The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1889-10-02

cans which rises like tide and sweeps GU
les and villages at every public calamity
We give to the unfortunate with both
hands; give him our coats, our shoes, our
food. II he is burnt out, or flooded out,
or plague.driven out of his home, he be-
comes that instant grandly our own flesh
and spirit. We suffer In him until we can
relieve his suffering TIE human race does
rise to high points. We are never deficient
here
1t is the little, everyday, common giving
in which we are still deficient.
But in the person who never gives at all
there dwells a meaner nature than in the
poorest giver.
+: He is the man who regards lax hold of
any kind of property weakness he looks
with contempt and astonishment on per-
son who gives.
Sand she was always making presents"
heard a woman once say in summing up a
young teachers dement's.
The thoroughness of mans or woman's
civilization may actually be gagged by his
tact and sense in giving presents. You
know the fellow who comes IN and knocks
you down with his gift. He pats himself.
He has been going to do something hand
some for you for long time, and he has
done it. Oh, that's all right. You needn't
say any thing He knows he has laid you
out fiat under an obligation which IS to last
your lifetime. Just hold still and let him
stand on the top of it and crow. That is
your role. You know also the dear friend
who buys you some costly, ugly thing which
you have looked on with aversion, but
which you must accept with smiles while
your heart sinks in your pocket-book. He
must not rob himself on your account
Verify, your money, which would have
bought you just what you desired, must &c
for a token, when occasion arises, to this
discerning friend. How much we do waste
in our miserable guess-work
Well, also, do you know the wretch who
brings you mongrel dog or broken-legged
| bird and ''makes present. of it.
"The poor creature was suffering and
thought I'd bring it to you"
This donor is complimentary to your hu
manity.
We all have a weakness for presents
which is amiable and human. They testi
| fy to our popularity. The man who is "sur
prised" by his fellow-citizens and a cane Of
upholstered chair or any object which they
please to call q testimonial, and who i!
touched to tears as he draws his prepared
| speech from his pocket, Is really more
amable being than that uncomfortable Great
ure Il have seen just one such) who make!
it a rule never to accept any present.
Very seldom are wedding presents re
garded as gifts. They come under the hea(
Of taxes. Yet there are occasions whel
costly presents are graceful. The "simple
little-gift' theory may be run into thu
ground. 1t signifies more or less stinginess
ITO morrow is Grace's birthday" says
sister who owes the life and health of he
own family to Graces long and faithful
service-Grace, who took care of the babe
and nursed them through more illnesse
than the hairs on their little heads woul,
number 81 want to give her present an,
Idon't know what to give her." who eve
does know what to give another except tn
most highly-trained human beingsD g
want to give her some simple little thing
She would like that just as well as sh
would costly present"
"Give her timothy straw" suggests tn
sarcastic hearer of this economical desire
"You are over head and ears under obliga
tions to Grace, but she IS used to your say
ing money on her. Some simple little thin
like broken tea-cup or bottle of muclag
would be appropriate. The symbol is wha
you are after. Stick to us, Grace OF
we are all broke up if you leave Their
is nothing like the simple little plan whe
you are giving to people whom you ca
never repay anyhow"
Yet it is better to give with mean gras
of an opportunity, with bad grace an
worse perception, than never to give at al
MARY HARTwELL CATHERwoop,