Daily Kennebec journal., 1870-08-18
NO. 1876.

with contempt at my well brushed beaver,
and at my neat, black kid gloves, which l
always wore when had got as far up in
the world as to justify the expense. But,
ha, ha Sam, my boy, used to think, let
those laugh who win. l never troubled
my head much with what the world ought
to think; | was not clever enough to put
it right, and what it did think always
seemed to me much the more important
point. rt 81
Nature, l admit, has given me some
outward advantages for getting on. Of
these have carefully made the most. l
am tall and broad-chested, with gray hair
standing erect upon an ample and COM
manding looking forehead. My "pres-
ence," | have often observed, in the bank
of which l am manager, is sufficient to
bring guilt and confusion into the face of
the man who brings me doubtful bill for
discount, while the heartiness OF my laugh
the style of ones laughter is point to be
carefully attended to--and the cordial way
in which | can shake hands whenI choose,
has brought many strong mans account
to the bank. have always been most at
tentye to dress--and my costume has
been nearly the same for twenty years. l
wear black frock- coat, waistcoat of the
same material, with dark-gray trousers.
Since was made manager of the bank l
have carried gold-headed cane, with
which | walk to and from the office. On
the same occasion bought gold repeater
watch, which wear with gold seals, in
the good old fashion. ! must say that
| laid aside my old silver turnip with regret;
! it had kept me true to many \ business
engagement in the days of youthful strug-
gle.
know of nothing which argues more
against u man being possessed OF pru-
dent business-like spirit, and is, therefore,
more calculated to tell against his business
prospects, than marrying on an insufficient
or precarious income but, on the other
hand, when he has reached becoming
period of life, there can be no doubt that
prudent and sensible marriage adds to
his weight and respectability.
AS for myself. felt the gravity of mar
riage to be SO great that had been in
position to marry for some years before
could fairly make up my mind to it; but
when l got the bank began to see dis
tinctly that the inferior social status OF a
single man was altogether inappropriate
and unbecoming to my position. a
In choosing a wife was guided just by
the same principles which have guided me
in the other affairs of life, and which have
led me, not altogether discreditably,
venture to hope. If did not marry for
love, as it is called, at least | did not tire
of my wife at the end of three months. Ii
did not tell her before we were married
that she was an angel, was never unciyil
to her afterwards.
| | chose my wife because, having known
her for several years, she appeared to be
| nd
! likely to manage my house creditably;
and, on the whole, my expectations were
reasonably well fulfilled may add that
she was good-looking, which | frankly
confess that regard as an advantage in a
woman. We were not blessed with any
family; and when she was called away
from me last year did feel very queer
and lonely. But when two agree to jour-
ney through life together, it is plain that
one must die first. | dedicated such an
amount of time to grief as the world has
seen fit to require and sanction; but did
not allow myself to sink into morbid
and sentimental condition. The period of
legitimate grief having expired, | resume
my attention to business, and l am not
ashamed to say that was able to resume
my interest in it.
There are, think, few common habits
more fatal to business reputation than
habit of chattering. When hear a young
man starting in life ready to deliver his
opinion at moments notice on the ques-
ton of the day, Imark him as one whom
I shall certainly not be the first to send
business to. No man should presume to
engage the attention of the company by
talk. unless his age and position are mark
edlv superior. No unmade man should
ever talk to the company l feel that
cannot give too great weight to this i'm
portant trnth. BY talking, you not only
allow others to take note of your vanities
and weakness-and we all have our share,
only some are cleverer in hiding them
than others hnt by the mere fact CT talk
ing, YOU affront men of age and position,
and thus make them indisposed to help
you. They think, and think rightly, that
it is for age to talk, and youth to listen.
But even among those of your own stand
ing, young man, with your way to make,
be advised. Nature has given you two
ears: keep both fully employed. 1ou
have but one tongue; let it enjoy plenty
of leisure. UH
If conformity in details be desirable for
those who wish to dwell in the world, 1t Is
strictly indispensable in matters intrinsi-
callN important. or any one 10 tdlk II
revere ntiy of, or conduct himself with
leyity toward any institution of church or
state, is what Ihaye never been able to
tolerate and it is a style of conduct which
am glad to say. society is certain to visit
with its severest displeasure. Busy as we
used to be in the office all the week when
was young man, rejoice to say that
never was once wilfully absent from
church, either forenoon on atteroon and
higher considerations apart, l may say
that know of no better way for n young
man to show that he possesses steady
and tractable spirit, deserving advance
ment and encouragement, than by regular
attendance at church. Nor do | know.
ANYTHING which tells more, or tells more
Justly, against Il young mans prospects in
business, than neglect of the ordinances
of religion.
have said that cultivated silence in
company, yet took care not to be morose-
" taciturn listened with Difference and
interest to the conversation OF my elders
and social syperOrS and was ALWAYS