Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-05-29

| Raleigh n. O., May 18th, 1868.
Circular No. 4.
The Assistant Commissioner is DESTROYS
| of drawing the attention of the colored
! people of this State to the Importance aud
benefit of tbs " Freedmen's Saving Bank, ="
| branches of which are already in operation
in Raleigh, New Berne and Wilmington.
and in few days others will be established
in Charlotte and Salisbury. This institu-
! ton was incorporated under an act of Con-
gress-for the special benefit of those whose
earnings will allow them to lay aside small
sums of money providing a depository
perfectly safe. and at the same time accu-
mulating interest. GA penny saved is q
penny earned" was the maxim of wise
and great man and one worthy of being
followed.
These Banks will receive monies in small
or large amounts, and at the end of every
six months interest is added to the princi-
pal ; and thus every deposit earns some
thing, and by this system of compromising
| interest the original amount doubles itself
every few years.
The colored people of this community
are to all lntents and purposes free and in
dependent, but In some respects they are
still in bondage or dependent upon others.
So long as they are houseless, without
shelter for their families, and without pro-
per apparel and food, SO long will their
condition be one of extreme want and de-
pendence-and the present condition of
| those who are slaves to habits of idleness,
prodigality or intemperance, is far worse
than their former bondage. A full appre-
citation OF the liberty, advantages of citi-
zenship and opportunities for education
granted the race has been manifested, and
the benefits arising therefrom fully real
lied. NOaO is the time to lay the founda-
ton of future wealth, prosperity and hap
piness.
| Everything has been done for you that
was possible you must now carve out your
own fortunes. Your future career and sue
cess in life must be determined by your
own actions. There are but two paths be-
fore you in one you will find idleness, pro-
digality, vice, crime, slavery-either
morally or physically-the other presents
and happiness. One great and important
lesson for you to learn is the value and
power of money.
| The Wealthlest men of our land were, a
few years since, among the poorest boys OF
the country. They acquired wealth and
independence by industry, honesty and
economy. To save the first ten, the Jirsl
hundred, or the first thousand dollars is
the almost insuperable difficulty one expe-
riences in the task of ecouomy. But the
first ten dollars saved, to save the hundred
and thousand becomes easier and accumu
lating money, instead Of being task, grad
ually, but surely, grows to be a satisfaction
and pleasure. Unless the commencement
is made, and the foundation laid, you will
remain in poverty and want. Let every
cent now wasted in purchasing tobacco
| liquors, Jewelry or fancy clothing, be saved
placed in the Savings Bank, and wher
enough has been accumulated buy a home
stead, and thus place yourselves in Cir
| cumstances both comfortable and indepen
dent.
Bear in mind that every dollar deposited
is earning interest every day and while
sickness or other causes suspend daily EN-
pIoyment the little sum in the Bank grow
larger every hour.
The particular attention of all coloree
people Is called to this opportunity afford
ed by the Government for their benefit
Soldiers especially should take advantage
of this offer, and thus provide for future
interests, by depositlng each payday
portion of their monthly pay, thereby pro
viding something to aid them when thel
| term of service expires.
Let the children be taught to lay aside
every penny they get, and when it amounts
to ten cents put it in the Savings Bank
and when they arrive at the age OF twenty
one they will have sufficient funds to ma
terlally aid them in business pursuits.
1t Is not only matter of economy, blu
wise policy, to provide against contin
geDcles common to all men, such as sick
ness, misfortune and their attendants.
Put every cent you can spare into thu
Bank. and coming years will show the wis
dom of such course.
NELSON A. MILES,
Byt Maj. Genl. U. S. A.,
Assistant Commissioner.