The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-09-01
Mistellaneous.
From the Home Weekly, Philadelphia.
BORROWED CAPITAL: I'D
OR, GETTING ON IN THE WORLD.


L
young man, in QUO of our cities, who had
just set up in business for himself on a
limited capital, and everybody, himselfin.
cludcd, believed he was doing well. To
DO sure his weekly receipts were not
large, neither were his expenses cnor.
nous; and by careful mode Of figuring
up under the heads of " outlay" and sim
come" he was satisfied that the profits Of
his store were sufficient to keep his
stock good and furnish the necessary cx.
pcnses Of his household, with something
in store for a rainy day." ..' N
For time Sylvester was quite content
with this. He may have had occasional
dreams Of an ambitious nature, but he
never allowed them to interfere with
his business matters. Several years he
had occupied ,he same little store; it
had yielded him enough for home comforts
aud surely he need not ask for more.
But an evil day came to Sylvester Rod.
uey. Large stores, fine fronts and gen.
teel clerks were becoming the rage, and
with dismay he saw that many Of the friend
who had started about the same time and
in the same manner Us himself were
leaving him far behind. Of course he
could not say that they we've grow
ing rich; it might be quite the re-
verse; but they were certainly making
more splendid appearances, and rising far
above him, according to the indications
of social thermometers. Sylvester him.
self did not notice or feel this SO keenly
as his wife. Katy Rodney had been a
great favorite in her circle, and she had
formed many friendships she rarely valued.
yet while the social position Of herself and
husband remained the same. others were
climbing the ladder Of fame and distinc-
tion. With pain she saw the growing
GOODNESS of one after another of her former
equals. aud soon she began to feel really
alarmed.
Sylvester" she said one day. scizing
the opportunity, "do you not know, dear.
est, that We are losing ground fearfully?|
That all our old companions are getting
above us in style and position? See
James Granger! He commenced life
when you did, with hardly more means,
and Lizzie was on the best Of terms with
me. Now she never condescends to call
upon me, and | am sure james had no
more opportunities for getting on in the
world than you!" ...
"I've noticed tcat foa sometime, Katy
replied the young merchant, "but I am
sure don't understand it. l cannot
help. their success !"
But you can follow their example,
Sylvester! Do as they do, aud make
your mark a few steps higher in the
scale!"
"All we'll in sound, Katy; but how to
make the thing work, that is the vital
question. will do any thing to please
you, if / can only see how it is to be
DONE"
II cannot give the Details" she re-
piled that is for you men Of business
to determine. Only. suppose, it is done
by putting in more capital ahd making
more show generally. But ! really wish
you would think Of it. dear, for it is too
bad to plod on in this way, while others
90 ahead with such rapid strides"
Sylvester thought the matter over,
aud the more he thought the more uneasy
he became. Sure enough, why should he
plod on so slowly, while others were mas
tcrs Of largo establishments and makiue
large displays in the fashionable world
He saw plainly enough, now, that he had
been too contented, and allowed matters
to take their own way too much. II he
would succeed, he must make builder Of.
forts to gain the success he coveted and
keep pace with his fellows at oil haz.
ards.
He was still revolving the idea, when
an old fricnl, whom he lad long known
and had been successful in mercantile af.
fairs, entered the store. 1t was dull
day, and No one being within, the young
man broached tho subject nearest his
heart. lrE o. er Ll.. m
"Mr. Marsh" he commenced earnest.
Iy. +" am anxious to enlarge my business.
I wish to bring it into something Of more
Importance. have plodded here SO long
that really tire Of the old style" ~,
"That is too apt to be the case with
young business men Of to-day" respond.
I'd the merchant Ephraim Marsh. 1t
Is common error TO try rushing things,
aud fiud il almost always brings up dis
astrously. But in what manner do you
think OF making this Improvement" !"
81 hardly know / wish to enlarge
both premises and stock. You are older
aud can advise me- .s, .l 1.t.., |
"I should not care TO advise you in
such matters" the other returned, with q
shake of the head. .One man cannot
lay down line Of conduct for another
man and know what his success will be.
You will be more likely to strike the true
plan. unaided, than BY any kind Of coun-
sel." So. 9 r.f,,5 - 'ti.sr n. 80
Il feel no fears but that the extension
would bring me additional custom,
'u%s'ens to pay the expense incurred.
By tact aud talent i think il quite
this" -. :
quite likely. Ye, let me caution
you aguinst expecting too sudden an in.
crease. Your old customers will adhere
to you, and new vii! gradually como In.