Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-07-23
AMENITY: OR. THE LITTLE C0UR-
TESIES OF LIFE.


transactions of life. The subject is an
one, although it may not seem
so to the hasty and inconsiderate. Many
a man has lost his fortune in conse-
quence of the want of little courtesy. |
of manner and propriety of
language should be constantly cultiva
ted. They possess magic and a 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, although instantaneous, fingers
for years. There are many little, and
comparatively insignificant acts, that
nevertheless develope character and ex-
ercise influence. II, therefore, courtesy
be constantly adhered to, and carefully
practised, 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
who neglect to answer letter. They
are indolent and careless By nature-and
they thus persuade themselves that such
an omission is of no importance. Never
theless, prompt response is absolutely
due, as well to gentility and propriety
as to good feeling. When, too. an in
vitation is given of kind or compliment
tary character, the omission to respond
is an absolute rudeness. 1, betrays in
the first place, a cool Indifference to the
PARTY extending the kindness, and in the
second, want of ordinary good breed
ing. With many, such an omission or
neglect is regarded as an insult, and is
treated accordingly.
Several years ago, gentleman who
had an intimate friend took to himself a
partner for life. The friend at the time
was a married man, and he put himself
to considerable trouble and expense, to
extend the bride couple every possible
civility. He attended the wedding in
person, called subsequently with his lady,
and invited him to visit his house when
ever 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 of ignorance, perhaps of
Incidence, perhaps of incivility, but
trifing as the oversight apparently was,
it made deep impression, and in the
end led to a GOODNESS between the friends
who had been cordially intimate for
years. And thus it often happens. On
a still more recent occasion, gentleman
of a neighboring city, who is somewhat
sensitive in such matters, was overlooked
by friend when issuing cards for a
party. The matter was rendered the
more unpleasant, from the fact that all
the intimate acquaintances of the gen
tleman who was overlooked, participa-
ted in the social festivity, while several
expressed surprise at his absence. The
slight was unintentional, and was Sc
subsequently explained. And yet the
fact that he was forgotten on such an oc-
casion was anything but complimentary
All these things may be weak, and yet
we must deal with human nature as il
is. Nay, it is not only our policy, bu
our duty, to be friendly. kindly, and
courteous, with those with whom we are
called upon to associate, either in busi-
ness or on a more social footing. The
little courlesies of life cost us nothing
and yet their value cannot be over esti
mated. Amenity of manner has power
that is felt more or less in every walk oil
sphere. Ii imparts an additional lustrC
to beauty, and robs deformity Of mucl
of its repulsiOn. Who, indeed, cannot
point out some forcible Illustration? Il
frequently happens that some of the
plainest of the sterner sex, so far as
physical advantages are concerned, are
among the most attractive and fascinat'
ing with the genller. Examine carefully
into the matter. and the secret of their
success will be found in amenity Of man
ner, and courtesy Of department. They
are constantly striving to please. They
avoid everything harsh, unkind and ma
licious, and exert all their powers to in
terest the mind, to touch the feeling and
to afford pleasure. They never violate
an act of good breeding, they never
omit a word of delicate compliment, OF
an expression of courtesy. And this is
the true policy. There are thousand
nameless little things--sayings and do
ings-which serve to sweeten the path
way of life, and impart to the social cir
Gle degree of refinement and delight,
that to be appreciated must be enjoyed.
By courtesy of manner, we do not mean
a constant effort to be dignifed, or pre-
else, or rigid adherence to certain rules
or formalities. Far from it. The heart
should speak on such occasions, and the
genial spirit of sympathy should be dis
tinct and apparent. An act of courtesy
is never out of place. In high life or in
low, it is like beam of sunshine in the
social world, which it at once softens and
brightens. 1t may be recognized in the