New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-02-05

| the West as in the East, anu the aolnty W Pa'
| is about the same.
The short cotton crop produced local distress,
which reacted upon business centers. When
we consider how cheap cotton fabrics have be-
come notwithstanding the short crop, and also
tbe cbeapness of wool and woolens, one would
| naturally conclude that mechanical industry is
nroducing much more than agricultural. But II
is n fact that through the whole country farms
meyer were SO well worked as now, and what
s called deficiency is simply an inability to
make the food, which formerly satisfied two
nersons. satisfy three In addition, the people
at large are living better every year and, as
natural consequence, our population is increas-
ing with astonishing rapidity, whatever may be
the case in limited localities, where learning, as
it is called, produces effeminacy and decay.
II is not natural for us to suppose that this
age differs much from any other; or, at least,
to such an extent as to work a radical change.
But. if we look over the whole subject, and
note the astonishing effects produced by steam,
which, in only one Gifts trumphs, is distinguished
by the facility of transportation, we must con-
clude that each part of the country is Dartaking
of all the advantages of another part. To
very great extent. similar changes are going on
in Europe. Everywhere, there is concentration,
absorption, and undermining of old habits and
methods of business-all of which threaten,
though remotely, to attack old Institutions Here
it is different Those institutions were over
thrown long ago; and for so years we have been
building upon foundations which in Europe are
not yet laid. With us, i'll short, individual and
national prosperity are identical. And now by
all the signs of the times, we are rapidly APP
preaching universal democracy. OF course, IN
dividuals Will have large fortunes; perhaps
some may possess more than any ten now pos
sess but this will by no means interfere with
the leveling process, which will give to the
masses intelligence, abundant clothing, and
comfortable homes.
At the same time, Supeiiluity will be less
proper, or even possible. If one would con-
form to the condition of things, or to what may
be called the Genius of the Times, he must
use proper economy, and be industrious and
prOvident, that he may have some provision
for accidents and times still more adverse. OF
course, there will be certain people and fami-
lies bent upon destruction, and young men will
fall into habits ill-suited to their condition, or
to any condition; but the world will move on,
ones will walk. Sensible people who may have
been thinking that the glitter and glare of the
last few years would always continue, should
consider that they are already fading away,
and that the phosphorc cleaning arose from
the conllagration of things which are never
to be seen again. Whether people of means
see these things, or whether it is a fOrebOding
widely prevailing and amounting to pho
nomenon, it is fact, and much commented
upon, that comparatively few costly and worth
less articles were purchased for the holidays.
The practice of making extravagant presents
at weddings, and the giving of expensive en-
tertainments, is gradually and wisely passing
away.
Certainly while the rich, and those who have
been noted for their profusiOn, are limiting
their expenditures, people in common life will
initiate their example. Above all. young men
should note these things. Never before was it
so important that young man, whether with
or without family. should have something of
his own for never 40 much rs in the present
time has he been called upon to compete with
the practical and the real In short, he must
have property, or ability to acquire it. BY
property we do not mean large sum we
mean only few hundred dollars for, to save
so little will be rs meritorious, and will lead
to as important results as in after life will the
saving of thousands. Property, to be of USE can
be acquired in only one way: that is, by habits
of industry, by upright intentions. and, under
lying all, by due regard to expenses. Thou
sands, even millions, have sought other meth
DDS. and not one among them all can stand up
and say that he succeeded. If SUCH hitherto,
has always been the case, much more is it so
now, while the rewards of industry and we'll
doing are each day becoming more secure