The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-05-06
S. G.
Wednesday Morning. May 8, 1874.


Saturday, was the celebration OF the
ahirty -second anniversary of the great
mercantile and banking house OF Geo.
". Williams & Co., and the inaugura-
tion OF the "Carolina Savings Bank, ~
an important addition to the banking
faoilities OF Charleston, which is the
offspring OF the energy of the distin-
guished head OF the firm. The history
OF this house is not unfamiliar to our
7eadera, and shows record of probity,
good sense, business tact. sleepless
energy, and almost unvarying success.
Its founder has Infused into it those
principles which mark his own charac.
ter, and which have advanced him from
modest beginnings to wide and assured
SUCCESS. It stands conspicuous and dis
singuished among the business firms of
the State and the South. It is stated in
che Neus and Courier, and it is fact
eminently worthy of notice, that, during
the third of q century of its existence,
twenty five partners of Mr. Williams
had acquired each, in association with
him, handsome competence. Such is
the influence OF good example; such the
effect OF cool head, firm hand, aud Just
and proper ideas of business. The firm,
as at present constituted, consists of
Messrs. Geo. w. Williams, VIM. Birnie,
J. r. Robertson, James Bridge, Jr.,
Frank e. Taylor and r S. Cathoart.
from Mr. Williams address upon the
occasion OF receiving his friends,
several hundred in number, last Satur-
day. We make one or two brief selec-
s7ons. at once characteristic of the man
Of sucuess. and furnishing useful lessons
to the young not to despair, not to be
inactive, and not to depart from the
ssnacs line OF integrity. Mr. William.
mentions the remarkable fact, that,
except from an attack of yellow fever,
NAas had not been deta' ned from his bust
ness one day In thirty six years. 1t is
new instance to prove the wisdom of the
ancient'a prayer for a sound mind in q
sound body, aud confirms Herbert
Spencer, saying ''that the best founda-
ton for success in life is to be good
and healthy animal"
mo man." he says, evil succeed,
unissS he possesses resolution and
anlent desire to excel. whether he be in
3wrsnis OF wealth, knowledge Or fame.
Industry and perseverance are the two
great essentials to success. Application
aud watohful improvement of oppor-
tunisies will accomplish much. But let
me urge upon you, above all things.
character character inspires confidence;
it is the noblest possession man can
have. Build upon tit is sound and
solid foundation; and not only 80, but it
carries with it q power and influence that
abways tells. 1t is better Legacy for
your children than stocks and bonds.
Young men should see to it that they
SOW good seed-hy all means excluding
Wild oats, for. Whatsoever man
soweth; that shall he also reap
"a safe means of building up charao-
ser is to practice the virtues of frugality,
temperance and honesty. Apart from
any future accountability and your obli-
cations to your Maker, honesty is the
best policy. Strive. sc near as poor
hanan nature will allow, TO do unto
others as you would have them do unto
yon. Establish reputation for up.
rightness. promptness and fair dealing,
and yon are on tho high road to success.
Let al your transactions be based on
integrity. and make your word as good
as yonr bond. If you labor under dis
advantages, overcome them by patient
and untiring application. Work dill
gently while you have youth and
activity. Remember there is much in
starting right; one false step ruins the
prospects OF many young man for life
What duty soever may be assigned you,
ii it is sweeping the Office. see to it that
your work is we'll done. Neglect not any
matters Of detail, however small, and
strive to be accurate"
Mr.. Williams gives emphatic testi-
asonJ against deserting ones country.
Conmepding the views of this address,
AS containing sound advice to the
young, we must limit ourselves 10 n
quotation which shows tho advantages of
she South. present and prospective:
"lmmediutely after the war there was
such an overturning of society, that l
Was not sure the South would be de.