The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-04-07
New \ DIRK. April 2. 1875

New DIRK. April 2. 1875.
The opening of spring is accompanied
by renewed activity both in the city and
country. The cid French rcvolutionists
called this month germitsal, because it was
seed time. 1t does not look very germinal
at present, but perhaps the season may
advance so rapidly us to permit the usual
progress IN agriculture. While the farmer
is girding himself to the annual mastery of
nature, the merchant is entering into the
conflict. The severity of that conflict
cannotbe known outside of its own
ranks. Business men who have es-
capped failure, and mechanics who have al
most starved during the winter, are now an
mated by fresh hopes. This month will
try some houses very severely. There are
those who have by very great struggle
kept afloat during the winter expecting
large cash receipts in the spring Should
they be disappointed in this, they will in
most cases suspend or go into bankruptcy.
An instance of this kind is found in the old
house of Gross, March 81 Co., whose sign
has been displayed in Front street for one
third of century. 1t should now be in
possession of ample resources, bat the de-
probation of goods and the difficulty in
making collections have placed it on the
list of failures. This is a sad end for such
an honored establishment.
SOME LESSONS OF FAILURE.
A large number of young men have come
hither to seek their fortune during the early
part of the spring, and others no doubt are
on the way. The former have, while wan
dering through our avenues of commerce,
gazed with admiration on the colossal
warehouses, the stately array of banks, and
all the exteriors of mighty commerce, and
each has no doubt been cheered by the
hope that he might win name among its
magnates. 1t is as unwelcome, as it is I'M
availing to discourage such expectation
Most men desire to make a trial of their
abilities, and perhaps it is we'll that they
should have the chance. Only by expert
ence can man learn his true stature and
endowments. In this way we may act on
the lesson of the old poet:
.'Dlscern thy talont and his ways adore;
Be what thou vert designed, nor aim at more "
These lessons have cost great deal of
time and also money. Poor Richard says,
experience is good teacher, but charges
high for her lessons" The same idea is
thus repeated by him in a still palmer
shape, experience keeps dear school,
but fools will learn at no other" Perhaps
some of these adventures, should they
live ten years, will learn that they were
not intended to conquer success in great
city. 1t would be well for some of them
at least to reach the inevitable conclusion
without so great delay. Poor Richard says,
''if you will not hear reasons voice, she
will soon rap you over the knuckles
These young men who are now swarming
to this city will yet find that they are tread
ing in the steps of failure.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE.
have wriggled through all the expert
ence of clerkship, and was also in trade fol
seven years. Having originally come
from the country, | have seen both sides
of the case, and can speak from expert.
ence. AS far as making money is con
cerned, think should with equal effort
have done full as well in the country. In
fact it seems to me that what little success
| attained in a great degree arose from
what is called "good luck" | have seer
many who were my superiors as business
men struggle for years and then sink
while / happened to form desirable ar
rangement which, backed by industry ant
economy, led to moderate success. Dur
ing my entire acquaintance with the bust
ness men of this city the prevailing utter
ance has been that of misfortune. | have
served as clerk for five merchants, of whom
all failed but one The latter has made ar
immense fortune, and has reached socia
and political eminence, but he has been il
his early day threatend by just such an il
fate as that of the others. OF my fellow
clerks the seniors were generally broker
down business men, and the chief excep-
ton was in the case of very talented anC
promising young man who subsequently
failed. OF my junior associates, very few
got foothold in profitable trade The his
tory of that group of clerks, of which wal
a member, is matter of 50 much persona
interest that ! may venture few sketches
Number one got into trade, and was very
successful for time. He made, as it wa
supposed, nearly 100000, besides livinl
IN style and with prospects of retiring on
fortune. The firm failed in an unexpected
manner few years ago, and he is nov
keeping a small retail store, in New Jer
sey village. BY close economy and indus
try he will make living, which (thougl
doing well for these hard times) is strik
ing contrast with his former position
Number two also got into successful trade
and became heavy operator. During thu
rebellion he made a million by the advanc,
IN prices, and then launched into vastly
greater schemes. Three years after thu
close of the war he failed, and is now
produce broker. Number three was {
young man of wonderful tact and ability
in despatching business. lie was the ia
vorite of his employer, who took HIM int
partnership as soon as he was OF age. lii
made money, but became spoiled by sue
cess, which led to dissolution of the firm
He started business on his own account
and in less than two years failed. sec
ond effort was unsuccessful, and then hi
became dlsheartened and SANK SO low az t.
be merely street loafer. Such was hi