The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-11-15
PRIDE AND ExTRAvAGANCE.

We see many young men commence farming
under the most favorable circumstances possible,
and in little time they go by the board, and arc
reduced to abject poverty, which they fnd to be a
hard master. This change is brought about to a
great extent by bad management, in endeavoring
to make display in decorating the house, fine
dressing and splendid equipage. There are many
men striving with poverty now who were ouce we'll
to do, whose downfall resembles the picture shall
here draw. Go and ask one of those strug-
Cling with poverty, who once had fine farm, why
he has been reduced, and his story will be some
thing like this: 81 commenced the world with
some advantages, such as family reputation and
property Finding the bachelors life a lonely
one partly to please others concluded to get mar
ried. l pretty well satisfied with the change
until the family expenses began to increase great
ly My dear soon thought that we wanted a new
vehicle to ride in, and double one at that. | re-
minded her of the old pannel buggy and the old
horse Dobbin. But she still insisted that we
should have coach and pair. | objected to the
cost: told her [ could not spare the money. She
replied that neighbor Swell, no richer or better
than myself, had double carriage | tried to
convince her that this would bring on double
trouble, as well as double expense. We can drive
the buggy ourselves and it does not cost half as
much the coach; and besides we should have to
use two horses, when now one will answer our pur-
sometimes a tootman; especially when we drive to
town; and this takes two hands from the farm, ne-
ther of whom | am able to spare. "But, my dear"
she says, "every body will expect it Of to have
a carriage and two horses" This contest was of
ten renewed; at length whether from fattery con-
tanned in her arguments, or the sake OF quiet
house. the choch was bonght, and other fine things
furnished about the house in character with the
cqupage and from that time date the commence
ment of my ruin-not exactly from the cost, but
from the style of living it introduced.
Bv the bv, the importance Of family in the
country is wonderfully increased, in their own
ceit by "double carriage;' not negro on the
farm but feels it and becomes more proud and
worthless. For long time but little was thought
Of by my wife and servants but sporting the coach
and two. Poor Dobbin was put to the pillow, and
could not help thinking that he reproached me
every time we met. | soon began to buy corn in
stead of selling; instead of having money at interest
soon had to borrow. We had constant round
of company, and every farmer knows how that
operates. | gradually lost my spirits, my good
humor, had bad misgivings, saw breakers ahead,
but did not change my course. AT length was
obliged to mortgage my land. After that re-
signed myself to my fate. | formerly delighted in
improving my farm, but who ever knew man
fond ofimproving mortgaged farm, when he saw
no prospect of paying for it? Ruin now approach
ed with rapid strides; my nel9hbors began to
prophesy; my friends became shy and sometimes
in my company they would accidentally remark
that they had come to the resolution not be secu-
rity for any one, Misery makes man acquainted
with strange bedfellows. I found it so. Shifts
for raising the wind and keeping up appearances
were rcsorted to- which [ do not like to remember;
friends deserted me; creditors pressed me- my note
was looked upon as being doubtful; what was to be
done in such case? Luckily one of the servants
misbehaved and was sold to negro trader The
idea that we had eaten him up was an odd one,
but was nevertheless true. Soon my whole estate
was sold, and | was left with increasing family,
almost pennyless The predictions of neghbors
were fulfilled; they "knew it would be So" 'pride
must have fall"
Young farmer reader, if you should be in this
sure way to destruction, turn back; and if you have
not entered upon it, steer clear Of it BE sure to
improve your lands before you improve your style
of living. Do not think that you must begin
where your father left off, in the way Of comforts
and luxurics. Let your progress be steady and
firm; buy only what you can pay for; be sure to
make the money before you spend it. Do not
have fine horses and vehicles, at the expense Of
badly drained and poorly cultivated farm; if you
do, my word for it, later you will en-
counter breakers, and boisterous ones too, such
will swallow you up at once Hash Dispatch