Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-02-02
Plain Business Truths.

There is so much practical good sense and
sound reasoning in the following, found in a
late number Of the New York Price Current
to which our attention is called by an intel
| ligent business gentleman. that we copy IL
entire ]
ain commercial circles, dull trade con-
tinues 10 be the rule, aud though merchants
and business men are lookingfo for an improve.
ment as the season advances, no one can
speak with confidence until the conditions
are more favorable. As There has been al
most a continuous curtailment for more than
two years, it would seem rs though things
could at least be no worse, and that there
was wide margin for improvement Econ
omy in private life, as well as in business,
has been preparing the way for q change.
II is not TO he sudden transition, but it
viii take place 10y steady process, if favor.
ing legislation can be had II is conceded
that business cannot contract itself in the
nature Of things to much smaller dimensions.
Prices could hardly 60 further down ON
specie basis. If there is any remaining sac
rifce TO be met, it is in wages, which are us
ually the last TO yield. Behind this condi-
ton Of affairs, we have for solid encourage
ment great wealth Of all the leading fruits
Of the soil, and should we have another
year Of agricultural prosperity, it would
seem that nothing but obstructive legisla-
ton could hinder restoration of prosperity.
It is not to be denied that the public mind,
in large sections Of the country, has been
imbued with false ideas of the causes and
remedy Of the business and industrial de
preston. Many men who believe in sound
principles OF currency, but who were never
suspected Of subordinating their ideas Of
right to their political aspirations, have
taken the side Of imitation, thus clearly
showing that in their judgment, it is the
stronger side and many men of cultivation,
Of ability, and accustomed to place their
opinions forcibly before the people have
taken the same side,
at is always easier to lead the people into
pleasing decisions, than TO keep them in
the way Of wholesome truth. There are al
ways excuses for extravaganza, and the way
of economy is always rugged. There is a
pleasant sound in abundant money and
" cheap money" and it is not always easy to
convince those who hear it that you cannot
make piece of engraved paper money by
calling it So Industry languishes, trade is
dull, debts are heavy, and men are easily
made to look TO other means of relief than
the slow process Of hard work and rigid
economy and personal sacrifices. 1t is not,
therefore, any easy work that the friends of
sound currency and national morals have be-
fore them. As an evidence, il is only neces-
sary to state the bare fact that, since the
opening of the present Congress, no less than
thirteen bills and two resolutions, bearing
on questions of national finance have been
introduced by the dominant party in the
House of Representatives. All of these are
hostile, either in letter or spirit, TO an early
resumption Of specie payments, and all pro-
pose, in one form or another, to dshonor the
the solemn pledge of the nation or this and
kindred subjects. 1t will require wisdom,
unceasing exertion, courage and resolution,
to maintain the ascendancy of correct prin-
ciples, amidst perils so great and so numer-
GUS as are thus Indicated"