The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1872-05-19
rnr STAR AND CATHOLIC SUNDAY May 49, 18
The Chsice Of Labor.

The two great objects which naturally
present themselves to every young man ~
his choice of life pursuit. are, his. own seM.
one can have thought deeply on the pni'o?s-
ophy of life, or have closely observed lts
practical bearings, without feeling assured
that these two aretidentical. Inc geneia,
good demands the highest prosperity anu
happiness of each individual, whiie that
very happiness and success depend upon
his being in the position in which he can
be most useful to the community. IL
is, therefore, of the utmost importance that
these two motives blend in the choice thus
made. The first is rarely, if ever, absent
the latter is too seldom thought or. Ihe
mind, however, that is too narrow 10 see
aught beyond it's own petty circle OF inter
ests will fail to secure even them In thelr
fullness it is the broad and generous ma
ture, longing to fill its own place in the
work of the world, and to contribute its
share to the welfare of society, that is
alone capable of promoting Its true pros
perity. Such q spirit would at once pre-
vent young man from selecting an occu-
patton because 1T is Fashionable, or because e.
some have rapidly made fortunes in it and
retired, or because it makes but small de-
mands upon his strength and activity, or
enables him to keep unsoiled his hands or
clothing. Such motives, if suggested, will
quickly be banished, as petty mean, anu
|
lightened self-interest and kindly benen-:
| cence.
Two questions may be suggested as COW
ering the entire ground: "For what am
best adapted 7" and, "What does society
need 2" The first is usually very hard
question to answer The cases are few
where talent is so marked and an inclina-
ton so strong, as to leave no room for
doubt as to the future course. Where they
do exist their indications should never be
neglected. But what are the majority to
do who have no such bias; who, with fair
abilities, are yet unconscious of any special
: oualifications7 What is to guide them in
. selecting from the many spheres OF acton
open before them, that one in which they
can work most profitably to themselves
what, to discover those occupations for
! which they are plainly unadapted: Just
i as weak eyes mast preclude the business OF
;, the engraver, so any pursuit requiring a
b peculiar talent or aptitude must at once De
: set aside by those who are hoplessly deh-
q Gent in that particular. strong aversion
d may also be taken as guide, though here
t we would guard against that very common
d dielike to exertion as such, which is the
n rock upon which many split. To the
), employment thus rejected we may add all
d those which involve any deviation from the
r. highest sense of duty and honor. No re-
Q ward, however glittering, should for mo
o ment tempt any one to disobey the genties
l, whisperiogs of conscience. The gold thus
o gained, which seems SO bright, will grow
o dim upon the. first touch, and will utterl!
J, fail to bring the happiness it promises.
1t Upon the answer to the second question
) the majority of young persons of averag
'e abilities must mainly depend, II they wonl
y choose wisely their life-work. What labo
le. does society need 1t needs undoubtedl
to all honorable labor for it's full development
b, but some gifts needs are already weil-sup
I'd piled, while others are earnestly calling TO
er aid. This fact, therefore, affords one 9
q, the plainest guides to every one seeklo
81 employmen and to every parent who ha
I'd any control or influence over his sons fu
~ ture. There is perhaps no labor IN whic
&c the supply go greatly exceeds the demand
cd that included in a mercantile life. Clerkt
o, accountants, sale smen, agents, and sma
81, tradesmen are of course needed, and di
10 the number of such positions equal or e1
ire coed the number of claimants, they woal
Ice offer inducements both in remuneration an
GU in prospects of future elevation. But I'll
ISL reverse is the case. In all our cities, bot
lat in the Eastern and Western States, there
at a large surplus of such labor consequen
re- ly the competition is intense, and on
las those who possess money or Influence,
in very special and extraordinary abilitie
set have any prospect of success or promotio
u.s. On the other hand, there is large al
= increasing demand for skilled and mocha
nai ical labor in all its various branches,
ny mand which is as yet. by no means me
nv and as natural result all the traces u
ous Offering inducements, both in remuneratio
ose Independence, and prospects of rising, th
s.. mercantile life has no power to presel
IN The same is tr1e of agricultural pursui
AL. Can a more definite answer be given to t
ear inquiry, "What labor does society need
per 1t is calling aloud for the farmer, the hou
up and ship builder, the plumber, the mase
can the miner, the machinist and blacksmi
oys the contractor of railroads, bridges, a
50 canals--for all, in fact, who are able a
aen willing to aid in developing the mater
ier, resources of this great country, whether
i, production or manufacture. 1t is not ca
mas ing for the clerk, the book-keeper,
ga a salesman, the commercial traveller. OF
20. 20 such, and of Others aiding to carry on
sses mercantile profession, it has already
nsi, perfluity. All enlightened self-inter
,oo and desire to fill an honorable post
rear az usefulness in the world, which, as we ha
1.o OF seen, always cooperate, alike demand
i' ~ avoidance of the over-crowded avenues
rFnl