71 —
statements because of jealousy or narrow-mindedness,
nor do I believe that no one should try to better him
self. On the contrary, if a man thinks he can improve
his financial condition by going into business for him
self, he should do so, but he should not firmly believe
that every onewill flock to his new place, and give him
the larger part of the trade, formerly held by bis old
"boss." All those people that make the bartender or
head-waiter think they are such "good friends" usually
fail in the hour of need, as they want special favors,
attention, trust possibly, an occasional loan of money,
and, in return, try to impress the bartender, head-
waiter, etc., with the idea that they could do better
for themselves in another position,that is,as proprietor.
I admit there are lots of gentlemen who, taking a fancy
to a bartender, or head-waiter, or steward, are sincere
and honest in their advice when they counsel the men
to do this; but all these points must be well-considered
by every one who has the intention of going into busi
ness. One should, furthermore, consider if he is
capable of competing with the neighboring cafes and
restaurants, and whether he has sufficient means,
plenty of stock of first-class quality; because his former
proprietor has all tliese facilities, and, therefore, has
alwaysbeen able to please bis customers, wliile the man
in a new place must have time to demonstrate that he
is also able to do it, always with some doubt whether
he may be able to do so. Further advice to any one,
especially in New York City, is this:—The bar-rooms,
saloons, etc., up-town have longer hours than those
down-town. For a beginner, to be sure of success, the
chances are much better where longer hours prevail,
"or the reason that in the down-town places there is
only a few hours' trade, and while your establishment
there must be large, your expenses also, in comparison,
will be large. If it should happen that you do not, in
this place, have the "rush" at noon-time (from 11:30