The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-21
NOT A NERVOUS PEOPLE.
Idea That Americans Easily Break
Down IL Incorrect.
Philadelphia Record.

Pnilaoelpnia RECORD.
So much has been said Of American nerv-
ousness-of the stress of business life in
this country and Its common effect OF shat
tered nerves, insomnia, mental deteriora-
ton. insanity. physical breakdown and sui
cide-that most people accept IL all as es-
t~ablished, and nobody stops TO examine
whether IL be true. Also IL is assumed that
Americans, as a rule. are so much I'm love
with the accumulation of money that they
take nc time and have no care for the en-
joyment OF their wealth. The first Foreign
er to place his WI observations against
the widespread opinion In Ludwig Max
Goldberger, a prominent German who
spent eight months in the United States
with his eyes open and his mind alert. He
denies that the American business man Is
wealth has robbed him of his capacity to
enjoy anything but money-making. On the
contrary. while one sees endless activity
and ceaseless industry and always indus
try" still 'the nerves Of the industrious
ones are of steel and not to be shattered
The daily experience of Americans them
selves should have proved TO them the fall
do men continue active I'm business to so
ripe an age-in a business OF which the
risks are often great. American business
men find a delight in the beautifying of
their homes and In many forms OF pleasure
and relaxation. Statistics show hat In
proportion to population the immigrants
contribute a much higher percentage OF In
mates to asylums than do the Americans.
1t is not to be denied that the business OF
many a successful American Is Of a kind
to wreck a nervous system less firm and
steady-a business In which a great fortune
may be won or lost as the result Of a single
decision. Losses, however, are borne with
the e~quanimity displayed by a confirmed
gambler. Here is Russell Sage. In his
eighties, still attending TO his many AFFAIRS,
involving enormous sums. and showing
none OF the effects OF an inordiEate strain
on the nerves. Only a small proportion or
men In any occupation live TO his age. but
among the leaders of industry and finance
In this country are many who are hale and
clear-headed at seventy. and not less happy
and busy than are men of the same age IN
other lands.
The business enterprises Of the United
States won the amazement and adrnira-
ton OF the German observer. and TO the
courage. steadiness, intelligence. integrity
and health OF the average American. and
especially of the leaders In the business
world, he credits the prosperity OF the Ma
ton and it's ability to meet trade depres-
sions with fortitude and cheerfulness. Nat
urally ne can see no limit 10 the great
achievements of Americans. and II. Is 10 be
inferred from his article that no conceiva-
BILE combination against the business enter
prise OF this country could make a deep OF
enduring impression on our future. In
spite OF all the speculative features Of our
changes In the ownership OF the stocks OF
great enterprises. absolute honesty and a
strict living up to every obligation IL a
fundamenta principle of American business
life. On the whole the European readers
OF Mr.. Goldberger's report OF his American
observations must acquire a larger respect
for the qualities OF our business men and
a higher opinion OF the business importance
Of the country as compared with the ma
fiOnS of EUROPA