Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-06-24
YOUTHS, HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The Entertainment Last Night =
Zine Address on ssLiteraEure In
Business"


BusIness.o
The entertainment given last evening at
the Masonic Temple by the Youths His
torieal Society was largely attended, and
was most interesting affair. The enter
tsiument opened with piano duet by Miss
aud Master Kohn, which was admirably
given.
The feature OF the evening was the adj
dress by Mr.. Emil Newman upon "Litera-
ture in Business" which was listened to
with great attention, and was enthusiast
cally received. Mr.. Newman said:
Ladies' and Gentlemen, Gentlemen Of the Youths
Historical S0ciety:
The call 10 address you here this evening
was as unexpected as il is gratifying to me,
for it affords an excellent opportunity to
meet young gentlemen who. striving to
attain higher degree of culture, may be-
come pride to the community in which
they live. The only regret on my
part is that l cannot entertain you
with a more finished effort, one more
worthy Of the occasion. Indeed, engrossed
by professional cares continually, have
not had sufficient leisure to think over and
work out such an address as | would fain
deliver. Under these circumstances, even
the choice Of a suitable topic becomes en-
5srrassing. But wishing to present a sub
iect which, IL not unique, may be OF some
practical value, actuated by a motive to
afford food for thought, the idea suggested
itself that It might be well to speak to you
of Literature in Business.
And looking about me, seeing this audi
ence so largely made up of young men in
the active pursuits OF business, you, young
gentlemen, who sooner or later must bear
and share the cares and responsibilities of
engrossiDg commercial life, that resolve is
strengthened. This intention is also sup
ported by the conviction, grown stronger
by years of experience, that 1t behooves
man TO beautify his life, to stimulate and
encourage mental recreation, to cultivate
his better self and not to sacrifice the higher
aims of soul and mind to a mere battle for
existence or to an endeavor to gather
wealth. For what is life without its en-
nobling, refining Influences? Who would
care to drag the chain of ignorance when
the beacon of intelligence shines brightly
for hims None in this audience, venture
to assert, for loDgings and aspirations are
common to all. In such a moment of long
ing did not the poet speak for you and all
of US when he exclaimed:
Il have higher life long to meet,
Without which life, my life is incomplete"
L
means underrate the utilitarian spirit
of the age. nor the prudence which makes
provision for possibly rainy day. These
are also traits that distinguish the intelli-
gent from the ignorant. Upon the other
hand, | propose 20 show Jou, as briefly as
may be, that cultivation of the mind is not
alone compatible with our daily avocation,
be that what it may. but really helps and
supports US in the struggle incident to the
career of every active man.
Literature, In its primary meaning, signi-
fies learning Acquaintance with letters or
books. Confning the term to a more re
stricted sense, a special department of the
whole is intended. Thus e say, the litera
ture of the Bible, the literature of fiction,
etc For the purposes of this discussion,
we will take its primary and all-embracing
definition. A thorough acquaintance
with bellies lettTes presupposes a trained and
fertile mind, that inestimable gift of the
Divine Creator. All minds are, however,
not alike, nor do some possess the advanta-
yes of others. But the mind, even In its
crude and natural state or capacity, is sus-
cepdble Of wonderful development. Like
q tender plant, it must be watched and
cared for, so that the rank weeds of super
stitiOn and ignorance do not choke off ifs
young life. knowledge, fostered by the
grand faculty of understanding--he senti-
mel on the wateh-tower Of intellectuality-is
the gardener to bring the tender plant to its
ultimate perfection.
IL is well TO remember that knowledge
once gained is not easily forgotten, though
at times it may become Obscured. Particular
" is this the case when we do not stop or
cease to learn, but steadily maintain ra-
tional study. Memory then is continually
refreshed and enriched. Indeed, 1t is as
serted by some great mental philosophers
that man never forgets anything. Even II
this dictum is open to criticism, it is Ger
tain, aye, individually true, that study and
cultivation improve the memory and thus
bear sweet and rich fruit on almost barren
soil. You may possibly think that, while
In theory this view be correct, it is not
easily reduced to practice. That, pardon
me, is a sad mistake. You need not be
scholars to attain mental usefulness-even
superiority. Many of you, perhaps large
majority, have been and are denied a
higher or academic education. Some of the
greatest minds that the world produced la
bored precisely under the same disadvaL-
tage; yet, by reason of application and Ell
ergy, they rose Intellectually above their
fellow men, commanding respect, admirs-
ton aud love. That in itself is a lesson,
and one which you ought always bear in
mind. Strive to emulate worthy example,
but never initiate. Endeavor above ali
things to excel, for even should failure oc-
cur bear in mind that whatever is worth
doing is worth doing well. One of the
drawbacks to modern progress is the fever
ish anxiety to get rich fast--to sacrifice the
choicest mental gifts on the altar of Nam
mon.
This demoralizing tendency should be
restricted within proper bounds, and not be
allowed to smother better aims-higher
aspirations. Mere relaxation from physical
toll, or exhaustive and so-called '.pJedSitye,"
Ct. -. ~
Something better and nobler Is needed.
And among all mental recreations there is
none that possesses half the virtue Of the
remedy that propose to you in all earnest
ness, namely, literature in business.
l almost hear some of you exclaimg f'But
what does he mean? Literature and busi-
ness don't mix well-Dever agree. Like
water aud oil, they will not amalgamate"
And sgain | respectfully answer, you are
mistaken. Many of you are anxious liz
quirers after news-the latest intelligence
of the worlds dOings and movements.
The press, that mighty power OF our age,
so aptly termed the fourth and greatest es-
tate, is also a part of literature; and, in
deed, a very important one. IL moulds pub
lie opinion, and gives widespread express
sion to the wants aud spirit of the day.
True to its mission, 1t may becoa1e power
for good or perhaps the propagation OF egil.
The electric spark, as it fishes DER the
wire from the uttermost parts of the globe,
realizing the poets dream Of "Puck en-
circling the esFth With girdle IN forty
minutes" conveys to us, reproduced mill
lion fold by the magic OF tue printing press,
the transactions of mantle doings OF to-
day, which become the history OF to NOR
row. Tire quick and alert mind will nstur-
ally inquire as to the why's and wherefores.
Thus you gain knowledge end discernment
in q pleasant and easy manner. IBsensi-
bly,, hut nevertheless surely, your acquaint-
ance with geography aud history becomes
augmented. Then follow 1t up with iudcious
reading of the proper books on the topics
suggested by the inquiry. IT'S easy, and,
the taste once acquired, exceedingly graft
flying. An hour, or even half hour day
spent 10 the congeDial society OF . fayorite
author, produces a most beneficial result.
At the end Of q short year you will be sur
prised at the woudrous expansion of your
fund of knowledge. You will thea realize
that knowledge is power.
Stimulated by the meEtal food so easily
obtained, the Efnd becomes broader-better
fitted and equipped for the comprehension
Of the great questions that egeF agitste the
world. We cannot stand still, but must
move on. Progress is the watehword of this
realistic age. Commerce is no exception to
the general rule. Gaining the mental
strength which FITS you TO cope with ques-
tions of business 10 higher and more scien-
tific sense, your place as mere trader will
chant.
New discoveries in the practical arts and
sciences, preceded as they always are by
~ 10 ffrro ho