The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-11-25

Generally speaking, whenever large savings
have been made, they have been effected in
little sums. Very few persons of ordinary
honesty deliberately set to work to make large
purchases which they cannot afford, and yet
numbers spend just as much in the long run
in little things that they scarcely think worthy
Of notice. 1t is very difficult to realize fully
the value of small sums. Ii the half-peilnies
and pennies that lie loose in the pocket were
properly appreciated, there would not be so
much pecuniary embarrassment III the world
us there is. s'Many mckle makes muckle"
is true OF nothing more than half-pennies and
pennies.
What is spent for the household is generally
q necessary outlay, and yet there are two or
three ways in which money can be saved here
that should like to mention.
The first is by buying in large quantities
OF course the danger is that when there is a
stock Of things to 8 run att as servants say,
they will be more extravagantly used. All
can say on this point is that they must not be
run att A proper quantity must be por-
toned out and the rest put away. Then it
will be found that the article may be Bought
cheaper and better in large quantities than in
small ones.
Another way to save expense is to pay for
everything as you get 1t. Ii you do this You
will avoid over charge and will buy far less
ment, many unnecessary purchases would be
avoided People who have lniJed incomes
are those who can least afford to live or credit,
and unfortunately they do it more than any
Others. Speaking OF dinners reminds me to
say that it is no economy to live poorly. Ma
ture requires certain amount OF nourisli-
ment, and will have it, or be revenged, and
the revenge will probably take the form OF a
| long doctors bill or diminished working power
RI n ic nd MI
| foolsh.' The things to save out Of are shans,
| false appearances and self indulyences. not
| necessaries. Where is the saving in king
in Il dim light to save candles or gas and injur-
| ing the sight? In wearing boots that let in
water and bring on rheumatic fever? In lv-
| ing on poor food and lowering the system?
/ Far better wear a shabby hat a week or two
| longer than usual, or dispense altogether with
that piece of fnery you were contemplating.
| The worst of it is, however, that people are
generally much more willing to dispense with
necessaries that make no show rather with use
less eXtravagances that afford an opportunity
for u display through which every one sees.
Before [ conclude, must say one word OF
warning i'll reference to small economies. We
continually read in the newspapers OF people
who die in misery and poverty, who have per-
haps received help from the parish, and after
their death money is fouud which they have
hidden in all sorts Of hooks and corners. With
these unfortunates saving has becomea mania,
and of all manias think it is one Of the most
deplor;lble, for after all money in itself IS
worth absolutely rothing-i1is only valuable for
what it will procure Ii lit will only bring com
forts and necessaries for those we love whilst
we are able to work and insure independence
for ourselves when we cannot do so, it is worth
small economies, forethought, hard work, ener-
gy, care and sef-denial. But even gold is
bought too dear when the desire for it Is al
lowed to oyerpower every other feeling.