The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1921-06-02
The Business Conscience.
This very timely editorial from I'll

The strenuous times through which
we are now passing have either
brought into existence OF brought to
light from where it lay hidden by the
veneer of prosperity certain lax
ness of business procedure and busi-
ness morals which is most deplorable.
MANY men who have hitherto been
irreproachable in their business con-
duct and relationships have become
indifference to business obligations.
and business ethics OF worse still, have
resorted to questionable practice and
habits.
1t would be a purely theoretical
matter, though it might be interest
ing enough, to enter at this time in
to a discussion as to whether this
condition indicates pre-eXisting ten
dency which only needed the proper
atmosphere and circumstances to de-
velop into a habit OF whether it indi-
Gates a breakdown in hitherto
sound business constitution. In either
event, we are facing, not a theory,
but an actual condition, which needs
vigorous amendment.
The man who has been able to meet
his financial obligations as they ma
tured during the past few months Is
so exceptional as almost to be in the
class of freaks, and we may cast on
him one glance of malignant envy
and drop him from consideration.
The great mass of us have been
urable to meet existing obligations or
to get money for current uses as we
desired it. The knowledge Of this
general situation has caused some OF
us to grow careless and indifferent
in our business; to ignore completely
our financial engagements and to use
methods utterly indefenSible from a
standpoint of morals in business
transactions. Men have staggered
along in the twilight zone bctween
compliance with the letter of the law
and q broad comprehensive concep-
ton of morality, many have crifted
far out to sea. On the other hand
men who found themselves unable to
liouidate their obligations as they ma
tured went frankly to their creditors,
explained the situation, made such
payments as they could, and made ar
rangements for extension. Then they
took up their own burden of self-de-
NAL and brought their current ex-
penses down to the level of their pock-
et-books. Such men will find them
selves, when normally has been re-
stored, in position to command credit,
as well as all other necessary buS-
ness accommodations, because, having
passed through the acid test CT the
present days, their business methods
and integrity will thereafter be un-
questioned. Unfortunately, some OF
the men who now appear to disregard
business obligations and business eth
les will find the experience Of the
present days rising up to block them
in their tranactions hereafter, Tor the
story Of the present will not be quick
ly forgotten.
So, even from a purely selfish
standpoint, it will pay every man
many times over to maintain his bus
mess reputation. But more impor-
tant still is the personal effect on the
man himself of his course in this res
pect. No man should ever have to
admit to himself that he has weak
ened on a moral question. Yielding
to weakness today makes it Two fold
easier to yield tomorrow, anG i long
course of temporizing with conscience
and yielding to weakness must even
tually undermine and sap the whole
moral constitution. There is TO NOR
al wrong in being unable to pay
debts or to spend money freely, OF
course, but this condition nay be-
come the occasion of offenses against
the moral fiber of a mans whole be-
ing.
So let US all pull together to MAIN
tain the business conscience of the
community. This is probably an av-
erage community, and the state is
composed of average communities,
our great country is composed OF av-
erage states, and the world at large
is made up of average countries.
After all, the moral tone of the whole
world is no better and no worse than
the moral tone of its citizens. You
may be able to help some nelghbor
pass safely through the great moral
crisis to which the whole world is be-
ing subjected and so keep him up
right on his feet and contribute toI
that extent to sustaining tie world.
You remember that beautiful passage