered want of judgment in
making purchases, an amplitude for fast
living, willingness to take an undue
license with the credit system, and to
barter future reputation for present dis
play, in one word to live beyond their
means. The first success dazzles them;
they think fortune will always befriend
them; and that a fine house and fine
friends are much better than quiet
home. The first delusion is often most
fatal to them; for even while persons
partake of their profusion it is noised
abroad that they are fast livers, and their
credit already begins to suffer.
Payments fall due and accommodation
has to be asked and the truth becomes
patent to the creditors that their custom
ers haze not met with sudden losses but
they have expended in private extrava-
gance those moneys which should have
been treasured to meet their engagements.
The first false step has been taken, and
although it might have been retrieved by
manly resolve, too often the votaries of
the world rush madly on. Appearances
must be kept up, they exclaim; retrench-
ment is hateful word prudence will
come with age, and the enjoyment of the
present is voted to be the only maxim
worthy of following. But enjoyment has
already fed from their path the consci-
business 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 shudder
at its fury; restless days and nights be-
come their portion; and pittiful excuses
fall from their lips whenever money is
demanded by their creditors. At last
the day of ruin comes, and the town talks
freely of the men who have been full of
false pretension, and who have dragged
with them to the dust many innocent per-
sons
A few simple truths well conned might
save much of this misery. Display never
begets respect; fine house is poor ex-
change for happy home; an elegant
wife for loving heart; system of credit
for state of independence. The value
OF money is shown in enterprise, not in
profusion, and they who would rise in the
world must know how to restrain present
enjoyments for the sake of future success.
Fortune is not so blind as mortals have
painted her, and those who would win
the honors of this world and gain a proud
name among the sons of commerce must
be very chary how they trife with her.
The victory to be gained over self is
greater than any other; the triumph to
be achieved in the commercial world by
those who patiently struggle on true to
themselves and their calling is indeed
mighty; the earth grows rich at their
bidding where before were barren wastes;
the seas are covered with their sails, bear
ing civilization to the farthest corners of
the world; towns rise in grandeur where
mean novels lately stood; and peace and
justice shine out more brightly on the
path of commerce. How pitiful are the
feeting pleasures which extravaganza Of
fers to its votaries in comparison with the
solid happiness which is derived from
mercantile integrity and enterprise.
ENvY.-The envious man is in pain on