The Grenada gazette. (Grenada, Miss.) 1885-18??, 1889-11-22
TACT is SUCCESS.
The Importance of Rubbing Lightly
Against Weakness and Preludioe.

Against Weakness and Prejudice.
A story is told Of a dignitary OF the
church who somewhat astOnished an
audience OF young clergymen by TAX
ing the above words rs the text OF an
address, in which he impressed upon
bis hearers the Importance OF tact in
dealing with their lay brethren.
Speaking generally, it may be said
that in every walk Of life delicate
treatment and gentle handling arc
often the secret OF success in dealing
both with persons and things. The
great gift OF tact so difficult to define,
so easy to appreciate and admire, is
nothing more than the art which en-
ab!es its possessOrS TO rub lightly in
all the relations of life. The instinct
which helps us to understand char
ncters widely different which gives us
a quick perception OF the susceptible
ltles Of others. is essential to all who
aspire TO deal successfully with their
fellOw-men.
Even in the most commonplace du-
ties Of everyday life the art Of rub
bing lightly will often enable US to
overcome difficulties and obstacles
which have resisted all other methods.
The servant who possesses q eight
hand" is indeed "a treasure" in tho
eyes OF her mistress, and will succeed
in many little domestic duties where
clumsy fingers would utterly fail.
Though of most Importance, and
seen in its highest form in the world
at large there is ample scope for the
exercise OF taa in the narrower circle
OF home life and social gatherings.
And here it may be observed that this
natural instinct and insight into char
actcr, connected as it is with the finer
feelings Of our nature, is seen more
commonly and in a higher degree
among women than among men. Who
does not admire the ready tact which
enables popular hostess to make u
mixed party go off, or, In other
words, TO harmonic the somewhat
disCOrdant elements Of "a miscellaneous
assemblage. "What can equal w0m-
an tact, says Oliver Wendell Holmes,
her dclicacy, her slbtlcty OF apprc-
hension, her quirkness to feel the
changes OF temperature. as the warm
and cool currents of talk blow by
turns?"
II we consider the Importance Of
tact in the wider relations OF life. We
shall find that those who can rub light
ly achieve a large measure OF success
in dealing with others.
Perhaps the value OF tact will be
most readily and most commonly roc
ognized in the region OF diplomacy.
And while it may be said to attain its
highest development in the successful
ambassador who carries on negotia-
tiOns OF the most delicate nature, on
which the issues of peace or war may
depend, it is of almost eqlal i'm
portancc to the great party leader, the
popular Bishop, the eminent physician.
the successful head-mastcr. One and
all of these in their different spheres
carry out more or less uncouSciously
the principle of rubbing lightly in
their intercourse with their fellow
men. II it be too much TO say that
tact is success in life, it may at any
rate be safely asserted that to those
whose work consists mainly in man
aging or influencing others, the art OF
rubbing lightly is most important
factor in the attainment Of popularity.
Chambers journal.