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About The Chemawa American (Chemawa, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 9, 1925)
The Chemawa American — 3 A —.. ....... Printed at Chemawa, Vol. XXVII M Y a i Oregon, and Devoted to the IntereQQ^fsfndi^tniffiucation Wednesday, December 9, 1925 THE RIGHT AND WRONG OF IT There is no policy, young people, to say nothing of the right or wrong of it, that compares with honesty and square dealing. There is nothing in the world that will take the place of sterling honesty. A char acter above suspicion is the cornerstone of success. We are bringing these facts to you in order that you may dwell upon them and profit by them, especially as many of our young men and women will eventually come in contact with temptation. It is sure to come sooner or later. Integrity and honesty are the biggest words every where today. There was never a time in history when these words were so large. There was never a time when absolute honesty of character meant so much, in spite of or because of all the crookedness or dishonesty that is being uncovered daily. There was a time when in some places the man who was the shrewdest and sharpest, the most cunning in taking advantage of others, got the largest salary. But today the man of fine character and integrity is looming as he never did before. A young man was being considered for an import ant position. His former employer was called up and asked what he could say for the young fellow. “He is every inch a man and there is nothing more to say,” was the quick reply. Such a reply from a careful, conservative business man meant volumes. It meant that he had the highest personal regard for his former employe and the greatest admiration for his ability. It meant that the young fellow was absolutely honest, that he could be trusted under any circumstances with any responsibility. It meant not only that he would be loyal to his employer, but that he was able, that he had good judgment, that he was not likely to do foolish things or to make bad breaks. Further, it meant that whoever employed this young man would not need to worry concerning his attitude or interest during the boss’ absence. It meant that he would look out for his employer’s interest and reputation, that he would not throw away or imperil any opportunity looking to the advancement of his employer’s interests; that he would be a live, progres sive, tireless, honest worker. After a young man has established a reputation like that for absolute integ No. 12 rity, for honesty and sincerity of purpose, when he is so thoroughly entrenched in the good opinion of his community that no one questions his motives, he has certainly made a great start in life. There is nothing like a clean record—a record for being square, absolutely reliable. There is nothing comparable to truth. Nothing else, young readers, will do more toward your real advancement than the resolve, in starting out, to make your work stand for something. Always tell the truth, whether it is to your immediate material interest or not. Truth and honesty make an impregnable foundation for a noble character. It is always the character behind the young man or woman that counts. Our love and our confi dence are won by character, not by wealth or skill. Our esteem is based altogether on manhood and womanhood. Things are so planned in the universe that in order to get very far, or to accomplish very much, we have to be honest. The whole structure of moral law is really pledged to defeat the lie, the falsehood, the sham. Ultimately only the right can triumph. There is some thing about honesty of purpose, truthfulness and sincerity in our friendship, in our lives, that compen sates for deficiencies or lacks in other directions. Even though we may fill a very humble station in life, integrity of character helps us upward, gives confidence; and without these success in any direction is impossible. Merely not doing wrong things does not make a strong character. Stalwart character is built up by action, by doing things. People who amount to something morally, who stand out, have force of character, a strong, positive indi viduality. This can only be gained by persistent and vigorous doing of the right. So, young people, believe us, when we say that it is of the very greatest import ance that you should early establish a reputation for having good qualities. Until you do this, no matter how brilliant you may be, you are at a serious disad vantage. When you show that you are honest and re liable, that you have good principles and intend to live up to them; when you have shown that you have courage, grit, pluck, and that you are not afraid to (Continued on page 4)
