The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1905-08-10
KEEPING ONES WORD.
From the Baltimore Sun.

1t IS SOmeClnloS ODJecleQ TO the phrase I1oLeeIy
the best policy that it sets too low standard upon
virtue. Men ought to be honest, not because it is
right to be honest, not because of any advantage
that will accrue to them by refranng from robbing
their fellows That is true, but it is nevertheless
desirable that men should be impressed with the
other truth that in the long it pays to be honest
In much the way it might be said that to
advise young to keep their word as though they
had given bond to do for the reason that unless
they do so they cannot establish such reputation
will lead them to successful career, puts honor
upon too low plane. But there are great many
grades of honor, in spite Of anything the moralist
may say to the contrary, and in actual life these
grades fully recognized. There is the man who
gives his word and bubbles about keeping it, there
is another, of higher grade perhaps, who does not
bubble, but who has to be reminded of his oblga-
ton; and above this class is the highly honorable
man WAC never forgets his promises and is scrupu-
lousy careful to fulfil them to the letter. Men of
the latter class establish for themselves good repu.
tation; all men learn to trust them, and they acquire
power and influence because of the faith in their in
tegrity that their conduct inspires Even in politics
men of this class are to be found. They may be
scrupulous in dealing with their political foes, but
with their friends their word good their bond
Such men get strong following of devoted adher-
ents and become leaders in their districts States
It is the common impression that politicians are de-
ceitful Many of them are, but those who attain
high place and maintain their leadership for years
must have one vrtue at leas-that of keeping their
word to their friends. Those who are known to be
false and tricky met with their weapons and
sooner later suffer discontinue. The successful
politician is man of his word
cIl- -c..1
man, though it is less obvious in his case because
he does not deal so much in unwritten promises.
1t is, however, great advantage to the business
man to have the reputation of being man of his
word-one who is scrupulous in his dealings, who
never bubbles seeks to evade an obligation. To
a man of this kind open order may be given
without the formality of signed contract; money
may be loaned without collateral security; he es-
capes many of the petty annoyances that beset a
man of bad reputation or one whose good reputa-
ton is yet to be established.
Ambitious young men should consider this matter
and endeavor to establish for themselves the repu
taton of being men of their word. They cannot do
this by chicanery, but only by being thoroughly
honest and perfectly frank. They must also be
careful about giving their word If they are care
less in this matter they may find themselves unable
to fulfill their obligations notwithstanding their good
intentions. The man of his word promises nothing
that he cannot perform, and having promised, he
redeems his word at any sacrifice. In that way he
maintains his honor unsullied and in time builds
up reputation that is of the utmost service to him
in any undertaking. Men ought to keep their word
as mere matter of honor; but there is no danger
that they will break it if they give consideration to
the fact that it will be we'll for them to maintain
strict integrity.