Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1888-12-07
get THERE, ELI"

(Toledo Commercial, April 30)
Men are influenced vastly more than
they suppose by certain accepted wise say
ing or generally accepted notices. Fifty
years ago, Franklin's sayings, in his al
manac. were universally quoted and &C
cepted as gems of wisdom. "a penny
saved is penny earned; !" Little boats
should keep near shore, but larger ones
may venture more;" 'IIe who by the
plow would thrive, must himself either
hold or drive" Honesty is the best
policy" etc., were most comprehensive
sentences, embracing the rules, or laws
which should govern human action IN
business affairs. Franklin's sayings were
perhaps little frigid-a triae cramping
to the human-but they were excellent
curbs upon the too prevalent tendency Uf
mankind to pronigacy and venture.
These sayings were familiar to everybody
In those days and none dispute their wis
dom. They were supplemented by the
books then used in the public schools
which were filled with gems OF wisdom
designed to impress upon the minds oi
pupils correct principles.
How different it ia to-day. The cap
ton of this article-"Get there Eli, ,"-and
kindred savings, or mot'oeR, are adopted
and the sayings of Franklin's "Poor Rich
ard" and like gems of wisdom are labeled
"old fogy" aud thrust aside. Get there
Eli" is the best expression OF the spirit OF
the present that could be produced. The
three words cover the whole ground and
embrace world OF meaning. 1t ia the
spirit of the times boiled down 10 diamond
like solidity. Get there" Ia the motto
everywhere seen. 1t is the FIRST thing
that greels the eye of the child on enter
| ing the school-room. where all manner o.
devices are resoried to for the purpose oil
stimulating pupils TO rush through lheii
books and move from one grade to another
until they graduate and then, on leaving
the school-room, fitted, az they suppose,
| for success in any calling in lille, they see
| tile aame motto-"Get therein ali lines
Of business. The means, or methods, io
| De eiilhONch dit,
considerations. Success justlfies the means
employed TO gain it; must be inferred
and, thus armed and equipped, the young
man launches out TO acquire wealth, which
is counted success by the shortest route
possible.
Is is not time TO pause and see TO what
this must lead? Are there not more val
liable things to excite the ambition oil
young and old than the acquisition oi
wealth? Is the mere scramble for money
at the sacrifice of the finer and nobler ele-
ments OF human nature, the only thing
worthy to employ the time, labor and
talents OF our Young men2 Is il not worth
wmlessto consider methods: Is honesty
not worth cultivation? Is there no merit
in doing good? Is the happiness of on
homes not worth seeking? In short, is II
all of life worth living for to "Get there p
There is fearful decentralization in this now
popular motto, "Get there Eli" 1t wa'
uttered in sarcasm, but ii has been
adopted as the gem OF all wisdom and is
guiding young men into paths winch
should be stunned. 1t cultivates "cheek,
excuses dishonest methods, and Is generally
demoralizing. The press and the pnlpiI
should unite In waging war against the
establishment OF 30 destructive rule oI
action.