One hundred years ago
We suppose that, on the whole, Mr. Hughes is right; and that for lads who can 'rough it' easily, and like out-of- door life, and have the ability to utilise labour, stock-breeding or sheep-keeping in Texas affords a fairish chance of a career. In the very amusing little book which he has just published, with the let- ters received from his three nephews engaged in those occupations, he does not affirm more than that; and, as far as his evidence goes, even that is not prov- ed beyond doubt. His nephews, to begin with, are above average. One of them took a clerkship in the Aylesbury Dairy Company on £50 a year, — increased subsequently — and saved £130 within eighteen months, — a feat which reveal- ed a man almost predestined to success. The 'power of accumulation,' as Lord Beaconsfield used to call it, is not a high moral quality as it is so often described, but a rather low one; but its possessor, if he has any sort of chance and average health, and a dislike of drink, rarely fails to win the material battle of life.
Spectator, 28 June 1884
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