The Chemawa
American
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Printed at Chemawa,
Vol. XXVII
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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
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