The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1888-04-13
NUMBER z.
Truth and PoIIteness.
PHILADELPHIA Ledger.

Philadelphia Ledger.
1t is very common notion,
though not often openly expressed,
that truth and politeness are fire..
QuentIy at variance with each 9th
er. 1t would bea great gain to both
character and conduct if the delu-
sion of this supposed discold could
be thoroughly dispelled. There is
no real conflict between truth and
politeness; what is imagined to be
snch is only the mistake OF those
who fail to discover their harmony.
Politeness, in its best sense, is the
graceful expression of respect, kind
feeling aud goodwill. These dis
positions are dependent on truth.
ful character of whatever value
they may have. Indeed, they eau
not exist in tire insincere or deceit
full man. The preseuce of kindly
feeling aud goodwill never OF itself
suggests prevaricatiOn or insincerl-
ty, The golden rule would forbid
this. We do not wish to be de-
celved, to have a show of interest
or friendliness that does not exist,
to receive unmeaning compliments
or lnsincere professions. Why, then,
should We imagine that others will
be pleased by the same thingsf
The very wish to delude them I'M
plies the absence of that true kind
illness to which We pretend. On the
other hand, how can rudeness,
bIuntness, or incivility serve the
cause of TRUTH They only damage
it by making it unacceptable. Some
appear to think that if they differ
from their neIghbor on any subject
they must either be disloyal to their
convictions, by hiding them, or pre-
vancating about them, or else give
offense by opposition and antagO-
nism. Neither is necessary. 1t is
not declaring a conviction that
hurts the feelings or wounds the
pride of those who do not share it;
it is the tone of superiority and dog
lnatisin that is SO often assumed,
the lack OF sympathy, appreciation
and respect that is conveyed, the
ill-concealed contempt felt for those
who think differently. Truth de-
mands none OF all this. Expressed
at proper seasons, firmly and clear.
ly, yet modestly and kindly, its
claims are fulfilled, while none of
the claims of politeness need be in
fringed. There are, however, 9th
er occasions where truth and pO-
liteness may seem to clash, though
it is only seeming. The desire to
be agreeable and TO say pleasant
things sometimes leads the thought
less to exaggeration, to careless
ness of facts, or to absolute mis-
statement. On the other hand, q
idea that the truth must
be spoken at all times and at all
hazards may lead to needlessly dis
a greeable utterances, which are al
ways harmful. Is then accuracy
the only consideration 1t is'cer-
tainly the first, but not the only
one. No word, however pleasing
it may be, should escape any ones
lips, unless honestly believed to be
true. This would Danish flattery,
full excuses, misleading
statements. The transient gratifi-
cation they may afford would be
more than compensated by the trust
that would be eDgendered. As is
at present, how often in the charm
of such differences broken by the
secret whisper of doubt as to how
far they are really meant. Yet very
many things which are known to
be true require no utterance in the
cause of truth, while they demand
absolute silence iu the interest of
" ympathy and kindness. To alludo
o peoples deficiencies, mistakes,
aud faults, when no
good result is likely to follow, is no
.ribute to truth, but q great breach
If good will and p0liteness.