The Secret of Prosperity

'Such a man is worth 5,000l.,' 'this man has 10,000l.,' 'that man is worth 20,000l.,' 'this other man is worth 50,000l. if he is worth a penny,' has been repeatedly said to me of Irishmen who made no show whatever; but almost invariably one important statement was added: 'he is a steady, prudent man,' 'he is a good, worthy man,' or, 'there is not a better conducted man in the province.' The golden rule of success in life was thus frequently expressed; 'To get on here, a man must be industrious and well-conducted; with industry and good conduct any man, no matter what he is, or what he has, or how he begins, can get on here; but not without these essentials. But the man who drinks, bid him remain at home—he won't do here.' Spoken in Nova Scotia, as the experience of people of all ranks, classes, and occupations, it is equally applicable to every province of British America, and every State in the Union. Industry, sobriety, good conduct—these, under favourable circumstances, raise the humblest to the level of the great; and favourable circumstances abound in America.