The spectator., 1919-11-25
sENs[LEss SPENDING
 AND WASTE |S MENACE
ThoughtIess Men and Women Revel in Era of Prosperity Resulting From World War and Pay No
 Heed to the Morrow.
By FRANCES M. COCHIN.

By FRANCES M. COLLIN.
 It is with feeling of real anxiety that we notice the tendency of the people of America to spend thought lessly They do not think of the mor- row; only of what pleases at the pres ent In the matter of buying clothes, young women of moderate income plunge extravagantly into the pur- chase of such apparel which means not only the spending of the last months wages but also anticipating next months salary or whatever linn ited income they may have.
 Is it worth while to spend all on dress and unnecessary articles that will be discarded few months hence. and then, instead of having saved something, you will be just where you began-with nothing?
 Today even with the state of unrest throughout the country, it is day of great prosperity. Never in the coun' try's history have people sought the pleasures of summer resorts in such great number as during the past sea son Never have motor parties trav- eled in such great numbers and to such great distances as within the past year.
 This is not done by the people that we have heretofore looked upon as he rich class, but it is those who have always been the most humbly situated individuals who are enjoying this era of prosperity the most. Money totally disregarded. The country has gone spending mad." The people have made great deal of money dur ing recent years. The contracts and transactions of the wartime period have filled the pockets of many. We evidences of it everywhere
 Here are few instances of how money was spent, in spite of the high cost of living. not alone by the affluent citizen. but by the person who had always considered himself, before the war, anything but a well-to-do person:
 More money has been spent on ex- pensive clothing. which in a very short time is discarded, than in any previous year
 During the summer season just gone by people have given to summer re- sorts "tlse greatest number of visitors and the best season for money-making ever known in our existencesH The pre- ceding words in quotation were heard in conversation between resort representative and a guest, express the sentiment of resort keepers all over the country.
 The most expensive hotels were the ones most crowded, just as the most expensive clothing is the kind which is the most freely bought.
 Foolish spending. such as gambling, is illustrated in the manner in which the great masses gathered at Saratoga Springs during the racing season. where, to use the vernacular of the citizens of that city, money flowed like water.''
 Americans-is 1t not fair that you should invest some of this money that is spent so carelessly and that was made under wartime conditions, in the securities that our government has to offer? While you are helping your country clean up" the aftermath of the war. moral responsibility will tell you that you are only in small way paying back favor which she aX. tended to you when going through the most harassing period of her existence.
 Both young and middle-aged should think this over and even though We should eliminate the feeling of duty to and regard for our country, there still remains the fact that all this senseless spending is like the "sow. ing of wild oats" and some day the harvest may come-not in prosperity and security. but in want and useless regrets.
 Chance investments are alright ii you feel that you could afford to risk that much money when you are old The three score years and ten mark is not the age when one can begin anew to replenish their depleted say | ines. Now is the time when you are making money. and the government is | the place in which 10 invest your say ings. II is always well to have d cer tain sum invested in securities that are safe and sure. then there is nc chance of loss
 Become interested in War Savings Stamps and Treasury Savings Wertifi cates, and in the future you will pride ! yourself on Icing wise They pay per cent, compounded quarterly, and are as safe as the government itself Eighty-four dollars and twenty cents invested in october means just one hundred dollars to you January 1, 1924