The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1867-10-10
EzpressIons of Couutenance on the
...s. Part OF BusIness Men.



From the ". Y. journal Of Commerce.
Most business men have an express
sion of countenance peculiar to their
hours OF toll. AS the knights and men
alarms in the days of chivalry wore
their mail with the beaver and visor OF
their helmet closed AS they went to the
field, but laid aside their plate for
silken garments when the fray was
over, so these champions, in a struggle
not less trying, often wear an impene-
trable mask in business hours, and lay
1t aside only in their moments of relax
alton from their daily pursuits.
The other day, one who had known q
brother merchant only in his counting
house, met him by chance as he was frol-
licking with his children in the play
ground, and failed at first to recognize
him in what seemed a strange disguise.
The hard lines OF the face, the stern,
questioning look, the imperious ges-
lure, the almost defiant attitude, were
gone, and in their place there was n be-
nevolent smile, a dimpIed cheek, and n
caressing fondness of manner that
seemed to belong to another being.
Part of this business armor is as
sutned, for effect, but much of it is the
unconscious preparation for the daily
struggle made by those who have had
some experience of Losses in bygone
conflicts. Suspicion, born OF repeated
betrayals; doubt, almost justified by
prevalence of deceit; wary; restless,
watchful eye, trained to such activity
by unprovoked attacks; an Implying
curve ofths lip, PROOF alike against the
solicitations OF chronic beggary and the
appeals of simulated distress; a rigid
veil OF unconcern to hide the eagerness
which would defeat itselfin bargain;
like the bent bow, for sudden action;
all these signs and many more, which
are familiar TO everyday observation,
often mark the man OF business pre-
pared for his daily task.
This arming for the cOuntiDg-hOuse
as for battlefield has many disad-
vantages. We discussed, the other day,
the best method of relaxation, showing
the Importance of a total change in the
bent of the mind to secure any refresh
ment for the wearied body. But this
habit OF wearing an unnatural face and
manner during business hours renders
such repose doubly difficult. The war
rior becomes accustomed to the mail,
and wears it unconsciously when there
Is no impending strife. The rigid fea=
lures fix themselves in a habit of stern
inflexibilIty, and the hard, unloving
face frowns with Its business aspect
upon the tender gaitles OF the family
circle, chilling the atmosphere OF
home, and btighting all social joy.
this sombre countenance the face
that ebeamed upon her bridal hour
the children shrink from the cold
caress and fear to meet the forbiding
glance, which has in it no touch of
parental soItness. We do not say that
those who dwell amid the defended pre-
cincts ofthe family circle can do moth
ing to help the husband and father
upon whom such habits are creeping,
ere these become indelibly fastened.
As delicate hands OF old aided to re-
move morton and breast plate, and
even to unbind the armed sandals, that
the warrior might rest at ease, so,there
are tender ministries now, which Will
easily charm the rugged lines of the
sternest frown into smile of peace and
sweet content. They who only suffer,
making no attempt 10 furnish the cheer
for which their hearts are longing, must
share the blame for their cup ofmisery.
THE so miles of railroad between
New Haven, Ct.;and Springfield, Mass,
via. Hartford, earned over $500, ,O00 over
axnauAas last year and made 20 Der