Thursday, January 4, 2007

Special Report (5): Road to Riches

CITY OR COUNTRY—WHICH!

I CAN readily understand why your eyes should look longingly towards a situation in the city, and I appreciate all of what you call the advantages that the city clerk has over his country brother; but there are two Bides to this question, as to every other, and while I do not propose to say either " stay " or " go," I think I can give you a few points that you, as a young man, may be in danger of overlooking.

First, then, you must take into account the fact that the competition in the city is a thousand-fold greater than in the country, and this rivalry is not only in money-making, but in brains, and hand and brain service. As a rule, the brightest and sharpest of the country boys find their way to the city.

Some of them get there as easily and as naturally as water runs down hill; others are pushed there by the stories they hear of large salaries and the wonderful fortunes made. So that the result is the country is constantly pouring its best blood into the city, and the competition to be met there by the young man commencing life, is entirely different in degree from what he has to overcome in his own village.

Another reason why the city does not always lead to fortune, is the fact that salaries are not proportionately higher than country salaries, as the cost of living is higher. I am aware this is not as you have been looking at things, but nevertheless it is the fact.

The country clerk hears only of the fancy salaries paid; of the $2,500 to this man, $2,000 to that, and $1,800 to another, and nothing is said about the hundreds who work for $400 a year, and are hardly able to keep out of debt.