The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1868-03-05
A Capital Lesson for Young Men who In
tend to Rise in the World.

At a recent dinner given to that veteran, and hon
orable merchant, jonathan STuRGEs, of New " rk,
he made a brief response, from which make the
following extracts, hich commend to the atten.
ton of all young who propose to succeed in bus
mess. They enforce tbs ma kim that integrity, per-
severance and fidelity to duty capital enough for
any young to build They are sure with
ordinary good sense, to lead to Mr.. SruRGEs
said
"Now, gentlemen, since there is nothing that can
talk about that you do not understand great deal
better than do, propose to say few words for the
benefit of the youn- outside, and if you approve
of what is said, let it be considered said by this
Grand Jury of Merchants assembled
The first lesson 1 received in 1919, when
was eleven years of age Ny grandfather had collect
ed fine flock of Merino sheep, which were carefully
cherished during the war of 1912 5. was shep-
herd boy and my business to watch the sheep in
the fields. A boy, who was more fond of his books
than of sheep, 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.
shall 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 frst-rate merino buck was worth $1,000.
had great confidence in him, he was judge, and
had been to Congress in ashingtons time, so con-
cluded that it all right, whatever he meant and
wen, out contentedly with the sheep After got to
the Geld l could not get that idea ont of my head.
Finally thought of my Sunday lesson "Thou hast
been faithful a few things, will make thee
ruler over many things Then understood it ::
Never you mind who else neslects his duty be VOC
faithful, and you will have your reward do not
think it will take many lads long ii did me to
understi nd this proverb.
I received my second lesson after came to
this city, as clerk to the late Luman Reed mer-
chant from Ohio, who knew me. came to purchase
goods of Mr. Reed lie expressed his gratih ,aon at
finding NE there and said to me ''You have got
good place. Make yourself useful that they
not do without YOU" took his meaning quicker
than did the proverb about the sheep. Well, work
ed upon these two ideas until Mr.. Reed offered
interest in his business.
The first morning after the copartnershp was an
nounced, Mr.. James Geery, the cid tea merchant,
called to me- and said to me "You are all right
now have word of advice to give you be
careful who you walk the streets with" That was
les son number three.
In this connection / must repeat an anecdote told
Of the late Robert Lennox. country merchant
came to the store of Mr. Norton highly respectable
Scotch merchant, to purchase goods. he spoke a.
bout credit, reference, &C., Mr. Morton said 81 will
give you what you WISH" "But," said the merchant,
81 am an entire stranger to you" Mr.. Morton
piled "Did not you at church with Robert Len
nox ?" ayes, was at church with him." "Wel, I
will trust any whom Robert Lennox will take to
church with him."
hope these three lessons OF watchfuness over the
interests of their employers, watchfulness their
PAL tners interests and their own, after they join
ed, followed by intense watchfulness that black
sheep creep into their folds, may be impressed by
these anecdotes upon the minds Of those for whom
they are intended. e 7tr