THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3159, 18 May 1883, Page 2

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE.

The following excellent remarks in the “ San Francisco Bulletin ’’ are worth perusal:—“ When the newspapers give an account of someone who has become a defaulter and has made away with a few thousand dollars, the fact that the community is shocked by the revelation is pretty good evidence that there is still left a healthy public sentiment—that the normal condition of the community is one of honesty, confidence, and trust in the integrity of men. Of late, examples of dishonesty in places of trust have been somewhat frequent. Yet all these are exceptional cases. The World is pretty apt to hear of these robberies and defalcations sooner or later. But the world does not hear much about the honesty and sterling fidelity with which the greater number of men discharge their duties. It takes little account of the milions which pass from hand to hand every day ; of the verbal promises which are. kept sacredly, of the faith which men put in each other, of the daily commercial transactions which are founded on this faith, of the ongoing of business without a jar, because men are true to their obligations, are honorable and above suspicion. When a defaulter goes off with a few thousands, the enquiry is sometimes made if there is any honesty left—if the business community is not honeycombed by fast-living and dissolute habits ? Now, so far from it, there probably never was more business honor in the Wgrld. The whole commercial fabric wbuld collapse were it otherwise. Men remain at their posts 'With small salaries all their lives. Merchants trust their employes, the banka cashiers, tellers and clerks, cities and States to a few men who are entrusted with administration of public affairs. If defalcations and rottenness multiply at times,, these are the times when faithful men are appreciated. The dishonest employe who runs off with a few thousand dollars is a fugitive on the earthy He never finds a safe place. His crime is constantly dogging his footsteps. His money perishes with him, or is wrested from his grasp. The moment a man begins to steal he is without a home or, a country. The men of clean hands are wanted for all places of trust; and never more so than when the atmosphere is l i rife with rumour of robberies and breaches, of trust. - ’ , ’ •