What kind of a man should the salesman be, in order to be successful? The essential qualifications are, good health, good appearance, a thorough knowledge of what he offers for sale, and a general knowledge of his competitors' goods. Furthermore, he must know how to judge a customer, so as to present his thoughts in a manner to gain his confidence. He should also develop his sense of humor, in order to overcome the "hard knocks" that may be in store for him. He must be able to smile, no matter what happens. If he possesses these qualifications, together with the proper goods to sell, plus the capacity for work, work, work, then he will assuredly make a successful salesman.
PROVIDENCE
If genius is a mark of divine Providence made manifest in the preferred of human kind, the life of Lincoln shows clearly the power and guidance of God. Notwithstanding the adverse conditions surrounding his early life, he struggled upward, almost unknowingly, to the preeminent position of power and trust ordained for him, fully equipped to meet and master every problem. Like all God's ambassadors, his life ended when his life's great work was done, and returning to his long home, he left "Footprints, that perhaps another, sailing o'er life's solemn main, a forlorn and shipwrecked brother seeing, shall take heart again."
BISMARCK
Bismarck lived up to his claim that difference between nations could only be settled through "blood and iron." The key-note of his public policy was, to make Prussia the leading power of the Germanic States, and to create a United Germany with the King of Prussia as German Emperor. The first task was accomplished at Sadowa, in 1866, where the Austrian army was defeated. The second task—Paris capitulated according to terms dictated by him and King William was proclaimed "German Emperor" at Versailles on January 18, 1871. In the estimate of Europe and of the world, he then ranked as the greatest living diplomat and statesman. As Chancellor of the German Empire, he insisted above all that Germany should keep its place at the head of Europe as a military power. His theory was "As we shall attack nobody, we shall have peace, if we show ourselves so strong that nobody will attack us." It is in this theory that many men now repose their faith in the peace of the world.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
There is no individual whose life is more closely identified with the history of his country than George Washington. You all know the story of his life by heart. To-day, on the anniversary of his birth, it is proper and fitting for Americans to dwell upon the virtues of this great man. Washington's character was magnanimous. He was kind to the aged, and sympathetic toward his fellow men. Thomas Jefferson may have had Washington in mind when he wrote, in the Declaration of Independence, the words "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." He was a brave and courageous patriot, with the rare power of persuading men. Persuasion! Listen to his words to his soldiers after their disastrous defeat in the battle of Long Island: "The eyes of all our countrymen are now upon us, and we shall have their blessings and praises if happily we are the instruments of saving them from the tyranny meditated against them. Let us, therefore, animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a freeman contending for liberty on his own ground is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth." Gentlemen, do you feel the power of those inspiring words?