Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-04-29
5bspbsrSstomn Register.
sATURDAY.......APRIL 20, 1870.
THE CENTENNIAL AND HARD
TIMES.

THE CENTENNIAL AND HARD
TIMES.
When it is considered that large
majority OF the people Of the United
States have been for months, are to-day,
and will he at least throughout the pres
ent year, in more or less financial dis
tress, the present and prospective lavish
expenditure OF money in support of
grand Centennial display seems almost
a mockery; and reminds us of the
thoroughly practical narrative published
some years since under the title of"patch
on the knee and gloves on" We regret
that it is SO, but there is in every branch
of business present necessity for strict
est economy and care; and but little pros
pect for early relief from the taxing strin-
sency in money, is but too well known
and understood This state of affairs is
due TO various causes not necessary TO
discuss. Merchants find their books fill
ed with long accounts of long standing
which it is impossible to collect conse-
quently, they are obliged TO resort TO
other means for the liquidation of their
bills. Manufacturers find their sales de-
,reciatinc, and reduction in wages and
expenses are necessary TIER employees
do not-many cannot-reduce their ex-
penditures, and from them TO others,
and so on to the source of supplies, the
reduction of ten per cent, in time or in
wages has depressing effect.
Again, there are those, doubtless,
who are governed by no settled rule OF
business. Outward show has its
charms for them, and an inordinate love
OF display ovcrrules them. These will
take prominent part in the excuses
of "the Centennial year" and it is very
probable this will be done 4; the ex-
Dense OF their merchant, butcher or
clo;hier. These are facts, however
lightly considered, and these and other
causes equally patent. are sadly DANA
ging the business interests. Business
men feel it, when they attempt to col
lec,; buyers and sellers are alike affect
ed by it. The remedy is the right kind
of economy in public and private affairs;
but, as in all phases of excitement, the
American people will not consent to
su,h restriction while the Centennial
show lasts, and sacrifices will continue
in MANY instances the innocent parties
bearing the burthens. The people
should awaken to this startling fact,
that mainly through the impossibili,y
of making collections, many business
men are failing and being ruined.
Every man who owes another should
therefore make his preparations to pay,
even though the liability be no more
than a dollar. Instead OF gathering
together sufficient fund to defray ex-
penses of trip to Philadelphia, those
who cannot both pay their debts and
90 should pay aud remain at home!
We might with propriety refer to 9th
er matters, in this connection; but as
these reflections are meant merely TO
cause our people to think over the ex-
listing condition of affairs, ard to cause
them to suggest remedy, we think we
have said enough. The first duty OF
debtor is to pay his accounts when due;
if he can do so he is fortunate, and may
then with greater freedom enjoy re-
creation. Let all men believe and
remember that it is much better to be
out of debt than to be president.