The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1859-04-22
Integrity of Dealing.

We copy the following excellent article,
with the single remark that though origi-
nnlly published in another locality, it is
suited to all meridians:
The importance of strict adherence to
the purest principles of honor in all bust
ness transactions, is not appreciated as it
ought to be in the commercial world. A.
vital reform i'll mercantile ethics is emf
ncntly needed, or rather reform in the
practical application of those dognas
which make up the moral code of trade.
Men are too apt TO suppose that slight
iniraction of that code is matter of lit
tie moment, and 10 regard with compla-
cent leniency little transgressions, we can
scarcely call them sins, against its eleya-
ted teachings.
But the most trifing departure from
the strict line of rectitude in the conduct
Of ones business brings after it conse-
quenccs, in their nature if not in their
results, most pernicious and damaging,
and for the injury thus incurred no
amount of immediate gain can afford ade-
quatc compensation. We venture the as
scrtion that fair honest, plain. candid
dealing, at all times and under all circum-
stances, will he found to be the wisest and
best policy, and will in the long run
pay far better than the keen chicanery
OF the sharper.
TO show the truth of the foregoing re-
Elections and yet avoid spinning out this
article into prosy essay, we must be sem
tentious. The advantages of strict integ-
rity Of dealing are three-fold. Such a
course operates with most beneficial eff
fCcts-
First, upon the dealers customers
| They are not fools. They can not long be
deceived and when once they gain
knowledge of the cheat they will not suf-
fer themselves TO be caught again. By
fair and candid dealing you inspire them
with confidence you. They know that
they can rely upon your word. Hence
you retain their custom to the last, and
will have very little trouble in serving
them. The honest course you pursue to-
wards your customers, while it fills your
till and swells your bank account, also
operates benefically in the second place,
upon your employees, and prevents them
from dishonesty diminishing the contents
OF the cash box. They, from your book
keeper to the negro who blacks your
boots, for all their show of politeness, will
not respect you if they catch you in a lie;
nor will your clerks or statesmen, if they
see you cheat or deiraud your customers
i'll ever so small Il particular, pay the same
regard to honesty in their dealings with
yoa, as they otherwise would You I'M
derminc the sentiments Of honor in their
minds; You teach them by example, if
not by precept, that low, cunning tricks
upon customers are evidences of ''sharp-
ness"-and that such sharpness is COM
mcndible in business. Can you be sur
prised, have you any right to complain,
| If they in time come to turn that cunning
against you, and to perpetrate the frauds
you have taught them upon YOURSELF
But, thirdly-and finally, honest dealing
operates with strong and happy effect up
on the dealer himself 1t gives him NOR
al power. 1t conters the comfortable con-
sciousncss Of uprightness, satisfaction
that cannot be purchased with uncounted
thousands. It engenders that benign
sentiment, self-respect, which when care
fully guarded and kept inviolate, enables
u man to surmountall barriers that inter-
pose between him and his object, to battle
noblv with the tempcstuous storms of UNI
propitiouss fortune, or TO submit, with
calm aad digniiicd philosophy, to the bit
ter DEGREES OF adverse and unrelenting
fate.
Thus it is that integrity of dealing bene-
fits the man of business and forms the
surcst road to fortune and to happiness.