Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-22
A MANS TEMPERAMENT.
How 1t Can BE Judged While He Is
Playing billiards.

From the New York Evening World
"Did you ever notice how a mans tempera-
ment can be judged from the way he plays a
game of billiards?' asked an old gentleman of
an Eoeninq World reporter, as they stood look
ing at an interesting game which was being
played in a downtown billiard parlor Receiv-
| ing negative answer, the old gentleman con-
tinued:
Now, just watch that short man when he
! makes o shot"
The little man referred to was Just prepar-
| ing to play. His brow was wrinkled and his
lips compressed. Hardly had he struck the
Dali when he began a series of gymnastics as
he watched its course around the table, His
| Dooy Dent hrst to one side, then to the other.
Inc cue was tightly clasped to his breast hori-
zontally. and when finally the cue ball slowly
| travelled toward the light red he drew his
right knee up almost to a level with his chin.
The shot was failure by a hairs breadth. and
an expression OF the keenest disappointment
normal attitude.
What does that signify?" asked the old gen.
tleman triumphantly. and without waiting for
| an answer he continued: .'Nervousness-exces-
sive nervousness. and a sensitive disposition.
QUICK 10 take offense and easily discouraged.
! A man that can make himself utterly miser-
able by worrying over TITLES. Now watch his
| opponent"
This was tall, slender young man. who,
after casting rapid glance at the position in
| which the balls lay struck the cue-ball quick
| blow and, hardly pausing to observe the effect
OF the shot. moved to the opposite side of the
table and began chalking his cue while the
ball having ceased its gyrations, stopped evil
IDENTITY just where he expected it would. Sew
eral more successful shots were made. the
Young man displaying the same GOODNESS and
on-hand manner in each instance and appar-
entity not caring whether they were successful
or not.
Confidence" said the old gentleman, "and
yet vein of careiessness in his disposition.
You can set him down as an easy-going sort of
| CHAP, who never bOrrows trouble, but lets to-
morrow take care of itself. Confidence in him.
| self is a prominent characteristic. and he will
succeed in life by that means, his greatest en-
envy being his own good nature. He would
make good friend and very good enemy, as
he can bear no malice.
But there's study for You in that man.
indicating thick-set individual at an adjoin-
ing table. Mote how carefully he plays each
shot, showing no emotion, whether he is sue
cessful or not. Bulldog determination is
shown In every action, and he is withal a care
fui business man. neat and tidy in his habits.
and punctual as to engagements. man capa-
Die OF forming great plans and carrying them
out.
"A great difference is seen in that young
man at the next table to him. He holds
his cue rs though afraid of it. makes each
shot uncertainty, every now and then glanc-
ing anxiously at his opponents string.
Fear Of defeat. or failure would prevent him
from engaging in any large enterprise, and
many opportunities to succeed in life would be
neglected for the same reason. He possesses
little or no ambition. and is Unfortunately selfish.
II he wins that game it will be cause for boast
ing to his friends.
There is still another type of character dis
played in that gentleman at the END table. He
plays as though the whole thing bored him in
initely, and he would be glad when it was
over. He appears to have a craving for some
excitement, a restless disposition. and hard to
please. In short, he is what in slang parlance
would be termed crank You are acquainted
with him?" asked the old gentleman, as the OBJ
| ject of his remarks bowed to the reporter.
Upon receiving an affirmative reply, the old
gentleman said: We'll, am sorry if have
spoken slightingly of your friend. but confess:
Have not hit his nature correctly?"
You have" was the simple rejoinder.