The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-01-09
What Constitutes a Gentleman

Almost every man is ready on all oc-
caSions to assume the role of a gentle
man, and if there should be any fool
hardy enough to question his right to
the title, he would at once feel himself
highly insulted. A gentleman, in the
| true sense of the term, implies a great
deal-much more than many possess
who are very tenacious of character
and personal rights. Fine clothes do
not make gentleman, Notwithstanding
it is often quoted that ''fine feathers
make fine birds" Neither does proper
regard for personal appearance dero-
gate from any ones claims in that direc-
ton. Any man has the right to dress
with becoming taste, and fine clothes,
provided he can do so without crippling
his resources or injury TO his clothing
merchant or tailor. The matter of
ability should have much to do in gov
erning man aspirations in relation to
| what he wears. But after all dress only
enhances the personal appearance, and
has little to do with the internal adorn-
ing essential to the character of gen
tlaman Blacklegs, and often the very
scum of society, dress with most scrupu-
lous care. So clothes do not make the
man. They only enable him to pass
current for something which he may or
may not be. Money is also impotent TO
confer the degree of gentleman. Many
q man has luxuriated in wealth who
possessed not the first element in the
character of a gentleman. But money
may become an adjunct of gentility,
81 II nva Ii lnS 70 70
certain degree of polish and refinement
Of manner essential to conspicuous
display OF gentlemanly qualities Moth
ing is so necessary in the make up of a
gentleman as manners or good breed
ing. Right thinking parents lay
much stress upon manners in rear
ing their children, and the teach
CT who overlooks so important a mat
ter is unworthy of his calling. The
boy makes the man, and the youth who
has been well drilled in etiquette has
learned lesson from which he may ad-
vance step by step to the character of
ull-tiedged gentleman. There are
many gentlemen in "the rough" who
only need the proper polish to tit them
for the best society. Principle is also
weighty factor in the character of gen
tlemen- The true gentleman will not
only pay due regard to the cultivation
of good manners, but will seek as the
governing lever of his action sound prin-
ciples. A man of good principles is al
ways commended among his fellows,
even though he may be lacking in the
less important article of good breeding.
Principles make the character, and the
man is estimated by them, whether they
be good or bad, Everybody respects |
and confdes in the person whose prin-
ciples are good and shuns and con-
demns those whose principles are bad. |
Being established on the platform of |
good manners and sound principles the |
true gentleman will strive to deal Justly |
with his fellows in all things whether
pertaining to business or social inter- |
ests. A gentleman should respect the |
feelings and tastes of those with whom
he associates, showing due regard to
the niceties of speech and conduct on
all occasions. He will not offend BY |
coarse language or uncouth manner,
and should ever guard against traduc-
ing character. Profanity and vulgarity
should find no place in his vocabulary,
as they are not necessary to give force
and pungency to language. Respect
for law and order, due regard for sound
morality, and an abiding faith in the
Bible and its teachings will all tend to
perfect the character of the gentleman.
As was said at the outset the character
of gentleman implies great deal, and
the elements of character necessary to
the development of true gentleman
are well worth the careful study of the
young. If all who claim to be gentle
men were really such our world would
be much happier place than it is, and
our exit to better one would not be at
tended by so much of doubt and mis-
giving. Columbus (Ga.) Enquirer
A Montana paper tells fable of q
spring whose waters, by flowing owe,
any IRON surface. coat it with shinino
copper