The weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1858-1860, 1859-05-10
Useless EYuensea

We have often wished that some voice of
kindly warning, with power enough to com
mand attention, could reach our Young men
especially those Of our cities, and induce
them to consider the uselessness of many of
their expenses, viii h swallow up their earn
ings, and destroy their Independence
and self respect, and too often their reputa-
ton and their hopes.
We often hear young men complain of the
smallness of their salaries, and that they can.
not support themselves upon what they re-
ceive. We think that the labor of Young
men in our city is literally paid for compared
with that of others, and that with proper
habits OF expenditure they should be able to
acquire rapidly the means Of establishing
themselves in an independent business. Few,
perhaps, compared with the whole, are now
doing this, and many we fear are continual
~ pressed with debt, when they ought to be
independent, and we know from the records
OF crime which our large cities afford u.s.
how many are tempted to gamble or forge, or
engage IN some form Of robbery, to obtain
the means of keeping up an expenditure be-
yond their earnings, and beyond every reas-
enable want The strengthened circumstan-
ces OF very many arise not from the supply
OF any real want, but from the qualification of
foolish desires or injurious appetites.
Thousands OF families are supported in
comfort and responsibility, and their sons
and daughters are being educated and pre-
pared Tor usefulness, on smaller sums than
many single young men are receiving, and
ind the amount quite too small for their
wants. and think themselves unable to 9, are
anything for the support of religious institu.
lions, or for any other purpose of oeneyo-
lence.
To such course Of life, We fear that thou
sands are sacrificing their independence,
their health, and their prospects. We ask
attention to some particulars here.
We think that the great mass of our young
men who are living on moderate salaries,
are too lavish and inconsiderate in their ex-
penditures.
Neatness and taste in dress are to be com.
mended in every one, but young men are
entirely mistaken in supposing that by costly
apr ar Ell they commend themselves to the good
opinion Of any one whose good opinion is
valuable. To pride ones self upon drees,
seems to proclaim that one has no other basis
for reputation to rest upon A man who
has true self respect, ard who feels assured
OF his position in society, very seldom attracts
attention by his garments. The footn,an is
generally more carefully dressed than the
nobleman. There is, we think, no
in ayoung mans expanding as
much for bis coat as is he were man of
independent fortune. 1t is often said,
unless we expend largely for dress, we cam
not be admitted into good society. Society
really good, cares much less for the texture
Of the cloth than for he quality of head and
heart, the attainments one has made, and the
reliability OF his character. Besides if a
Young man will set bis mark high, and labor
ON, though comparatively unnoticed
for time, he will win for himself position
1t length and hold the golden KEY, at whose
touch all the doors of good society will open
before him.
Cigars consume for many sum yearly,
which. il set before them in the aggregate
would ast''nish them. Habitual attendance
At the club rooms, the opera concerts. bill |
lard tables, driving fast horses, and similar |
all which call for money, cons
'ume q large per cent Of many salaries
IL young men would have the courage and |
honesty to set down in note book every ex-
oenditure daily, and then examine it at the |
end Of q month or week, it would mortiiy. |
perhaps astonish. and possibly reform them |
Let them carefully 60 over such an account |
md mark every item Of necessary expense. |
and 1t would quickly be seen why their sal
lries are % small
But the direct loss Of money and the pres
INT Inconvenience, are the least sorrowiul of
ia the results of such course.
A young man soon forms for himself thus
companionship, from which there is no
scape. An enchanted circle is drawn
round him, which he cannot leap over. He
; assailed, perhaps, by ridicule. hints of
and c0wsrdice are thrown out
{ being yet in leading strings to father or
lother, or sneers about getting sober or re-
igious, hold him firm, while he withers in
ardly and curses the chain that binds him.
He has acquaintance at the theatre, ut
rinking saloons, ss the stables, at places of
fanny; he 10 member of free and easy
ubs, no hears religion scofed at, his
atter nature yields itself to the supremacy
the lower propensities.
He at length, and soon forms habits of
ought and habits Of extravagant expendi- {
re, which absolutely forbid all success. and {
nd to crime and disgrace The memories
early training are oserborne. He learns 9
scprn the counses Of his childhood. bis
art grows calloused and vicious, the foun- c
ms Of love and sympathy. are sealed, the {
nctuAry Of God 10 deserted, the Sabbath 10 j,
serted, and great sorrow is laid upon pa I
nts, brothers and sisters, and = shadow ia a
avn over their early homes. .
Life, in this way unless suddenly ended o
disease, drunkenness, or violent death. J,
ems to 70 on merrily for time, until per- .
pc the aye is reached when the desire arises q
establish himself in business, and to form b