Roseburg review. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 1885-1920, 1885-03-27
PUBLIC CONDUCT.
How the Lady and GentIemnn and the Booa
Are Distinguished.

ROW tA0 Lady and GentfeInMn and the 80o2
Are Distinguished.
Good behavior everywhere marks the
lady and gentleman, Rough. ilI-uan-
neriy, unseemly conduct dist n gnish the
boor. just what constitute good be-
havior, however is matter apout
which differences of opinion prevail.
Mere awkwariness may indicate only
lack of knowledge and consequent enl-
barrassment. and not radeness. in the
unmannerli sense. There are persons
who simply fasl in politeness not from
Intent on. but rom Il lack OF knowl-
etlge. Mere suavity is not ;sli Of polite.
ness. Nor IS that form of good con-
duct which entertains in 4 private par
lor suitable for public occasions. po@
Eteness in a street car, at church. in
the theater, on the street, and in any
public place, is different from thatin q
parlor, asIto its form OF manifestation.
Touching street ears, it is often
question whether gentlemen should al
ways rise and offer ladies their seats.
No doubt tits polite to do SO. In the
case of the aged or infirm or a woman
with a child in her arms, it is specially
desirable that the seat should be offered.
But in other cases, while it is polite to
do so,s is also equally polite to recog-
nize the courtesy. Ladies have them
selves to blame for the lack of courtesy
in this particular that is often seen.
Because they do not acknowledge the
favor, and also because they are not
usually careful to give room for others
when they might, an indiiferenceto to the
courtesy due them is sometimes seen.
1t is far more common than was the
case years ago for ladies TO be left
standing in crowded cars. The reason
is what we state above. We're they
more courteous they would receive
more attention in the particulars named.
| tt is not expected that strangers should
Icultivate familiarity. but there are little
concessions of courtesy that contribute
To ease and comfort that are proper in
all public places. And when these are
shawn they are apt to be reciprocated.
Ausi this touches the essence of what
is politeness in publ c. 1t involves the
pronx perception of the rights and
comforts of others, and the wiling and
graceful concession of these. Where
this IS done. even if the manner be not
all that could be desired, the spirit and
purpose answer. These are apt to be
evident in the manner. And where
there Is a purpose and effort to make
Others agreeable, the essence of true
politeness will appear. But selfishness,
that seeks only personal enjoyment, at
| the expense of all others, is the essence
of impoliteness. There appear in pub
lie life many who are polished as to
! outward manner who are, at the same
| time, al variance with all the rules of
good conduct. A stately bow, pol
ished expression, do not answer for
that regard for the comfort of others
/ which is the material element in good
i conduct
How frequently these points are IL
lustrated in public places. There are
persons who are noticed In ali public
assemblies for their self-important airs,
i their evident effort at display, and their
desire to attract admiration. But they
are egotistic, cold and proud. They
| have given pleasure to none. They
only strutted as peacock would. and
i attracted attention. Another enters,
quiet, unassuming. but cheerful and
/ bright. There isan inviting smile that
draws kindly attention and friendly
/ feeling. Soon many gather round to
| be entertained with conversation and
delighted with the agreeable manner,
the geniahty of this person. Yet his
/ manner was unstudied, and he was
merely affable. His influence, howev-
er, was kindly and permanent. The
sunshine he scattered mellowed the
| soil of other hearts for weeks to come
Which was really politeP Which was
the true gentleman or ladyP Evidently
the one who scattered seeds Of kind.
And the lesson is well worth our learn
ing. Right conduct in public looks to
the happiness of Others. Philadelphia
| Cali