Omaha daily bee., 1916-09-09
The Value
Of Promptness
. BY LANDoN CARTER.

ThereFare few characteristics more
worthy of cultivation than, prompt
ness, for in every sphere, phase ant
condition of life does it inspire conf
dcnce. 1t is the chief motive ppwe,
of all systems, without which no en-
terpris can be satisfactorily trans
acted, and the success of individual.
as well as corporations is primarily
based upon punctuality, which in,
wolves both honor and conscience.
TO be negligent OF obligations, and
engagement, either socially or from
business standpoint, it doubly Gull
pable,, insomuch as in doing so we
take advantage of the trust placed in
us and also waste the time of others,
the value OF which we have no means
Of estimating or right to Judge. Only
a few instances of carelessness are
necessary to materially inJure ones
Standing, and, although no particular
misfortune may result, still there is
no surer way of undermining faith
and trust, without which no one can
hold responsible position. II.
To limited few, punctuality is a
matter of temperament, but the ma
jority of people are not naturally thus
conscientious; however, it may be ac-
CURED by all, and is we'll worth con-
sideration, for it not only makes life
better worth living, but from every
practical point of view is fine asset
for all. ~ ~. y. ~ "a
The prompt man will always prove
his own best advertisement; he will
be welcome in allscircles; will receive
more courteous favors and general re-
spect; will have more real friends and
will invariably do more business and
receive more patronage from the pub
lie than his more conspicuously
wealthy but negligent brother who
overestimates his influence and
ability. ~ |'.
Promptness is component part OF
so many things that it is perhaps
wiser to particularize. For instance,
promptness, distinguishes children at
school. Promptness is essential in the
management, of a household; il the
mistress is indolent and careless the
servants are overkeep to take advan-
tage Of every opportunity, the chill
dren grow lax and indifferent, and
even the husband becomes demoral-
lied. ... 0,,l ..
'Promptness in the business man is
but the outward expression and evil
dence of an inward consciousness OF
his appreciation OF life's responsible
ties, and by it he becomes marked
man, whereas through its absence he
may become prpportionately insignifj-
cant.
One may 60 even farther, and say
that, man cannot be either a gen
tleman or Christian if M does not
feel moral obligation of promptness
and fairness toward his fellow man
he may have the outward semblance
Of gentleman, but fundamentally he
is lacking, and sort OF moral thief,
who encroaches and imposes upon the
time OF others. and also from matter
of-fact, practical, everyday stand
points, the important business man
who has the advantage of official
knowledge and all wei founded theo-
ries and resources, could never have
attained his coveted position had he
not with each succeeding past ex-
pesiei1ce been prompt eyewitness
of every phase OF his particular line
of work.
One so frequently sees inherited
greatness eclipsed by persistent and
systematic personal effort that in this
lge, when individual merit is so uni