The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-07-06
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BIOGRAPHIES OF SUCCESSFUL PHILADELPHIA
MERCHANTS, published by ia mes X simOn.-Mr. 8.
n. WIEsLow, the ppblisher OF that important sheet
the Commercial List, of Philaaelphs, has made q
valuable and welcome contribution ~ our biographical
literature in tho volume offered TO ths public.
Although the merchants OF our country form is bull
wAtk, and exert larger Influence politically 6nAn
cAily and socially, than any other class u the
y there are but few records published by which those
out Cf the same associations and pursuits may eArn the
secrsis OF their power Yet these men, many Of them
self made Bpringing from the humblest origin struR
Cling througn youtn Of poverty and hardship, now
POSSESS too much power stand too high for Intellect
ability and wealth and act too conspicuous part in
the most important part of our national history 70
make the record OF their lives any but of interest
and profit Written by a contemporary, and in most
instances personal friend of the suhsct each sketch
contains anecdotes and ecOlleotons OF interest which,
If left TO later date would have been altogether lost
and gives to the work besides other and
the merit Of being timely production.
In the preparation Of these sketches the author has
had advantage of intercourse with the characters
trByed, their relatives, that they mar b.
relied upon perfectly truthful and Trustworthy He
has carefully weeded out all prejudice or contradiction
from the material placed at hi disposal inquired closely
into conflicting statements and thus rendered his Owa
narration impsrts and correct The atyIe Ia CLEAR ana
vigorous, the purpose straightforward and tho state
meptH valuable aud entertaining,
To those just entering upon mercantile cAroor It ia
impossible TO estimate the value of volums like
this While 1t gives the clearest statements Of the
leading 10 success failure drawn from actual
experience, it also points out in clear forcibe Ian
gusge, the dangers and Temptations which bssst the
yOung merchant and gives words of counsel which are
pure gold to the AOuHhttul inquirer.
MIR Carpenters rules, laid down for his guidance
foIm almost textbook in themselves. Among theu
To rise early. He WAS always up between four and
i've clock in the morning. and did almosta days work
before other people were awake.
20 employ method and system in everything,
whether of study, pleasure or labor.
g. To never undertake any enterprise without being
thoroughly prepared for success ss we'll rs failure.
O. To purchase for cash instead of credit, causes the
purchaser TO be prudent and careful and not to
load himself with stOck, besdes being advantage In
the discount for prompt payment.
10 go ino businehB entirely upon credit is danger
Gus, and likely 10 swamp the young beginner
Never sell to person who purchases entirely
credit To meet his payments he will, in eight
out OF ten, he compelled sacrifice goods for which
promised To pay full prices
Upon these principles George W. Carpenter acted,
and when the seventh OF June, 1850 he called
upon by death to leave his ahairs will venture 70
say his accounts posted, and tuat he lett to his
muily clear record OF his worldly career free from
doubt or intricacy.
No entering upon the hazards of business life can
fail 10 derive pleasure and profit from the perusNI q
such lives those Of John augg, Hugh Craig, Col
Alexander Henry, John Welsh, Charles Norris and a
host Of Others, whose examples shining light for
the feet Of their TO those looking foe
ment and guidance for pleasant personal
dOte Tor finely drawn traits OF character, aud pleasant
profitable reading, hear y recommend this valuable
book.