The Key West Citizen

THRIFT AND CRIME

Encouragement of thrift as a means
of reducing crime is suggested by a well-
known publicist, who declares that ex-
travagant habits in many cases are the
direct cause of banditry.

Aside from the financial gains pos-
sible through economy and thrift, the habit
of saving has a stabilizing effect upon
one's character. The person who is lay-
ing aside something each week or each
month with the idea of ultimately secur-
ing financial independence is more de-
pendable than the one who spends his
money as fast or faster than he makes it.

Many who have resorted to dishonesty
in order to secure needed funds quickly
are those who have been first led into ex-
travagant living. Allowing themselves to
indulge in luxuries in excess of what their
earnings warrant, they more easily yield to
temptation to dishonesty in its various
forms.

Habits of thrift should be inculcated
early and should be encouraged at every
turn. Those who have acquired such
habits are generally industrious, ambitious
and honest.