The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-07-19
The Earning of Big Salaries.

has given some facts and opinions that
furnish an object-lesson for every
young man and young woman who
are qualifying themselves for tie bat
tie of life, some Of whom may already
be busily identified with the business
world. Hundreds of young men and
women are just now graduating from
schools, colleges and other education
al institutions. They must decide not
only where they will cast their lines
but the particular field they Will en-
ter. Upon their decision and the man
ner in which they later on seek de-
velopment depends the measure OF
success that they will gain. 1t is nee
essary to cite only a few examples Of
what individuals have accomplished
in qualifying themselves for great re-
sponsibility, proving their fitness for
trust and their capacity and demon
strating beyond question that they are
entitled to exceptional compensation
for services performed.
Among those now most prominent
is John F. Wallace, who left splen-
did position on the Illinoi; Central
railroad to become chief e1.s-neer Of
the Panama Canal Commission and
has surrendered that important place
partially, it is believed, because he
is urgently needed and waNed in a
railroad capacity that will give him
salary of 100000 a year or @>ore than
is paid to the president of me United
States. On the assumption that Mr..
Wallace has received such an offer, it
is not alone because he will earn it,
but because of the fact that his abil-
ity, knowledge and skill are such as to
inspire absolute confidence in carry
ing on certain engineering and con-
struction work involving the expendi-
ture of millions. It has been we'll said
that inducements of this character are
today being extended 20 nlen who have
forged to the front in their profession
al and business capacity by diligent,
intelligent effort and hard work, be-
cause there is better recognition to-
day than ever before in the world of
industrial and financial and construc-
tive activity, and that such men are
we'll worth every dollar paid to them;
also because "for great work, demon
strating judgment-often instant
judgment, judgment, too, that affects
millions of dollars worth Of property
it is meet that a salary proporCcnate
to these responsibilities should be
paid" It must be remembered in this
connection, however, that selections
of men to whom there is willingness to
pay princely salaries are very eau
tiously made, and they must be men
Of established reputation. Herein lies
the hint of the younger generation
who may aspire to like recognition in
the future.
1t is not among men alone that
these rewards are gained. For there is
woman who is secretary to vice-Dres-
ident Tarbell of the EQuitable-she
receives $4,000 a year and may here
after receive greater compensation.
Those familiar with her duties, her re-
sponsibilities, her work and her ca
reer in general do not hesitate TO say
that she earns every dollar Of this sal
ary because of her quick judgment,
a great power for work and for con-
centration of mind and remarka oily
symmetrical management Of the de-
| partment" with which she is connect
ed. It is not to be doubted that before
she was qualified in this degree she
had to put in many hours Of toll and
study IN order 10 develop HeI present
capacity and prove that she was
worthy of a salary that makes her in
dependent.
Again, in Miss Harris, secretary to
Henry H. Rogers, is another woman
said to be receiving a remarkable sal
ary of $4,000 simply because Mr..
Rogers knows he can depend on her
and because she has shown ability,
tact, judgment and executive capacity
Of a high order. She could not have
reached a stage in which to command
such reward except by industry and
the performance of those things which
alone can develop conditions that
make her position in life so strong.
High salaries to such people are not
simply for the present but are likely
to continue in consideration Of the CO.
lossal growth of co-operation-in the
hest sense of that term-that is so