The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-02-18
Lessons from an Old Merchant.

That veteran and honorable merchant, iona
| than Sturges of New York, at the dinner given
IN his honor on the occasion of his retirement
from active business, gave the following golden
counsel to young men: III
| "Now, gentlemen since there is nothing that
l can talk about that you do not understand
! better than L do, propose to say few words
for the benefit Of the young men outside, and
if you approve of what is said let it be consid-
cred as said by this Grand jury of Merchants
now assembled i; ..-asf, =. .s aaf<
| One OF the first lessons received was in 1913
when L was eleven years of age. My grand father
had collected fine flock of merino sheep, which
were carefully cherished during the winter If
1s12-15. was shepherd boy, and my bust
ness was to watch the sheep in the fields A
boy, who was more fond of his book than of
sheep was sent with me, but left the work to me-
while he lay in the shade and read his books
finally complained of this to the old gentleman
l shall never forget his benignant smile as he
replied: Never you mind, if you watch the
sheep you will have the sheep | thought to
myself: what does the old gentleman mean |
don't expect to have any sheep. My aspirations
were quite moderate in those days, and first
rate merlno buck was worth $1,000. | could
not make out exactly what he meant, but had
great confidence in him, as he was a Judge, and
had been to Congress in Washington's time; so
concluded that it was all right whatever he
meant, and went out contcntedly with the sheep
After | got to the field [ could not get that idea
out of my head Finally Thought of my Sun
day school lesson: Thou hast been faithful over
few things | will make thee ruler over many
things Then [ understand it: Never you
mind who else neglects his duty; be you faithful
and you will have your reward | do not think
will taE0 lads -
derstand this proverb
l received my second lesson soon after I came
to this city as IA clerk to the late Luman Reed
y merchant from Ohio who knew me came to
purchase from Mr. Reed. He expressed his graft
tcatlon at finding me there, and said to me You
have got good place-lnake yourself so useful
that they cannot do without you' | took his
meaning quicker than [ did the proverb about
the sheep. Well | worked upon these two ideas
until DIR Reed offered me an interest in his bus-
ness. ... .. ...s ...-.. ..G ...-.
The next morning after the copartncrshp was
announced, Mr. James Gecry, the old tea mer-
chant called to see me: You are all right now;
have no words of advice to give you; be careful
who you walk the streets with That was lesson
number three.
In this connection I must repeat an anecdote
told of the late Robert Lennox. \ country mer-
Cllthh CAME tHto the St0Fc OI Il highly
respectable Scotch merchant to purchase goods
He spoke about credit references, &c. Mr. Nor
ton said: | will give you what credit you wish
But said the merchant, 1 am an entire stranger
to you. Mr. Morton replied Did | not see
you at church with Robert Lenno1 p Yes
was at church with him. We'll, I will trust
any man whom Robert Lennox will tax e to church
with him
| hope these three lessons of watchfulncss over
the interests of their employers, watchfulness
over their partners interests and their own after
they are joined, followed by intense watchfulness
that no black sheep creep into their folds, may
be impressed by these anecdotes upon the minds
of those for whom they are intended
One other lesson feel it very necessary to in
culcate-that Of patience
With little patience most young men will
find a position as high as they have fitted them
selves to fill.
In all the changes which have taken place in
my firm since 1922, no partner has been brought
in who has not served as clerk in the establish
ment, And / now leave my house we'll organ
lied, prosperous and free from complications still
in the hands of those who served in it as clerks |
iOr longer or shorter period mention this as
an encouragement to young men to persevere i'll
the faithful performance OF their duties