The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1895-08-08
The Men Who Win.

fatally defective in the respect OF
leading people to believe that there
is some other and easier way for
them to make an honest living than
by working for it day in and day out
with all their might. We have innu-
merable projects for legislating men
into prosperity without industrious
and preserving effort on their part.
The reformers assure US that every
evil, real or imaginary, can be re-
moved by passing laws,for the pur-
pose. It is practically contended by
many of these cheap and noisy agita
tors that it is the business of the
Government to provide work and
wages for its citizens, and even to
support them, practically or entirely,
when they find it hard to earn their
own living. Socialistic schemes Of
all sorts are proposed as substitutes
for the fashioned theory of per-
sonal independence and self.reliance.
The average working man is coddled
with the delusive idea that he is en-
titled not only to fair pay for his SER
vices, but also to share in the
profits of the man who employs him,
and that this can be and should be
accomplished by statute. Thus a
feeling of discomfort is generated,
and decentralization esues, simply
because honest minds are bewildered
with sophistry, and the plain facts of
the case-facts that have always ex-
listed and always will exist-are cum
ningly evaded and concealed
There is no truth in the doctrine
that the progress Of civilization has
reversed the philosophy which teach
es that every man is the architect of
his own fortunes, and that the secret
of success is constant endeavor and
intelligent use of available means
Society does not owe any man any
thing except what he deserves by his
individual exertions, his diligence,
frugality and steadfastness. The af-
fairs of the universe are so adjusted
that we must strive for all that we
obtain, and pay the full price of hon
est and resolute service for every ad-
vantage. TWAS never intended that
we should get what we desire from
the world at bargain. That is not
what we are here for; that would not
be best for US if it were so. Therein
lies the weakness of a majority of the
plans of reform. They assume, tc
begin with, that the logic of patient
industry and of just and certain re.
ward in proportion to the expendi
lures of energy is inconsistent with
the spirit of the present age and its
marvellous accumulation of devices
and appliances for the promotion o.
general prosperity. This is q grave
mistake, and one that tends to I'M
dermine manhood and extenguisl
competition and enterprise. These
new inventions and changed condi
tons imply an increased rather thar
diminished necessity of persona
courage, industry and vigilance. TIL,
incentives to labor are greater thar
they used to be; and this fact carries
with it the obligation of greater eftor
if we expect to realize our wishes ant
carry out our purposes.
J The teachers who tell US that ",
ought to thrive by some kind of de
pendence, by having our work don
for US through some kind of legisla
} tive machinery, are not our friends
| but our enemies. Their view of tn
matter is calculated to bring us dis
| appointment and mockery, becaus
, it antagonizes the fundamental an
t memorable laws of personal success
. AS Horace Greeley remarked man
3 years ago, the most unfortunate da
in q mans life is that on which b
q decides that there ia some better va