True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-03-25

derneatb. Then the process of tilling
and raising is again gone through; and
so on until it has been raised up to the
level where it is to take its place in the
masonry.
Courtesy VS.. Curiosity.
A correspondent complains that he is
sadly annoyed, in consequence Of the dai-
ly and protracted visits to his office of
several highly esteemed, but rather indo-
lent friends. He says that they interfere
very materially with his business, (which
is of somewhat confidential character"
He cannot dismiss them harshly, for he
really entertaus the kindest feelings for
them, and is reluctant to give offence !.
but the dilemma is becoming so serious
that he is becoming perplexed. +" He
has already lost several of his best custo-
mers, and he will lose others, unless he
can discover remedy for the evil COM
planned of. " His note was not, perhaps
intended for publication; but the above
brief outline of its contents will probably
serve his purpose as well as that of Others
who are similarly situated. " There is
season for all things" and there should
be reason in all things. An individual,
no matter how friendly or in,imcte, should
not, because he has an idle. hour on hand,
in1ict his presence upon another, without
the slightest consideration, and especially
if that other happen 10 have coufden-
tial business with a third party
Such conduct is not only thonghlless
and discourleous, but it absolutely indi-
Gates want of good common sense, and
a lack of good breeding. A merchant
mentioned to us day or two ago, that
he had gone into store in this city, for
the purpose Of effecting a sale of goods, if
possible; and that while in the counting
room of the principal, two idlers stepped
in, seated themselves, and at once inter-
rupted the conversation. He paused and
looked at them, as if 10 intimate that a
business matter was on hand; but they
treated the hint either with Indifference,
or contempt, and he was absolutely com.
PEELED to leave and make sale elsewhere.
This, too, was not the first occurrance Of
the kind in the same establishment, The
principal is the prince of good nature, and
is well known for his generous hospitality
and goodness. But the practice Of con,
vertng his counting-house into a social
sitting room, or scene for idle jests, is
not exactly mercantile to say the least
He is aware of the evil, and deplores it,
but he lacks the moral courage to pro.
vide remedy. And his is the case with
hundreds. There are certain stores il
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., abundanlly provi
ded with goods, and particularly calcu
lated TO attract the attention Of ladies, bu
unfortunately, certain idlers and lounger'
have established their headquarters with
in the premises, and the effect is to drive
away every member of the gentler ses
who is aware of the fact. This is partcu
larly the case with some Of our Druggists
A visit Of courtesy and visit of business
are two different things; and while th'
former is in every way agreeable and dc
sirable, at the proper time, it shoult
never be permitted to interfere with th
latter. In other words, the mere idler
who is puzzled for an agreeable mode o
passing his time. should not be allowed t
drive away the customer. And when too
confidential conversation is in progres
either between the members Of a firm,
merchant and his book-keeper, a lawye
and his student, or storekeeper and hi
probable customer, the mere lounger VIII
has no business in the matter, and no in
terest al stake, should regard il not onl,
: as an act Of courtesy, but a duty
! to disappear as speedily as possible
If instead, he linger and listen, as some
times happens with the curious, tn
r impudent and the ungentlemanly, h
: should be taught TO understand, that h
, violates courtesy, and inaicts positiv
5 injury. These may seem triaing matter
. but they are not SO. Many a man hs
been ruined by the system to which W
have referred. There is another ev
/. that deserves to be mentioned. We a
e lude to the disposition which some PEI
e sons have, when on visits of business
S Of talking half an hour upon some othO
s subject, without coming to the poin
s The trick, if intended to deceive,
/. shallow, and if practiced from force !,
!. habit it cannot be corrected too speedil,
d There is still another improper indu
e gence, which should no. be forgotten
!. this connection. It is that Of the me
If ding. prying and garrulous, who, not sa
e is6ed with intruding themselves whe
-- they are not wanted, enter at once in
o anv conversation that maybe under W;
d and give their opinions asif they we
Ie parties Immediately and deeply intere
d ted. hissshOuld be regarded as cappil
le the climax of impudence. And yetthe
o are; in every community, persons wi
v seem to take great delightin inierferil
Of withath the affairs Of others. while they I,
i. often neglect those which are vital al