In countries without railroads, as in Eastern countries, everything is behind time.

Everybody is indolent and lazy.
The world knows that the prompt man's bills and notes will be paid on the day they are due, and will trust him.

People will give him credit, for they know they can depend upon him.

But lack of promptness will shake confidence almost as quickly as downright dishonesty.

The man who has a habit of dawdling or listlessness will show it in everything he does.