National Republican., 1877-08-15

fallen into very general disuse in America,
and the result has been an amount OF in
debtedness which has produced widespread
ruin among merchants and manufacturers
II Is high time for people to begin to un-
derstand that the flush times are over for
ever that it will be necessary for all who
are in moderate circumstances to return to
the standard of expenses of living which
prevailed before the war. In other words,
there are many articles, both of food and
clothing, which people have become accus-
toned to since the war which they will
have to give up now, If they wish to live
free from the intolcrable servitude of debt.
1t is far better for family to make very
great sacrifices to live within their means
than to endure the torment of being
dunned for debts they are not able to pay,
to say nothing Of the loss Of sclf-respect
which follows failures to meet pecuniary
obligations.
Carelessness in regard to money matters
lowers the whole tone of community in
which it prevails to any extent The prac-
tice OF not paying debts was promoted far
too extensively owing to the habits formed
in flush times, and there is very great ne
cessity for u reform in regard to this sub
iect. II is after all a great deal o matter of
habit. If people can get over the false
pride which induces many to incur cx-
peilses merely for effect, instead Of living
strictly within their means. no matter how
great the sacrifices which so doing may re-
quire them to make, they will find bread
aud water u sweeter feast than q sumptuous
rc,nst obtained upon credit without the
ability Of paying for IL.
This subject is no unimportant one, for
great many very good aud very sensitive
persons suffer great deal because they lack
the moral courage to bring their expenses
within their incomes. There are many
persous who incur debts without any ex-
press intention of never paying, but with q
vague hope that something will turn up by
which they will be enabled to meet their
obligations. No person has any right to
lake any such RISKS Mt the expense of other
people.
The only safe rule for persons who live
on saiarirs is 10 pay as they 20, and to
make il law never to anticipate their in
comes, If they can avoid it. When people
live on credit there Is always u temptation
To buy articles that could be dispensed
with, and would be dispensed with if the
money had 10 be laid down upon making
the purchase.
The fact that the most important Depart
ment of the Government has had to take
action in regard to the non-payment of pri-
vate debts by its employees shows that the
evil had grown TO be one Of considerable
magnitude. The order of the Secretary is
timely and wise. The careleSsness of a few
clerks in regard 10 pecuniary matters is cal
culated to bring the whole service into dis
cirdtt, and il was very proper, therefore, "a
make such rule tor the protection Of those
who always promptly aud honorably meet
their obligations,
The order Of the Secretary will be an act
of real kindness 10 all concerned If il leads
them TO etrench their expenses and liv,
within their means. But the subject doe
{ not interest the Government employee
alone, but all who live upon salaries o
other limited or uncertain incomes shOul,
adopt the honest rule Of always livinl
within their incomes
There is another view of the subjec
which should not be neglected. 1t is tn
duty of every head Of family, at least, L
lay something by out Of his daily earning
for the benefit of his wife and children an
for rainy day, so that sickness and old az
: may find him with the shelter of his ow
home over his head, and fund for his SUI
port. This provident forethought is one {
!, the noblest characteristics of real manhOo,
i and il would be well ior the country if
! should, for the future, become distinguish
u ing national trait.