The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1880-12-02
Host and Guest.

IlVllly Is one Oh the nrSC laws OF
civilized society. Upon it is based not
only our moral progress but our CONNER
cial prosperity. So well is this recog-
nized by practical men that merchants
make it one of the essential qualifica-
tions of their clerks, and in every avoca-
ton politeness is found to be indis-
pensable to success. Courtesy is capt.
tai. 1t will not altogether take the
place of money, but it is a valuable ad-
junct. The courteous salesman, other
things being equal, is the most success
full. Thus, when an employee engages
his services to another, he is in honor
bound to bring to his work an air Of
civility and respectful demeanor that
will produce the best results.
That which is required in mercenary
employment is due in. still higher de-
gree in social intercourse. The savage
Arabs hospitality protects the stranger,
and even the bitter enemy, while under
his roof. When the visitor has depart
ed he is no longer a guest and may be-
come the prey of his late host, who will
kill or plumber him on the plains. In
Christian lands we carry our sense of
hospitable amenities to higher degree
of perfection. The hospitable spirit,
when genuine, is thoughtful in thou
sand minor details for the comfort of
the guest. The state of the weather,
the condition of his health; his likes and
dislikes, his habits and tastes; these and
many other things that go to make up
the wonderful differences that charac-
terise individuals are all to be consid-
cred. It is true it would be burden
some to sit down and deliberately study
each of these peculiarities of the guest,
but little tact and forethought will
enable the host to anticipate enough of
true individual characteristic to make
the visitor feel that thoughtful kind
ness surrounds him on every side.
Upon the other hand this very desire
and purpose to anticipate and provide
for the wants of guest may lead to
unpleasant results. Carried to excess
they defeat their object. Said an emil
nent public man to one of the editors
of the Ra,ukeye: 81 always prefer, if
possible, to stop at q hotel. / am free
from restraint there. pay for my
lodging and do as please. For the
time being it is my home. If I 60 to .
private house. though it be the home Of
q dear friend who is solicitous for my
comfort, I am made the recipient Of
exaggerated attention, which, in my
fatigue. I would gladly escape. Il am
expected to talk to and entertain warm
hearted circle of friends, and am 80
overloaded with attentions that they
worry me-" "During one of my West
ern lecture tours, said Henry Ward
Beecher, II stopped at'the house of q
distinguished citizen. He was warm
personal friend of mine. but would
rather he had been my enemy. His
solicitude for my comfort made me
nervous. He was fussy man and was
constantly fitting about me to see what
he could do for me. MIR. Beecher,
won't you have q pillow in your chair?'
Mr.. Beecher, won't you have an OTTO
man under your feeta' And wouldn't
l have this, and wouldn't / have that.
when the only thing ] longed for and
couldn't have was to be let alone to rest
in comfort. He meant t0a.nake me ex-
tremely comfortable; he succeeded IN
making me extremely miserable" sugs
Many of our readers have had, in
some degree, no doubt, Mr.. Beecher' 8
experience. Let them not forget when
IL u theirs to entertain their friends.
Entreat them kindly; anticipate their
wants; do as you would be done by;
and then, having come up to the meas
urement of true hospitality. stop there.
and let your guests feel that they, too.
are permitted to play some little part
&, <I,o dro,,na oe HCc% o,,d (y,,ocA - In
Guiding the privilege of resting when
and as they may desire. "-Bmrlingtoa
Hawkeye.