The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1882-06-08
The Amenities of Life.

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| grown to be a habit of nearly all
classes of our people until it has as
sumed the form of q national evil
The quality of being civil and re-
spectfnl in behaviour toward those
whom We meet iu the daily walks of
life seemst to have "gone glimmering"
like another sslost art" What is the
probable cause of this absence of
cultivated manners ! Does it grow
out of the nature and fabric of our
free institutions Are rudeness and
brasqueness OF manners concomi
tants of an American Democracy;
or is it spirit of selfishness that is
fostered by that peculiar disregard
for the comfort of others, which are
so often seen displayed. Pollteness
means culture, good breeding and
sacrificial kindness. On this hypoth-
esis how very few of us would be
considered as truly courteous aud
respectful. Habitually, we seem to
be growing ruder at ever exceeding
generation. The courtly politeness
and graceful manners that prevailed
in the earlier stages Of this Republic
are no longer worth a study with
the people of this day and genera
ton. Kindness is no longer consid-
cred as cardinal virtue, and CON-
mon disregard for the comfort and
happiness Of others is developing
rapidly into besettiDg and national
sin. Let us learn to cultivate the
grace of courtesy, it detracts moth
ing from the vigor and robustness of
character, but lends charm, rather,
to strength. Even though an act of
courtesy may be insincere, still such
things are attractive and lend grace
to the most ordinary acts of every
day life. A social state which asserts
the principle of each man for him.
self, and woe to the hindmost, is not,
nor can it be conducive to that re-
finement and elegance of manners
which should distinguish intelligent
communities everywhere.
If true and unaffected politeness
were grated, as civic virtue, into
our social fabric, how eminently it
would purify and elevate it-diffus
ing sweetness to social intercourse
and Frightening every walk of life.
What a delightful ingredient it
would prove to business matters,
and how much it would mitigate the
cares and perplexities of our ex
istence, were it to grow habitual with
us. These blessings would be part
and portion only of the first fruits
this loftier state of social ethics
would yield. No class, however dis
tinguished for refinement aud man
ner, should be permitted to monopo
lie the social graces exclusively
The spirit of emulation among all
classes should be too alert to remain
outside of an aristocracy resting
upon the proposition to correct the
evils of society, improve the man.
ners and promote refinement of
character. Let us all make an effort
to enforce the duty of making life
beautiful. Consideration for others
will bring corresponding kindness
to us. We can well afford to practice
the virtues that stand in relationship
with the laws of courtesy and polite
ness; and were these virtues more
perfectly understood and brought
into permanent adoption, how the
pure, living stream of sympathetic
regard would leap forth.
The 18th Judicial District wants
another Judge. The bill, which
passed the House, sselicited much
discussion, but was generally favor
ed.s Hon. Fl. W. Ogden, of this
parish, the only opponent of the