Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-07-16
Anenity.
OR, THE LITTLE ooURTEsIEs OF LIFE.

it may not seem so to the hasty and lnconslder-
ate. Many man has lost his fortune in eonse-
ouence of the want of a little courtesy. Amen
ity of manner and propriety of language should
be constantly cultivated They possess magic
and charm that are admirably calculated to
soothe and conciliate. 1t is almost impossible
to conceive how, at times, gentle word or
kind look touches the heart The effect, altho'
instantaneous, fingers for years. There are
many little, and comparatively insignificant acts,
that nevertheless develop character and exercise
influence. II, therefore, courtesy be constantly
adhered to, and carefully practiced, the effect
cannot but be great. And if it be as regularly
violated and neglected, the evil influence must
be pernicious. There are many persons VINO
neglect to answer letter. They are lndoieno
and careless by nature-and they thus persuade
themselves that such an omission is OF no ln-
portance Nevertheless, q prompt response Is
absolutely DUE as well to gentility and proprlety
as to good feeling. When, too, an invitation Is
given of kind or complimentary character, the
omission to respond is an absolute rudeness. 1t
betrays, in the first place, q cool indifference
70 the party extending the kindness, and in the
second q want of ordinary good breeding. With
many. such an omission or neglect is regarded as
an insult, and is treated accordingly. Several
wears apo. a gentleman, who had an intimate
friend took to himself partner for life. The
friend at the time was married maj, land ne put
himself to considerable trouble and expense to
extend the bridal couple every possible clvlllty.
He attended the wedding in person, called suose-
ouently with his lady and invited him to visit his
house whenever they might feel so disposed. For
some cause or other which was never discovered,
the bride forgot or neglected to make single
return visit 1t was an error perhaps oflgnorance,
perhaps of Incidence, perhaps OF incivlllty, but
trifing as the oversight apparently was, 1t MADE
deep impression and in the end led to a GOODNESS
between the friends who had been cordially lnti'
mate for wears And thus it often happens. On a
still more recent occasion, gentleman OF q
neiehboring city, who is sensitive in such mat
ters was overlooked by friend, when issuing
cards for party. The matter was rendered
the more unpleasant, from the fact that the In
innate acquaintances of the gentleman VINO was
overlooked, participated in the social festivity,
while several expressed surprise at his absence
The slight was unintentional, and was subse'
ouently explained. And yet the fact that ne
was FORGOTTEN on such an occasion was any
thing but complimentary. All these things may
be weak, and vet we must deal with human ma
ture as it is. Nay it is not only our policy, but
our duty, to be friendly, kindly, and courteous
with those with whom we are called upon tG
late, either in business or on more soclal
soot;,r The little courtesies OF me oose US no
tIns ap yet their value cannot be overtesti ts4
atad a Ament.y Of manner has power ha ana' I, I,
felt more or less III every wan vi spnuiI' ud rob'
;mnarts an additional Gstre 70 peauty, anu lOot
deformty of IS repulsion Wno' ipIeeO~ IT, f.Samnnt
point out some ocible illustraoh ;na.t ~ If ths
iy happens that SOM OIL lnS ,dm4oees in are CON
sterner sex, so far as physic.. t.actve and fasc
cerned, are among the most atl4. ,srefully inte
mating with the gentler Examine =. ,ss will
the matter, and the secret of their succ., O
be found in aInenity of manner and courtesy -
department. They are constantly STRIVING "
please. They avoid everything harsh, unAinu
and malicious, apd exert all their powers 10 % III,
terest the mind to touch the feeling ana 10 anor9
pleasure. They never violate an act OF gooo
breeding, they never omit word OF oei'ou.1 ~
compliment, or an expression of courtesy. Aho
this is the true policy. There are thousano
nameless little things-sayngs and dolngs-
which serve to sweeten the pathway OF lie, ailo
impart to the social circle degree OF rehnemeh'
and delight, that to be appreciated must De en-
loved. BY courtesy of manner, we DO not meal
constant effort to be dignifed, or precise, or
rieid adherence to certain rules or formalltles.-
Far from it. The heart should speak on such
occasions, and the genial spirit OF sympathy
should be distinct and apparent An An act act o. o.
courtesy is never out of place. In high me e. ol ooI
in low it is like beam of sunshine in the social
world which it at once softens and brighte1ns.-
It may be recognized in the beggar as well as in
the king. The rich, too, cannot be too courteous
when v % mingling among the poor; The pr0Pre, ,dss
tor cannot be too kind or consderate to those
in his employ. All should be treated not only
as human m beings with human sympathiess,, but
as sensible and susceptible, and as capable OF
understanding an act of rudeness, as of aPPre,
ciating one Of kindness and good will. Ihere
is enough roughness and asperity among man
Kind, the natural result of difference of views,
collisions of trade and cashing of interest. Let
us, u.s. then, whenever we can adopt the generous
policy, the refined and consderate and thus at,
ford pleasure, by the exercise Of the many little
conrtesies which all have more or less at their
command, but which too many neglect to en-
ploy in their intercourse with their fellow crea-
tures.-Jersey Blue.