I left him,
feeling an elation of spirit, a glow of pride, a confidence in myself, as
new as it was unexpected. It is a fine trait in Scotchmen that, deeply
respecting themselves, they respect others. Difference of class or
position does not count much with them in comparison with merit or
sterling worth--
"_The rank is but the guinea's stamp_,
_The man's the gowd for a' that_."
Mr. Burns was a striking personality; strong and vigorous, mentally and
physically. He had a good voice, and was clear, decided and emphatic in
speech. He was a doughty champion of the Glasgow and South-Western
Company, with which at this time, affairs, like the course of true love,
did not run smooth. The dividend was down and discontented shareholders
were up in arms. Bitter attacks were made on the directors and the
management. Not that anything was really wrong, for the business of the
line was skilfully and honestly conducted, but the times were bad, and
"empty stalls make biting steeds." The very same shareholders who, when
returns are satisfactory, are as gentle as cooing doves, should revenue
and expenditure alter their relations to the detriment of dividend,
become critical, carping and impossible to please, though the directors
and management may be as innocent as themselves, and as powerless to stem
the tide of adversity.
Pages:
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138