The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1880-09-02
Economy.

their definition as signs of the ideas
which have evolved them. As the
slow-dropping resinous gum is hardened
by the patient centuries into polished
and unyielding amber, so, secretly and
unseen, the fluent word is acted on by
the mentality of thousand generations,
and becomes fossil. In this estate
that often shows an ugly and repulsive
shape which in the beginning was win
ming and honorable.
One of these debased words is econo-
my, which once meant only the law of
distribution, the fine management of
resources, a wise and orderly system,
but which to-day is a common synonym
for niggardliness, pinching. and the
harassing legislation of house and
store. 81 have no other notion of
economy" said Swift, ethan that it is
the parent to liberty and ease" And
Hughes speaks of "a Just economy, and
spisn iaJ At hS s@es, ,uat economy, in its
true sense, is one of the loftier virtues,
and not to be numbered among what
Sydney Smith contemptuously called
"the retail qualities" It is not to
withhold the hand from outlay; it is to
recognize the comparative values of
things; to sacrifice the less to the
greater; to have method, judgment,
taste. under control, and always at
hand. 1t is not necessarily to spend
less-it may be to spend more. But
Emerson's maxim is a sound guide,
"Spend always in the direction Of your
Desires
There is pleasant story of Boston
family of historic name, but richer in
pedigree than in purse, of whom father
and mother and children had a genuine
love of pictures, and especially of the
pictures of one mighty master. Pres
emily canvas which that cunning hand
had painted was offered for sale. Its
price was in the thousands. To the
amazement of their whole circle, this
impecunious household bought the pic
ture. 1t was said that they went with
out new gloves, wore shocking hats,
gave up all visiting which involved car
rage hire, and did not paint the front
door for many moons thereafter. But
they had counted the cost. They hung
their treasure in the best light the house
afforded. They brought to that apart
ment all the loveliest things the house
possessed. 1t was the Pictures room.
And there they lived, and were happy,
Notwithstanding the darned flounces
and fading furniture. Everybody who
liked, kinsman or stranger, was free to
come when he would, and enjoy the
Picture. And there was not another
such center of radiating sunshine in the
whole city.
Now there was fine and large illus
tration of economy, nor is it likely to
find so many imitators as to make it a
hazardous one. And the spirit of it is a
safe guide.
It Is economy to spend in those ways
which enlarge the comfort of the
whole household, and spare where
simple vanity or selfishness only will
be stinted. One of the most cheerful
of companions, for example, is an open
fire. as it is also health-giving agency.
If spiritual statistics could be gathered,
it would doubtless appear that those
families which live around the hearth
is euphemistic for glow
ing CRATE in these days-display q far
higher average of mental activity,
moral worth and physical vigor than
those which make a gloomy regis
ter do duty for the shrine of the Lares
and Penates. But many housewives
deny themselves the open fire on the
score of expense, and spend the price !
of the coal on tribes to make the room
Though nothing equals the
of bright chimney place).
Or on costly dishes, or even in doctors
bills, which the exiled CRATE might have
saved.
Sometimes another servant is an
if her helping hands leave |
The mistress leisure for reading and |
though her wages must be
saved from wardrobe or lalder. Almost |
always amusements are economical; for |
, concert, lscture-above all other |
play--takes weary people |
put of their monotonous round, sets |
hem at new angles with experience,
md gives them . whole fresh world Of |
action and feeling to dwell in.
Every expenditure, indeed, which |
raises the spiritual and intellectual level
If the house is, in the true sense, eco
30 that it can be paid for by |
whatever pinching of the lower wants
IS needful. For thus is attained that
clear and joyous domestic atmosphere,
bright with simple loves and simple
which justifics old Hughes
delightful phrase Of "a just economy,
md spleSdid at home" - Ha,pe,'s
BdxGr. M
--Amed,cal authority says:' Laughter
e l. II. A.