Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-05-12
LITTLE COURTESIEs OF LIFE.
"A kindly word, pleasant emile,
Arasbetter far than gold"

"A kindly word, pleasant emile,
Aresbetter far than gold"
A friend. some time since, came to US
and expressed great annoyance at what
he regarded as an act Of marked discour-
iesy on the part Of gifted and accom-
plished gentleman, TO whom lie had ren.
dered a valuable service. He was quite
excited at the time, not that he cared so
much for the circumstance, but because
it was calculated to dim the high picture
which he had formed. in his mind of the
nature of the man. He had set him up
as the model Of christian gentleman,
the very embodiment Of finished, pol.
ished, graceful, dignifed character
And yet TO his surprise. he found that he
lacked one of the great essentials, name
ly, common courtesy, or ordinary polite
ness. In other words, be had either re-
fused or declined to answer a note that
had been sent TO him on his own busi.
ness, and this refusal was kept up for
days, until it became necessary 10 refresh
his memory, and Offer one or two sharp
admonitory remarks. But this is no ex-
traordinary case. Ii is one of thousands.
The little courtesies CT daily life. the
kindly and grateful amenities which are
so admirably calculated TO sweeten the
relations between IMAM and man, and TO
impart genial spirit TO our social every
day intercourse, are too frequently neg
lected. We either forget. or we overlook
them. We do not sufficiently appreciate
our own seif-respect, or the feelings and
good wishes Of others. This is more cul-
pable, for courtesy and kindness are at
the command of all classes-the poor as
well as the rich, the humble as well as
the elevated.
There are some persons who never
think it worth while 10 reply TO note or
invitation, unless some especial business
matter be involved. There are others
again, who never omit such an act Of
courtesy and duty.
In the first case, misunderstanding,
irritations and unkindnesses will inevita-
bly, occur. and in the last, all these will
J be avoided. Some one has observed,
truly and forcibly, that the little courte-
sizes of life should be regarded and cult
waited from early youth. What, indeed ,
could be more delightful than the inter-
change of civiiity, kindness and good
will, on all proper occasions, between
friends and neighbors? What. so calcu-
lated TO soften the rugged path of exist
ence, and to give to the human heart
agreeable feelings? Some time since, g
gentleman and lady were betrOthed, and
the proposed union was looked upon in
the most approving manner BY the pa
rents oil both parties.
1t so happened that the former had oc-
casion TO visit Europe, and 10 remain
abroad something like six months. He
wrote home elaborately, or few words
By every packet; but during the whole
OF this period he received but three let
ters in reply, and of a character SO brief
as to show that the fair corresponds
took very little interest either in the sub
ject or the object 10 whom the epistles
were addIessed. The effect was TO an
noy, irrilate, create GOODNESS, and fin
nally 10 break off the match. The truth
is. no one likes TO be treated either with
Indifference or contempt. A sense Of
self pride revolis against such conduct.
The courtesy we extend 10 others we
naturally and properly desire 10 see ex-
tended to ourselves ia return. Recipro-
city is the very soul of harmony, friend
ship and good feeling. a sensitive indi-
vidual may be aggrieved and wounded,
just as readily By Indifference and neg
l:ct, as by an open and studied insult.
By courtesy. we co rot mean afecta-
ton, hollow pretense, shallow hypOcracy
and artificial manners. On the contrary,
these are all miserable counterieiIers.-I
But we refer 10 a genial, generous and
kindly spirit, a sense appreciation, a rec
osnition of equality, truthful air, and
q frank aad manly bearing. Not day
goes by, in which all these qualities can
not be exhibited more or less, especially
in the sphere, and among the friends
with whom We move and mingle. There
is, on ths other hand, nothing more un-
worthy, unmanly, pitiable and mean,
than disposition to tyranize over and
insult, not diiectly perhaps, but Indirect
ly, those who in some sense may seem toi
be independent upon us, or whom, In the
exercise of false pride, We may imag
inc we can outrage with impunily. The
little courtesies of life never shine so
sweetly or brightly, as when they are
manifested by the rich tOwOrds the poor,
or by The powerful towards the weak
They then become grace and embel-
lishment of the character, and while they
adorn the one party with moral lustre,
they kindle in the hearts of the other
feelings Of kindness, affection and good
will. But courtesy is never out Of place.
1t is never thrown away. Italways has
It's effect, and sometimes it tells far more
efficiently than formal services. or even
heavy cbligations.-Phila. Inquirer.