Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-02-24
PuncIuaIity.

Those who have made the most Of
themselves in the world, and who
have accomplished the greatest good
for others, have been remarkable for
punctuality.
When General Washington had
an appointment to meet Congress at
noon, his majestic figure might al
WAYS be seen entering the door of
the hall while the clock was striking
l-Uwefvc. Now members ofCOngress,
who were not aware OF ms punctu-
atty, when invited to dine at four
O'Clock, sometimes made their ap-
pearance when the meal was half
over. The only comfort they got,
while eating their cold soup, was
his laconic observation, " Gentle
men, we are punctual here !"
On visiting Boston, in 1888, he fix
ed upon eight O'Clock in the morn
| ing as the hour when he would start
for Salem, and as the clock of the
"Old South Church" struck the
hour the General was mounting his
| fine charger. The company of cav
airy which had volunteered to escort
him was obliged to set OFF at gal
| lop, and only overlook him as he
was crossing Charles River bridge.
On the arrival of the mortified
troops, the President remarked to
the commandant with a smile, Ma
jor, thought you had been too long
in my family not to know when it
was eight O'Clock J"
Captain Pease, who is known as
the father of the stage establish
ment" in this country, had beauti-
full pair of horses which he was anx-
iOus for Washington to purchase.
Five O'Clock in the morning was
agreed upon as the time when they
should be brought for exhibition.
The Captain did not arrive until a
quarter after the hour, and was told
by the groom that the President
was already attending to other en-
gagements.
The notorious Beau Brummel,
among his other follies, had that OF
always being too late for dinner.
He was shallow-brained enough to
imagine that he added to his impor-
lance by obliging, his host to wait
for him, and the higher the rank OF
his entertainer, the more airs and
graces he assumed. He once met
his match in the Marquis of Aber-
corn, whose patience had often been
sorely tried by the impudonce of the
upstart. One day when the noble.
man had invited Brummel to dine
he gave orders that the viands should
be punctually served at the appoint.
ed hour. The servants Obeyed, anC
the astOnished Beau arrived just a;
the entertainment was drawing to {
close with the usual nick-nacks. The
Marquis politely desired him to take
his place at the table, where so ma
ny elegant courses had been dispos
ed of, and quietly said, Il hope, Mr.
Brummel, that cheese is not disa
greeable to you ?' The silly crea
ture was never late at that house
again.
Teachers and pupils should learI
to be punctual. Few days will bC
found too short for our work, if We
will begin it in season, and keep OF
until our task is accomplished.
When Blackstone delivered hi;
celebrated law lectures he never
made his hearers wait one moment
for him, as he knew the value O
time too well to waste any which
belonged to others.
Henry Brougham, one of the mos
distinguished Lord Chancellors o.
England, and who was one of the
busiest men of his time, never failed
to keep every appointment; and the
secret was that he had learned to b;
punctual.
The readers of this paper will fine
themselves more useful and happy
when they have learned the same Sc
crct also.