The Portland daily press., 1867-10-15
Early Closing.


We did not think very favorably of this ar
rangement when it was first started, but after
deliberately considering the matter in all its
bearings we have come to the conclusion that
1t is one of thebest movements ever set on
loot among the traders Of this city, 1t would
DE an endless task to enumerate in print all
the good resulting from early closing. s---4--.
lt Is benefit to traders, clerks and the pub
hc-every lndividualin town is, either directly
or indirectly, benefited by it. Traders and
clerks are directly benefited by having time
for the recreation which they so much need.
1t Is benefit to their respective families, by
giving l parents and brothers an opportunity to
peiwlth their families and enjoy the pleasures
OF nome. What benefit comfort can that
man be to, Or derive from his family, who rises
early IN the morning, goes to his business to
return at late hour fatigued with the labors
and perplexities of his business. He retires
without giving or receiving any endearing
words, winch are so necessary in every well
regulated family, to receive the proper rest to
prepare him for the next days care, or per
haps to lay awake making plans for the next
days trade, for tired natures sweet restorer
overtask themselves with long DAYS Of Excess
sive labor Clerks become stupid and careless
with over exertion and long confinement to
business. The question may be urged that
clerks will msemploy their evenings, but such
cases will be rare, for the endearments of home
and home influences will be much sweeter to
them if permitted to spend their evenings with
their families, instead of being closely con-
lined behind their respective counters, where
they have toiled all day. The public are bene-
flied by being compelled to buy their goods
during the day, for daylight is always prefera-
BILE for selecting goods. Two-thirds of the
goods purchased in the evening give dissatis-
faction, and in many cases are exchanged the
next day. Many traders have lost good Gus
toners by selling them goods in the evening.
Goods have proved Unsatisfactory, and Gus
toners oftentmes construe an error as an in
tent to cheat. .sEsksE sBsAH
Early closing renders the streets compare
lively dark, which will be for the public good,
as the numerous evils arising from promenad-
ing the streets to look in the windows will be
entirely cut OFF. Every thinking individual
knows that numerous evils arise from Young
persons of both sexes being in the streets when
| they should be at home.
We are very sorry to say that some few still
| keep their stores open, but this will not last
long. And we would say to those who have
closed, continue to close, do not let any ava.
ricious or jealous motive prompt you to break
| over the rules in a single instance, for we car
positively assure you that it will be but very
| short time before every store worth mentioning
will be closed as promptly as can be wished.
| 1t is only from a misunderstanding of thu
motive that single store is now open, and
reconciliation is being brought about which
will close every one.
There are but two instances in town wher,
it is not in the power of the shopkeeper to clos,
if he wishes, and those are using their utmost
endeavors to make arrangements whereby they
can close, and they will undoubtedly succeed
Then the thing will be unanimous. SO hole
out little longer and Portland second t,
none in this point of moral advancement.
MERCHANT.