Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-05-14

risks, and these risks are an inseper-
able part of his business. Heis pre-
pared for losses as they occur, and
makes up his mind to them. When
man is unsuccessful in business, and
is unable TO pay in full, he comprom-
ises with his creditors, and is legally
released from his obligations. The
| question whether he is MORALLY re-
leased is delicate one, and it de-
pends much on circumstances.
i hold that man who has done his
best for his creditors, and has OBJ
tanned legal discharge, is not
morally bound to pay the balance,
unless he can do so without seriously
injuring himself and his family. If
fortune should smile on him. and he
should acquire wealth, think in that
case, it would be PRIVILEGE and n
HAPPINESS to pay off the old debts.
I am very glad to hear of your
presen prosperity, and trust it will
continue. In this country, man OF
your business ability, and NDoMrTA-
BILE ENERGY is bound to succeed in
the long run. Yours sincerely,
EDWARD S. JAFFRAY.
That letter was written in 1884. In
1895, when it is feared Mr.. Rouss is
threatened with retirement from his
enormous business by reason of
blindness, the conditions existing
eleven wears ago are almost dia-
metrically reversed. The erstwhile
successful firm of E. S. Jaffray &
Co. is in the process of liquidation,
while the business of Cuarles Broad
way Rouss has grown to such enor-
nous proportions as to tax even mis-
brain aud energy to keep abreast of it.
When Mr.. Jaffray died, three
years ago, Mr.. Rouss paid the fol-
lowing editorial tribute to him in the
June ('92) number of his Monthly
Auction Trade Journal. The pecu-
liar phonetic style of that publication
is reproduced:
"IMORTAL JAFFRAY 1.-THE great,
himinded, MAGNIFICENT MAN
that he was One single sentence of
the great number of uIogies covered
the whole history of his caracter,-
HIS WORD WAS HIS BOND
He emerged from the ruins of the
great fire in 1885, and on the 23d of
April he feI-AT THE TOP
from the ashes to the azure
Mr.. Jaffray was not the only one
to fully appreciate the honor bright
of Mr.. Rouss, many letters, bearing
on same theme, from prominent
merchants being quoted.
The present establishment Of
Charles Broadway Rouss is the finest
and most complete of its kind in the
world. In its departments almost
every conceivable product can be
found. / would sooner undertake to
enumerate what is not there than to
tell what is. Perfect discipline pre-
walls among the four hundred or more
employees, and everything moves
like clockwork. Among other fea-
lures is completely appointed post
Office to handle the big mail which
inclndes the Auction Trade Journal,
of which over one hundred thousand
copies are sent out each month.
The affliction which has befalleD
Mr.. Rouss, rendering him practi-
calIy blind, would have discouraged
most men many years younger than
he. Not so with him. 1t has not
affected his spirits in the slightest
degree. He is as bright in mind,
jovial in disposition and active phys
ically as he ever was.
As illustrative of the non impair
ment of his mental faculties it is only
necessary to cite his latest great
achievement. He has just crystal
lized Southern national sentiment
into an organization perfect in every
detail, embracing in its interests
every surviving Southern participant
in the recent war between the States.
This organization, to be known as the
Confederate National Memorial As
socia tion, will be formally organized
at Houston. Tex, next month.
While being a strict di seiplinarian
in business, Mr.. Rouss is extremely
liberal with his private purse. His
manner of aiding his friends in need
is unobtrusive, he believing in the
old proverb. LET not your right
hand know what the left hand doeth. -
His most intimate friends learn of
his benefactions only from the recip-
tents of them.
AS companion Mr.. Rouss is de-
lightfuI. Simple, direct in speech,
keen in humor and without restraint
at all times, he is always natural and
makes those he comes in contact with
feel at ease. He has a great fund OF
anecdotes born of wonderful mem
ory for incidents and detail. He
garnishes his conversations by the