The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-07-05
DEBT OR ECONOMY
RrFRANcFs aHAFFER.

/ When school days are all over and the
young folk begin TO think Of their work
In the world, their financial prospects, and
how they shall make and spend their
prospective incomes, there Is one thing
they should bear well in mind:
The awful folly Of running into debt.
For there are not many things in this
world that rest more heavily than an
accumulation Of unpaid bills, once they
are given the right Of way in ones plan
Of living.
Most Of US, as we first experience the
wonderful pleasure OF a nice little In
come, all our own, feel very rich and
sometimes very prodigal. And. IN the ex-
allied notion of abundance and the Ger
tainty OF more to follow. II is temptingly
easy TO overstep earnings and land in the
awful quagmire Of debt. 1t is easy, for
who Of US does not want something just
beyond her reach, something that takes
little more money than she can possibly
AFFORD?
Unless young folk have had very wise
counsel at home or unless Mother Nature
has made them a bit cautious and discern
ing, the temptation readily comes to spend
to-day and let tomorrow take care Of
itself. And the next short step is debt.
And then
debt rests the heavier, man or woman.
OF course, there is the ultimate loss Of
respect and the weakening Of character
which Inevitably attend the habitual prac-
tice, whoever follows II. And one believes
that II a young man or woman realized
the awful moral interest paid upon debts,
there would be greater hesitancy to as
sumo the unnatural and demoralizing
load.
Tba Fact e. rrobabIv v,oz+ vo,,pp man
Just starting out on a salary are generally
left TO work out their own financial sal
walton. and they do not think over much
of the future. A good time" naturally
is very tempting to them, and II they
scatter their earnings to the four winds
Of pleasure, they are only the good
fellows" they want to be. only following
the popular, comfortable pace. And
little debt, here and there, is an easy way
Of moving a little faster and more
luXuriously.
1t is a habit quickly formed and very
hard to break, once II Is settled. But
one believes the average young man
might be led to think bit more seriously
Of the future II the proper some one made
an effort. It is not alone for the proverb-
ial rainy day that Is certain to come, nor
yet for the dignity and comfortable feel
ing that beautifully wait upon the posses
sion Of financial security; not even for
the high standing that follows, though
all these count IN the days to come. But
there is the young woman OF his dreams,
who consciously or unconsciously figures
very largely in his hopes. And, since his
is the part OF providing the home, since
she resigns her possible place in the
money-world to share his prospects and
his measure OF wealth. It seems the
manly, practical thing to be ready to
oner something more substantial than
love, empty hands and experience in
living beyond his income.
And If he were oftener reminded Of his
probable obligations, as well as OF the
inherent honor in living well within his
income, he might think that the pride
Of being known as good fellow quite
paled before the satisfaction OF pointing
to the practical fruits OF his work For
royal spending in the days OF bachelor
hood does not accord very happily with
the pinching economy that sometimes fol-
lows, the uncomfortable living on the
ragged edge OF Indebtedness.
And the young woman
There is the same easy road to debt
that her brother takes. temptations and
penalties, differing only in kind.
1t is mighty nice TO have all the pleas
ures and Inquiries as one goes along, but
somehow the pleasures and Injuries of
yesterday do not weigh very heavy to-
day or tomorrow. Women earn rather
tempting salaries these days. and often
they spend as luXuriously. Sometimes
the last dollar goes on the wings Of
extravaganza, and the next is borrowed