Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 December 1881 — “Live and Let Live.” [ARTICLE]

“Live and Let Live.”

After a young man has been employed for years by a business firm, or in the laborious work of the farm, commencing, fierhaps, at the very lowest round of the adder, and by diligence, faithfulness and a watchful regard for his employer's interests, has become a thorough master of the business, it is not strange that he should, as the saying is, “ branch out for himself,” and utilize the knowledge he has acquired in his schooling for his own advancement and benefit. And in this laudable undertaking it would seem as though his late employers should deem it a pleasure, not to say duty, to help him, if not with substantial financial aid, with good wishes and the influence of kind words and commendations. While there are many instances of tflis kind, there are also many where the reverse of this is practiced, and the late honest, capable, faithful employe, when he takes the responsibilities of business upon himself, is the subject of ungenerous and unjust criticism, because he comes into honorable competition with his employer. The world is large enough for all, and no one man, or set, of men, can possibly have a mortgage upon any branch of business, or monopolize all the chanches for conducting an honorable calling, whether it be in publishing a newspaper or selling peanuts. What do we acquire a knowledge of business for? Why are some of the best years of our lives passed in the employ of others, except to educate us so that we may be capable, some day, of assuming charge ourselves, and fitting us to take the place of those whose active life must sooner or later be brought to a close ? “ Live and let live,” and when, by the aid of those who have labored long and earnestly for you, a competency has been secured, and you have a full share of this world’s goods, do not be a sordid, mean and unmanly as to throw obstacles in the way of the success of the young man who was once in you* employ. Give the boys a chance.