reflecting that if another way could be discovered it might be better still. We often hear it discussed what technical schools ought to teach. The answer is simple. Let them teach Resourcefulness and Observation, and how to attain these accomplishments. When young men step out into the world to shift for themselves, the value of Observation soon makes itself felt; and only those really succeed who know how to observe the tendencies of acts; who can read and value character properly; who discern the signs of the times; who are equal to emergencies; who can husband resources; and who know how to do the right thing at the right time and in the right place. These qualities only come of cultivating the faculty of Observation. Smart men are only men of keen Observation, who can take in a situation at a glance, and act quickly on the impulse of the moment. About Luck "To catch Dame Fortune's golden smile, And gather gear by every wile That's justified by honour.”—Burns. It is a popular delusion of the youthful mind, and not less of some minds which, if not youthful, are structurally weak, that success in life is a matter of Luck. Constantly we hear of such expressions as 'a lucky hit,'' a lucky fellow,' and 'a stroke of luck;' and it is implied that success is a mere accident; one of those rare chances in the lottery LUCKY FELLOW! of life which comes to the few, whilst the many are passed over. How often do we hear some one exclaim 'Ah, if I had had the Luck that man had I might have been where he is now?' Or, again, we frequently meet a man who will tell us that he was school-mate or shop-mate to some successful man, and exclaims, 'Look where he is now! Whilst I-ah, well, such is luck!' Would Poor fools they are who talk like this. that they could be put in the lucky man's shoes for a brief spell, and given the same opportunities; but also don't forget this-with the same difficulties to face. What a mess they would make of it! What a misery they would be to themselves! Yet no lessons, however bitter, will teach such people the real truth about Success in life that there is no such thing as Luck, and the prizes come only to those who strive to win them. Ask any man who has made a success in life after the humblest beginnings whether his career was governed by Luck, and he will tell you undoubtedly that he had to make his position by hard work, untiring effort and indomitable perseverance. Few appreciate the perplexities, trials and worries of those who succeed. Successful men are proud of their triumphs over difficulties; and it was their ability to overcome their early troubles that made them what they are. If there were no difficulties there would be no success. If there were nothing to struggle for there would be nothing to achieve. 'What,' says one writer, 'would life be without fighting enemies to be knocked on the head, pulled up by the roots, in himself or out of himself, who won't let him live his life in peace until he has thrashed them?' It is no good thinking you can go through life always expecting to meet and do business with nice, pleasant people. The nasty people are often our best friends. Experience may be often gained from their rebukes; and we may profit by their hints and objections. They may have motives when carping and criticising; but it is best not to consider them. It is always a hard matter to understand any man's feelings, and we are very apt to dislike those who offend us; so that we give them credit for being far worse than they are or intend to be. We must recognise the kindness of adversity; and see that its punishments are inflicted for our shortcomings. Failure and difficulty teach us our faults, and lead us on the right road to Success. Sorrow and disappointment are splendid teachers, however reluctantly we may accept their lessons. In the battle of life the test of our strength for good or ill is how we stand fire. The great secret of Success is never to be discouraged; never to give way because things go wrong, or because you meet with trials and disappointments; but to work on, trusting to yourself, never to that fateful will-o'-the-wisp called 'Luck.' Undoubtedly there is a chance which happens to every man at some early period of his life, that 'tide in the affairs of men which, taken at SOUND ADVICE the flood, leads on to fortune.' The successful men are those who are ready to take the chance when it comes, and make the most of it. They have qualified themselves for the opportunity; and are ready to take the fullest advantage of it. The smith stands idle till the iron whitens; then he strikes. And so must the man who wishes to succeed know the moment when to put forth his fullest effort. Be sure you are right; then go ahead. A pound of pluck is worth a ton of Luck. Differences of Opinion "'Tis he whose law is reason; who depends Upon that law as on the best of friends."-WORDSWORTH. THERE are very few men who have the selfrestraint adequate to control a natural impulse to contradict an expression of opinion opposite to their own ideas; and there are fewer men who have the tact to perceive when the persistence in a certain line of argument is likely to give offence. Etiquette demands that when you become involved in a difference of opinion in which there is no chance of persuading the person involved of his error, it is desirable to agreeably change the subject. Disraeli made one of his literary characters give the advice that 'If any person differ from you, bow and turn the conversation.' And this, which is sound advice in the matter of social conduct, is equally applicable to the affairs of Business. It may be that in the Business of to-day we have 7-(1419) drifted away somewhat from what Dr. Johnson contemptuously termed 'the manners of a dancing master.' But the sense or tradition remains; and there are certain conventions of Business procedure which prudence demands should be observed, even if courtesy does not dictate them. One need not be always bowing and scraping, treating customers with the servility of a shopwalker ; but the sensible business man finds it pays to avoid offending his customers by the manner as well as by the act of service. People are very quick to find cause for offence in business transactions; and there is a common idea that the seller always attempts to gain an advantage over the buyer. Consequently, it is doubly incumbent on business men to practise that most excellent maxim suaviter in modo, fortiter in re. (Gentle in the manner, but rigorous in the deed.) It has been well remarked that a 'knowledge of the world teaches us more particularly two things, both of which are of infinite consequence, and to neither of which nature inclines us-the command of our temper and of our countenance.' The best man of business is the one who understands what he cannot, or ought not to, resent; and who if he makes a slip can recover it by his coolness. You need not put on the insipid softness of a fool; but you can, without sacrificing any dignity or self-respect, let your manner, your air, your terms, and your tone of voice, be soft and gentle; and that easily, naturally, and not |