Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1869-09-23
How to Get Rich.

TO get rich? NOW, | VIII not VOuCh That
the following rules will enable every per-
son who may read them to acquire wealth,
but this will answer for, that if ever a
man does grow rich by honest means, and
retains his wealth for any length Of time,
he must practice upon the principles laid
down in The following essay. The remarks
are not original with me, but | strongly
commend them to the attention of every
y0UHg man, at least as afiording the true
secret OF success in attaining wealth A
single perusal of such an essay at an i'm
presSble moment, has sometimesa wonder
full effect on the disposition and character,
Fortune, they say, is tickle damc-tull
OF her freaks and caprices; who blindly
distributes her favors without the slightest
discrimination SO mconstant, so wayer-
ing is she represented, that her most faith
full votarieS can place no reliance on her
promises Disappointment, they tell us,
is the lot Of those who make offerings at
her shrine. Now, all this is a vile SANDER
on the dear blind lady.
Although wealth often appears the re-
suit of mere accident, or fortunate CON
currence of favorable circumstances, with
out any exertion of skill or foresight, yet
every man of sound health and unim aaired
mind may become wealthy if he takes the
proper steps.
Foremost in the list of requisites, are
honesty and strict integrity in every
transaction of life. Let a man have the
reputation of being fair and upright in his
dealings, and he will possess the conf
dence of all who know him. Without
these qualities, every other merit will
prove unavaiing as he active and ca
pable?' Yes industrious, temperate,
and regular in MS habits? 90, yes" as
he honest? is he trustworthy?" why,
as to that, | am sorry to say that he is not
to be trusted; he wants watching; he is
little tricky, and will take an undue advan-
tage if he can. "Then Twill have nothing
to do with him. will be the inyariable
reply. Why, then, is honesty the best
policy? Because, without it, you viii get
a bad name and every body viii shun
you.
A character for knavery will prove an
insurmountablc obstacle to success in al
most every undertaking, 1t will be found
that the straight line is, in business, as in
geometry, the shortest. In word, ii is
almost impossible for a dishonest man to
acquire wealth by a regular process of
business, because he IS stunned as IA dep
redator upon society,
Needy men are apt to dcviatc from the
rule of integrity under the plea that
necessity knows no law they might as well
add that it knows no shame. The course
is suicidal, and by destroying all conf
dence, ever keeps them immured in pow
erty, although they may possess every
other quality for success in the world
PunctuGlity, which is said to be the soul
Of business is another important element
in the art of money getting. The man
known to be scrupulouSly exact in the
fuldllmcnt of his engagements gains the
confidence of all, and may command all
the means he can use to advantage; where
as a man careless and regardless of his
promise in money matters will have every
purse closed against him, Therefore be
prompt in your payments.
Next let us consider the advantage Of
cautious circumSpection in our intercourse
with the world SlownesS of belief and
proper distrust are essential to success
The credulous and conhding are ever the
dupeS of knaveS and imposters. Ask those
who have lost their property how It hap
pencd, and you will find in most cases it
has been owing to misplaced confidence
One has lost by indorsing; another by
crcditing; another by false representations
all of which little foresight and little
more distrust would have prevented In
the affairs Of this world, men are not
saved by their faith but by the want of IT,
Judge of men by what they do, not by
what they say Believe in looks, rather
than in words. Observe all their move
mcnts Ascertain their motives and their
ends Notice what they say or do in their
unguarded moments, when under the in
lucnce Of excitement. The passions have
been compared totortures, which force men
to reveal their secrets Before trusting a
man, before putting itin his power 10 cause
you loss, possess yourself Of every ayaila
able information relative to HIM. Learn his
history, his habits inclinations and pro
pcnsities; his reputation for honesty, in
duS,ry, trugalitN and pUnctualty his
prospects resources, supports, advantages
and disadvantages his intentions and mo.
liyts of action Nho are his friends and
enemies and what are his good or bad
qualities log may learn q mans good
qualities anladyanDgcs from his friends
his bad qualities and disadvantages from
Ills enemies Make due allowance for eX.
agremtiou in both Finally, examine
carefully before engaging in anything,
and act with energy alterward Have the
hundred eyes 81 Argus heio. hand and
d III :.