The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-09
THE FINANCIAL PROMOTER

In this age of fierce competition in every
branch of trade, in every profession, and in
every pursuit followed by men, when, in
consequence, it is no easy thing to earn a
livelihood aud very difficult matter to ac-
cumulate competence in the ordinary
walks Of life, there is a seductive charm
about the occupation Of promoter that is
well calculated to make avery deep impress
sion even on an impartial mind In fact,
the more closely the character of that occuA
patton is studied, the greater is the surprise
experienced that all the able bodied and in
telligent men in the community do not de-
sert their legitimate pursuits and enter this,
In order 10 secure the large profits which il
offers apparently at the expense Of so little
thought and exertion.
In the popular mind, the promoter re-
sembles the lilies Of the field so beautifully
referred TO in the Bible as toiling not nor spin
ming, and yet arrayed in glory that sur
passed all the magnifcence Of Solomon. He
is supposed by those who are ignorant Of his
life, TO fare uninterruptedly on the fat of the
land, TO hobnob with the wealthy exclu-
siyely, TO ride in palace cars, TO stop at the
most expensive hotels, and TO scatter small
change about with generous and lavish
hand. lie is specially associated in the
popular imagination, with an abundance
Of money and with free disposition. Space
IL nothing to him. II is just as probable
that he will be found in Paris or London as
In New York or Chicago. He travels as
constantly and almost as rapidly as Ganny-
mede, the attendant Of Joye, and thinks no
more OF a journey Of five thousand miles
than Of so many hundred. There is an air
Of grand financial opportunities about him,
an air OF importance that Is both earnest and
mysterious, but his mind is too actively en-
ployed for him TO indulge in conceit, al
though that would DC allowable, for he car
.rics the purse OF Fortunatus under his
tongue, and the more facile he is In the use
OF the latter, the richer the outpourings
from the former.
Something more than verbile facility,
however, is required. The promoter must
have an active Imagination, an enthusiastic
and sanguine temperament, and shrewd-
ness OF intellect, but not necessarily, cool
ness OF Judgment, which Is rarely associa-
ted with the first two characteristics. A
sober and reserved man will in all proba-
bility tail most lamentably in this new pro-
fession, while man with little touch Of
wildness In his mental and moral compost
tion, viii display In IL an aptitude that
amounts 10 genius. Ii is a very great mis-.
take 70 think that every man possesses or
can cultivate q special turn for promoting.
This 10 contrary 10 popular opinion, be-
cause there are few men who do not natter
themselves that they have all the neces-
&ssry qualities for success In this profess
ysion. The igreat promoter Is almost as
rare as true poet or true orator.
That power to play upon the imaginations
OF men. (who are careful or even misery I'm.
der ordinary circumstances, so that they
will readily subscribe very literally 10 the
most reckless and groundless speculative
schemes power TO turn capitalists
around upon ones finger by appealing with
the incest FEASIBILITY 70 their cupidity and
vanity alike-that power 10 confer shape
and substance upon the fimsiest bubbles !
Until they appear az solid and consistent as 7!