Oregon Republican. [volume] (Dallas, Or.) 1870-1872, 1871-05-20
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DALLAS, SATURDAY, NAY 20.


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termed false lives. We are prone tx
think it more prevalent in Americs
than elsewhere. The very atmosphere
of independence which surrounds Vi
instils a spirit of self dependence and
resolute daring. which if not properly
directed, is as likely to lead to the low
and ignoble, as to the high and noble
Alliwish to acquire happiness, and eact
has his or her own peculiar views as t(
what happiness is, and wherein lies tht
true secret of its enjoyment. The
desire for wealth, fame, culture, educa'
tiou, power or reputation, seems to bt
the principal ones which fire the human
breast as the great and absolute essen
tials for happiness.
We are all greedy for the acquisition
of some or all of these, as requisites for
future enjoyment We are greedy for
them; we know that each of these con-
ditious separately, or more than ever
cumulatively, is nearly all that can be
reached in this existence. So we make
life grand scramble for their acqaisi
ton. assuming them to be the great
objects to be attained. TnIthe scramble,
we grasp for all at once, and, as merited
retributlon for our selfshness, 10 many
cases miss all We seek for too much
1--WE wish to appear more than we are /;
we live in false light. and when retri.
button does come, it seems all the more
severe, as we have been fattering our
selves we were out Of its reach, and We
find, when too late, that we have been
following an ignis futuus, which sllures
but to lead astray.
The times are teeming with great
men, great conceptions, and grand
achievements. Nothing seems impos-
sible to American industry and enter
prise. Nobody expects less of young
America at twenty-three than his
father secured at fly. Young Amer
lea seems to know, and understand too,
what is expected Of him, aud, like a
race horse on the track, lie starts with
the calculation Of outstripping all com
petitors, and winning the race. If he
succeed 10 passing the judges siand
first, and receives the cheers and huzzas
Of the aunkeys, he feels that he is on
the high road to fame, aud is rewarded
with success, and i ready to spend the
remainder of his life in graciously re>
ceiving the homage of those who always
bend the suppliant knee before the god
of success.
In endeavoring to secnre these much
attainments, the young es-
pecially should be very cautious not to
assume false position. The tendency
is too much in this direction. To trans
act fhe business of man with ten
thousand dollars capital With only one
thousand to back it; to live IN the style
of three or four thousand a year with
only few hundred year to support
it.; TO buy farm Of thousand acres
when you have money sufficient to pay
for only hundred. shows, in the cur
rent idea, pluck and nerve; yet, In its
true sense, and in the light of judg
nent and experience, it shows fool
hardness which will eventually bring
its deserts, exposure and consequent
disgrace. What q surprising aud stag
gering list would be presented il all
could be shown who are leading these
ictitious and fraudulent lives. It looks
ine on the surface, yet it brings with
il pangs and heart aches, as surely as
the midnight carousals bring the bIoat>
ed appearance and the head ache. This
should teach the dangers of appearing
what you are not-of deceiving by
actions, which are more patent, and
speak In louder tones than words. 1t
o not necessary, nor is it in accordance
with good sense, TO fling away all am
bition. This human weakness. or yir-
tue, whichev2Ffit is, is compatible with
sober good sense, economy and moder>
alton; yet It should be guarded and
governed, and never allowed to gain an
sufficient to cause an over
throw. " Look before you leap" is as
necessary in business gymnastics as in
leap frog. The homes are many where
comfort and happiness reign because
vanity and hypocrisy have been con
quered before they secured the upper
hand while too many desolate hearths
mark the victory Of the latter as indel-
libby upon the place they call home. us