Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1883-12-28

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tuAl communication of thoughts. b,
speaking, to one another which,
though it must be granted, Is not to be
reduced to rule In every circumstances
and condition of men and things, ye,
there are many advantageous hints
that may be impossible to render II
agreeable, and to prevent the bad effect.
Of its abuse.
First. there should be Q certain DO.
likeness in conversation.
This ingredient gains upon the affec-
lions OF the nearer it conciliates love,
and recommends = person TO company
more than any other attainment, and il
the best antidote to that reigning vice,
envy, which cannot bear any one of ex-
traordinsry parts, but Ia at a loss how
to attack POLITE conversation.
And the greater any one may be as to
his talents for conversation, so much
more should he study to improve in
politeness.
Extraordinary gifts do not entitle any
one to behave with incivility, but to
treat all mankind with greater civilities
and we shall always find our interest In
endeavoring to please, rather than to
shine In conversation.
Secondly, conversation should be
adapted to the taste, character, aud
present humor of the persons with whom
we converse.
This IL the true effect of politeness
but 1t meets with many obstacles where
there IL not found large fund of good
nature and complaisance.
Thirdly, we must not force nature.
Every one ought to follow his natural
talent In conversation, and to take care
not to pass the bounds OF bis own know.
ledge and understanding.
1t Ia to a want Of this caution that we
sometimes see man Of merit in other
particu lars belonging to his station,
appear like coxcomb, and lear q man
Of genius talk like fool.
Avoid disputes as much ~ possible.
When it is out of your power to prevent
= debate, enter the lists coolly give
your reasons with conciseness and
modesty. This will recommend you to
the hearers, and furnish you with =
good retreat in case Of pinching argu-
ment. For he that does not deliver his
opin on In dogmatical and conceited
way, may, with q good grace, say:
II am never positive, and am now
glad to be better informed" when he
cannot proceed in an argument.
Thus the disciples of Socrates were
wont to reason, who made it a rule
scarce to affirm anything, to prevent
their being caught in an absurdity
and seemed only to desire ihforma-
ton from the man whom they were
endeavoring to bring over TO their opin-
ion.
He that contends for the honor of VIC |
tory alone, cannot make more false |
step, or give his antagonist greater |
over him, than falling into q !
passion.
Nothing can be more ridiculous and |
unjust than to be angry with another
because he is not of our opinion.
If he IL not endowed with the same
gifts of nature and education as we are,
ii is our duty to be thankful for those |
abilities; but it is wrong to he angry
with one who ought rather to be the
object of pity.
IL you propose no more than informa.
lion, and TO search after truth, it does
not signify where you find It. And
when you have gained q victory, do not
push 1t tco far 1t will b. much more
to let the company and your
adversary see 1t is in your power, but
hat you are too generous to make use
If it.
Fourthly, it is abominable to engross
all the talk in company, Or to talk
much of ourselves and our own domes-
tic affairs neither will prudent man
talk much of any particular science for
" hich he is remarkably famous but
follow the example OF Cowley, who
was so reserved az to his own abilities,
hat none but his intimate friends
'ver discovered he was a great poet by
lis discourse.
The old proverb should be well inculca-
ed, Vir sapit, qui pauca loquitur. He
hat ID silent on q subject, where every
me is satisfied he could speak we'll,
will often be thought no less knowing
n other matters, where perhaps he isl
Wholly ignorant. |,
Filthy lido not commend without ad-
ling rea2 ons for 80 doing and do not
tfend company with unintelligent
aIllery, nor by asking questions and
tating doubts that can give no real
Ieasure to your companions.
Nothing can be more silly than the r
leasure some people take in what they
all speaking their mind. A man of
his turn of mind will not scruple to ,
ay rude thing for..the mere pleasure .
f saying 1t when an opposite behav-
'r, quite ~ innocent, might have pre-
Brved his friend, or made his fortune.
Lastly, as we are told, by the highest
That evil communication
Drrupts good Manners" 30 there is .
In conversation that can
ever be learned but in the company Of
10 polite. The virtues of men are en-