New-York tribune., 1902-12-22
Careers for the Coming Men.
Callnss Open to Young Americans.
6be Commercial Life.



A few men of genius have engaged in several
professions with equal success, but ordinary
mortals must be content to select but one. Men
are judged by their achievements The old
saying attributed to a Roman sage, 1T is bet
ter to be the first in village than the second
in Rome" means that leadership in ones calling
in whatever place or position is the goal Any
young man with good health and fair abilities,
with such education as is freely offered 10 all
in this country, may enter the race. II he Is
poor, his chance is better, as he will better ap-
preciate the meaning of that stern word Must
The rich mans son is generally handicapped
by his environment. The boy is the prophecy
of the man. If before he arrives at thirty
years. he has not shown the stuff OF which ne
is made, little can be favorably predicted as to
his future. There exceptions TO this rule,
however Cromwell did but little TO foreshadow
his great career until after fifty years of age.
and yet. in Froude's opinion, he became the
greatest soldier and the greatest statesman that
the English speaking race has produced" III
wealth or fame. literary, scientific or artistic
accomplishments are desired, they can be had,
If one will pay the price. The prize is within
the reach of every man.
The conditions of eminent success are inexora-
bly, hard; only few will make the sacrifice.
First-One must believe his adopted vocation
Patient, untiring industry always receives its
reward.
second-To be society man. and lover
of pleasure is fatal to success
Third-Ony such recreation is necessary
to preserve health is permissible
Fourth-Intemperance and excesses Of all
kinds barred out.
Fffth-It is mandatory to rise early. with a
clear BRAIN refreshed by necessary rest Morn
ing is the best time to work. the proverbs in
all languages testify.
Sixth-If occasion demands it. must face
the strictest economy in diet. dress and all home
surroundings.
If young man faces resoluteIy the cond-
tions without which great success is impossible.
is willing to bide his time and make all things
earthly subservant 20 that end. then il matters
little in the result what occupation he chooses.
provided It is honest and he arrives at the
head.
The commercial career includes the CONNER
ciaI financial and Industrial interests of the
world. Commerce is among the oldest of hu-
man occupations. II began about as early as
anything human began. II has been the ad-
vance guard of civilization in the unknown
quarters OF the globe. 1t has been the patron of
literature, science and art, and has always de-
Tended liberty Of thought and speech; and, in
the eloquent language OF John Morley. Il has
been "the emancipation of conscience from
power and the gradual substitution or freedom
for force in the government OF men IL mas
united foreign nations in friendly intercourse by
trade relations and has reduced the chances OF
misunderstanding which otherwise would nave
resulted in destructive wars 1t was largely the
influence of English and American merchants.
for example. that brought about the aroitrauon
settlement of the Alabama claims
r-y,u al UnuSt necessarily
be one of the most intelligent and broad minded
men In any community. His mental vision Is
expanded by intercourse with his contemporaries
in all lands, and enriched by travel he cannot
be narrow in his Judgment and conclusions ne
must understand the laws which affect credit IN
the various States Of his own country ana IN
foreisn lands. The effect OF storm and sunshine
and drouth upon the worlds harvests must Do
hts constant study, as we'll as financial ten
denotes and the course of exchanges he must
be able TO analyze statements and detect flaws
and misrepresentations. English statesmen IKE
Sir Robert Peel. Gladstone. Bright and Golden
have been merchants or members Of merchants
families The same is true of distinguished
members OF Congress IN this country John
Bright told the writer that he considered MS
mercantile experience had been or great ad-
vantage In the performances of his duties in the
House of Commons. Mr. Bright also said that
he thought our American halls OF iesisla1oh
contained too many lawyers and too few busi-
ness men.
More than 80 per cent of commercial transac-
tfons are conducted upon credit Capital Is an
in,portant element. but the basis or credit Is
Individual character. No man without aoso-
lutte integrity (although he may make money!
ever ends his career a great merchant Dis
honesty in commercial affairs is not infrequen''
hut a large majority of merchants are strictly
honest from principle rather than policy ana II
this were not the case stagnation IN conii'eroe
would ensue.
7, the foregoing is true regarding mercantile
career. then 1t is true that the ideal merchant
must be a man of capacious mind and OF varied
He must be student OF COM
nerciaI law. of history and geography While
English is the language Of commerce. ne snouid
become familiar with the foreign languages OF
nations. II the commercial ideal is
an high as to make the young aspirant fearful or
its realization. make reply that the picture Is