Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-03-22


bename Of the writer should accompany
the Ietteror article, not necessarily for
utilization, but as evidence ofgood faith.
aqriculturc the Chief Source of
Wealth.
Ills about time to stop the old whine
.,,,t EARNING doesn't pay" when every
sansible man knows that the wealth
M AL nations grows out of, and
is dependent upon che products of the
farm. 1t may not pay you, but then tie
faults in you and not in the farm. The
prevalence OF this erroneous opinion that
farming does not pay in rich agricultural
country, SHOWS that something is wrong
in the population and not in the soil or its
products. If we are not sluggards ana
unworthy of success, what else can be the
matter? From every quarter comes the
complaint of agricultural depression, OF
discOura cement among farmers; ana yet
The country was never more prosperous.
Every market is filed to overlooking with
the best and the cheapest food ever known
to the peOple. Is not that sufficient to go
TO work upon and to inspire ns with cour-
sge to psrsevere? What more do we
want? Are we TO become a nation OF
chronic grumblers, never satisfied, never
10 appreciate the greatest blessings ever
bestowed upon people? What greater
boon can nation have than peace and
ulenty? To the wise and prudent these
are the all-sudicient elements, the materi-
ais from which to create the most exalt-
ed national structure. All prosperity
ana happiness are based upon them, and
a. we have that basis, we ought to be able
10 work out our salvation without fear
and trem bling, and without any grum-
bling But If we neglect the application
and training necessary for the accom-
pllshment Of every good work, we shall
certainly fall short TO the extent Of our
neglect, and nave no right to murmur. 1t
may be that our discomfort, however,
arises from another source; from our de-
sire to go faster, 20 rise higher and accu-
mulats more rapidly than the legitim ate
results of our labor will warrant. 1t may
be that we are impatient OF competency
and coyet more of the worlds goods than
our capacity and merit entitle, or viii per-
nit us to acquire. If so. how Is our
murmuring to remedy the defect? We
may as we'll settle down to contentment
with the best that we can do, and enjoy
our portion, dttle or much, while there is
capacity let for its appreciation. she
that ruleth hlJ own spirit is better than he
that taketh CITY," A new proverb might
be written: that he who acquires great
wealth acquires bondage unawares; not
only enslaves himself to keep it, bus is
remOuIded to suit tae love Of pef. Many,
no doubt, would like TO be so remouIded,
and would be better off than plOdding a
they are, but that is not the ''normal'
condition Of the masses, or it would so
have been ordained; nor is il great Indi-
vidual wealth that conduces most to the
progress and stability of the govermen-
tai structure. Liberty and the great So
cial and political advance that followed
in her footsteps, grew not out of lordly
estates, but out OF absolute hostility to
them. 1t is the competency of the masses
that constitutes the wealth and power OF
nation, and the government which does
not foster this condition will soon discover
its weakness in the vaulting ambition of
its nabObs.
1t is all wrong, therefore, to coVet
riches. whatever nay be the mott -, but
TO whine and despair and give up the
struggle because they do not come, is an
actual want of manhood-a want of I'M
Outstanding of their proper use and dis
tributiOn. diligence, industry and
proper improvement, - says an old school
book, care the material duties OF the
young" 1t these bring wealth, well and
good; if not, there should remain in it's
stead an approving conscience that we
did our duty to the best of our UNDER
standing. We live for others as well as
tor ourselves, and it should be a matter
Of some pride. that if we cannot leave
large personal estates to our posterity,
that We take care to leave to them a clear
4 record Of the true stamina of manhood,
and full legacy of wisdom, prudence
and answering devotion to the great and
good principles upon which has been
erected the civilization of our age.