The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1888-11-24
HONEST CHARACTER AND REP
UTATION.

That is poor kind of morality
that approves of honesty solely be-
cause it is the best policy, but more
people can be reached by appeals to
their natural desire to improve their
condition than by considerations Of
duty. There is, moreover, abundant
reason to believe that the old saying
is true in spite of some apparent ex-
ceptions. Happiness, and conse-
quently sut cess, in this world depends
upon other things beside money
gains. Self respect, an approving
conscience, the good will of neigh
bors, which can only come of honest
dealing. are quite as essential to true
happiness as the acquisition of
fortune.
The merchant or mechanic who
establishes such reputation for fair
dealing that old customers return to
him again and again, and bring new
ones with them, who is so trusted
that he receives orders to be filled at
his discretion, may not for a time
make such gains as his tricky COM
petitor, but in the long run he proves
by his substantial prosperity that
honesty,is the best policy. He has,
moreover, what the dishonest man
cannot have-a free spirit, a self-re-
citing sense Of independence, that
enables him to go about with head
err ct, afraid to meet no man.
The dishonest trickster may in
time become so callous as to show no
sign of the effect upon him arising
from the distrust and contempt Of
his fellow men, but he cannot conceal
from his inner self his loss of char
acter, nor suffer the penalty of loss
of self-respect. Quite frequently he
attempts with dishonest gains to buy
the pleasures his conscience will not
afford him.
He lives extravagently, engages in
expensive forms of amusement, and
to the unthinking may appear to en-
joy all the pleasures Of life, while in
fact he is feverishly seeking happi-
ness forever denied him. AS profess
sional gamblers die poor, because
they spend even more freely than
they get, SO dishonest men in rep
utable calling very frequently after a
short period of extravagant living
come to want, because as they In
crease their expenses, their opportun-
tiles for gain are cut off by loss of
reputation.
Thus the old fable of the race be-
tween the tortoise and the hare is
being continually illustrated in the
business world. The mechanic or
merchant who founds business upon
good principles, of which honest
dealing is one, may be tortoise-like
in his movement, but he has staying
powers, and will reach the end of his
journey before his more active but
unscrupulous rival who stops by the
wayside for the enjoyments he cannot
find within himself.
Honesty, however, mas broader
meaning than that usually given tc
it. 1t does not relate solely to money
transactions, the charging of fail
prices, the prompt payment of bills
and the like. Thorough honesty re-
quires fair dealing in all respects, the
scrupulous tulfllment of promises
good work, fair measure, open ano
above beard misunderstanding
in short, which goes to make up th'
character of business man entitled
to the fullest trust of his customers
The reputation for such honesty i
not to be gained in a day. but b.
years OF upright conduct, and ono
fairly gained, it is mainstay OF pros
perity. 1t is a part of the bushes
capital which suffers no shrinkage
whatever may be the condition of tn
money maket. 1t is an element G
true happiness that may survive tn
loss of fortune, and is, therefore
more to be treasured than richie
themselves. Yet this character. thi
reputation is within the reach of an
man who determines to be just in hi
dealings.
Fortune comes to the few, charac
ter, reputation, self-respect, and tn
happiness which these bring wit
them, are to be had without labor,
is true, but by any one who strive
to lead an upright and honorabl
life.
Young men in particular, who al
naturally under the greatest tempts
tions to seek easy and treacheror
means of advancement, would d
we'll to consider these things, an
while not seekiug to be honest as
mere matter of policy, determine
establish for themselves a characte
and a reputation for fairness an
uprightness, because such charactt
is essential to right living, and b.
cause without right living there ca
= be no true happiness in this world
y in the world to come.
WHAT WOMEN CAN DO.