Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-04-15
Lessons from an Old Merchant.

W uNo.
Lessons from an Old Merchant.
That veteran and honorable merchant
Jonathan 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:
Now, gentlemen since there is nothing
that can talk ABOUT that you do not un-
derstand great deal better than | DO, /
propose to say few words for the bene-
fit of the young mer outside, and if you
approve of what is said, let it be consid-
cred as said by this grand jury of mer-
chants now assembled.
One of the first lessons | received was
in 1913, when 1 wasseleven years of age.
My grandfather had collected fine flock
of merino Sheep which were carefully
cherished during the war Of .lSl2-'l5. |
was a shepherd boy, and my bust
ness was to watch the sheep in the
fields. a boy, who was more fond of
his books than of sheep, vas entwith
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. | shaltneSer forget his be
nignant 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 as
praiions were quite moderate in those
days, and frstratc merino buck was.
worth 81 900. could not maKeout ex-
actly what he meant, but ! had great con-
fidence in him, as he was judge and had
been to Congress in Washington's time
so / concluded that it was all right, what
ever he meant, and went out contentcdly
with the sheep Afer got to the field
could not get that idea out of my head
Finally | thought of my Sunday lesson:
Thou hast been faithful over few
things, will make thee ruler over many
things" Then understood it. Never
you mind who else neglected his duty, be
you faithful and you will have your re.
ward do not think it will take many
lads as long as it did me to understand
this proverb.
received my second lesson soon after
| came to this city, as clerk to the late
Lyman Reed. A merchant from Ohio,
who knew me, came to purchase goods
of Mr.. Reed. He expressed his gratii
cation at finding me there, and sale. to
me, 4" You have got good place. Make
yourself so useful that they cannot do
without YOU | took his meaning quicker
than did the proverb about the sheep
Well, | worked npon these two ideas un.
til Mr.. Reed offered Inc an interest in
his business. -
The hrs5 morning after the copartner.
ship was announced, Mr.. James Geery,
the old tea merchant, called to sec me,
and said to me: You are all right now
| have one word Of advice to give you
be careful who you walk the streets WITH
That was lesson number three
In this connection must repeat an an.
ecdote told of the late Robert Lennox.
A country merchant came into the store
of Mr.. Morton, highly respectable
Scotch merchant, to purchase goods. He
spoke about credit, references, &c. Mr.
Morton said: 81 will give you what
credit YOU wish" "But," said the mer-
chant, 81 am an entire stranger to you"
Mr.. Morton replied, did not see you
you at church with Robert Lennox?"
e Yes, | was at church with him." Well,
will trust any man whom Robert Len
nox will take to church with him.
| hope these three lessons of watchful-
ness over Inc interests of their employers,
watchfnlness over their partners interests
and their own, after they are joined, fol23
lowed by intense watchfnIness that no
black sheep get into their folds, may be
by these anecdotes Upon the
minds of those for whoL. they are in-
tended.
One other lesson l feel it very necessa-
to inculcate-that of patience
With a little patience, most young
men will find position as high as they
have fitted themselves to fll.
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 establishment. And now
leave my house well-organized, prosper
Gus aud free from complications, still in
the hands of those who have served in it
as clerks for a longer or shorter period
| mention this as al encouragement to
young men to pcrseverc in the faithful
performance of their duties