The Elbert County tribune., 1906-05-10
RANDon THOUGHTS.

chants in this issue. Many dollar has
been saved by careful perusal OF a
merchants ad. When a business man
advertises for your patronage he not
only has line of goods that "speaks,"
but there may be some article or articles
listed that you desire and that it may be
advantageous to buy at this time.
Nearly every one of us is figuring on
having>a fine time just ahead when we
get all fixed, and this vision is Just ahead
OF US when we fall asleep. 10 live in
the now and enjoy the present is the
work of philosopher.
Did you ever stop to reflect that it
was one thing to talk about people and
another thing to have people talk about
you? IL those of us who use our tongues
little too freely, about our neighbors,
would stop and reflect about this mat
ter and know the great evil that comes
from too much gossip and tattling, we
are sure we would call halt and gossip
no more for ever.
No one is so independent as the farm
er; he doesn't have to truckle; if he is
insulted he can resent the insult without
fear of losing trade, and there is no
earthly reason, with the improved farm
machinery he now has in use, why he
should not have an eight hour day and
such leisure for reading and study as
would soon make him one of the best in
formed men in any calling. Why
shouldn't the farmer be all this and
more? Surely he has the possibilities.
We heard a young man remark last
week that, The world owes me living"
1t is hoped for that young mans good
that he'll get the notion out.of his head.
It's mistake, a grave mistake. He
never entertained a more foolish idea
nor one which will bring him smaller
measure of respect. The world owes
the young man nothing: but instead he
owes the world and society an active,
noble manhood, u steady, honest energy
which will enable him to associate with
decent men and women in a true manli-
ness of character that will make his
friendship valuable and his presence and
companionship desired.
One of the most notable facts connect
ed with a country newspaper of today is
the large increase in the amount of ad-
vertising of local business houses. The
change has taken place gradually, and
has been marked especially during the
past year or so. 1t Is highly significant.
and an inquiry as to the cause of it is OF
great profit. not only to those in the
newspaper business, but to every bust
ness man and citizen OF our town as we'll
The change, in brief, means that local
merchants have found it necessary to call
attention to their goods because of the
immense competition they face. the most
deadly element of which is that from
the great stores of the large cities.
These great establishments advertise
their wares most layishly, and the met
ropolitan newspapers which contain their
advertisements are distributed over the
country, some one paper of which enters
nearly every home. The result is that
these metropolitan establishments have
built up an immense mail trade. In this
town, and indeed in most of the towns
hereabouts, there is no occasion for this
out-of-town buying. The duty of citi-
zens in the matter is plain, and where
other things are equal support should
be given local dealers. Our merchants
have invested their capital, have erected
buildings, and have established concerns
which are almost metropolitan in char
acter. They have built up our little
city, and it is only a fair return that
they have the city's trade; to turn trade
otherwise, even in the line of small pur-
chases which are great in the aggregate,
is to invite the decline of property val
ues ir our town.