The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-07-06

BIOGRAPHIES OF SUCCESSFUL PHILADELPHIA
MERCn ANTS This valuable collection OF biographies
is not unknown the public most OF tue matter haV-
ing been euy published 10 tue columns OF the Com
its readers livery sketch has been carefully revised
and corrected ana the present form combnes perfeet
accuracy with interest and Information,
Az general rule, biographies are dangerous writing
and dry reading the author is constantly danger Of
running against the snags of personalities or DasinR
truth by prejudce reminding one OF child who, peep
ing In NJ penny show fancles he sees the whole world
cautious readers very apt 20 shuu "LiVeHn as
upSatisactOy reading But when writer OF biography
will cOndne himself u the exact truth, and tell Il in
plain, straightforward mauuer without comment or
epeCulgtlou tue world is the gamer OF just so muck
treasure from the we'll Of experience, This writer Of
this book Of biographies hiss done this thing rhe
volume is an Interesting sateueut of the career of nsr
chants Wit alike known TO their city and profess
sion aud Is valuable as guide and text book Tor the
yuupp: treasure of pleasing memories for the more
advanced and "A monument WOtthily earned by those
whose struggles and Successes IL records.
Here is tOld, In interesting manner the story OF
how from poverty and sometimes ignorance men have
risen TO the foremost ranks OF mercantile life, wealth.
and position ana excellent sketches Of appearances and
personal traits give life TO the details SO completely
are some OF the lives wrought out that young men
tering upon business career will hnd hero the most
valuable hints AS to the details Of many Ct the leading
branches OF business, and the whole community OF
readers will dnd valuable information regarding tha
most profitable and honorable methods Of rising in
mercantile career.
The author himself, in his introduction gives the
best sketch OF the design and purPort Of the volume.
He says;-
S'In pursuance of the plan upon which they were
started the Sketches took wide range, and has
been taken TO have them accurate and readable; not
only containing lessons for practical use but such per-
sonRl gossip indicates character will interest the
reader Broad traits outlined with liberal hand,
while and petty chAracterstcs have courtly
veil thrown over their deformities.
CAN absolute historian
should be in fear Of nonei neither should hs
Write anything more than truth for friendship,
Or less for hate'
Little things go further than many Of us think toward
making the character Of all humanity and frequently
much be learned by watching how merchant signs
his name, handles 8 bank note, or gives an order.
MagnAnimty and meannsss have each their set marks,
by which the thinking eye and the quick intellect de-
teot them be they obscure TO the idle brain
tba fooIisb yision Of the indolent and silly.
TLe nterest Of the work VIII spring partly from the
i PhAdsiphia there Is more real, solid, en-.
d,iu ,oslh than IN any city In the Union Financial
s,iis, which nave swept like tornado the land
hA's 'ouSN
while 70 the reader Of the present day personal ae
au1intapee recollection, viii give added value 10
Ia intrinsic worth Of the volume il will by no means
lose ta interest the ootemporAry generation fades
away The daily life Of men OF to-day will be a. dear
70 the ToeollOeton OF future aspirAnt for mercantile
fame a the msmOriea of those giant minds
WHO struggled with tho winds and waves OF adV0rgs
fortune When our country was In ia iRfsney