Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-12-06
couRTEsles BETWEEN STRANGERS
Amenities That Test Good Breeding Be
yond Ones Own Set.

Amenities That Test Good Breeding De-
yond Ones Own Set.
There Is "A demand for the courtesies OF
| Ghe immediate occasion, the amenities Of
| the hour, the balance between strangers
which tests the fiber Of good breeding with
measure beyond that of the heartbstone
| or the circle OF zones own set" Conven-
| tionalites hold but little of the spirit OF
| the individual They meet only theletter Of
the social code Exchange of obligations
| between those of equal grade is a matter SO
| clearly defined that lapse is freely inter
preted ms an intended breach or a confes-
| sion OF unparGonable ignorance. The things
| that are Caesars are rendered with no
yrudge of tribute The habit and tone of
| The outside life, the bearing of the hotel
salon. the circle of the auditorium, the
press of the shop, the crowd of the railway
compartment or the steamers deck come
| to be the fair measure of caliber and spirit.
| In due turn the principle, the sympathy,
| the personality of the voyager create an at
mosphere, establish the entente cordiale
or excite the bristle of the quills--cont-
rades OF the hour, the day, the week, chance
companions indeed, with no certified claim
upon each other. but with power to make
or to mar he comfort. tighten the tediuin,
aid TO and share the brightness.
II never speak to strangers, never make
advances is 10y far too much the creed Of
eXclusiveness and reserve. The instinct
that would protect from familiarity and
aggressiveness can surely trust something
to natural acumen and discernment. 1t is
| long journey through the various stages
If the world, and the clasped hands and
the locked lips give but little spirit OF
cheer on the wny. The code mutuel he
tween strangers is one OF varying de
pendence, not of distrust and suspicion.
Places are shifted with each turn-in front
Soday behind tomorrow. Il have maize
my purchases, and am only waiting for
my change: you can have my place.
There is room for another to sit, know,
in the length of this car, but why should
move unless am pressed?' "Do you wish
20 buy .oday. madam" The stock is shown
with grudge and reserve: the shopping,
mutual service and profit, becomes dreA9
and duty.
The intuition comes with the occasion.
the ready suggestion of fitness 10 The cir
rumstance says Iiarper's Bazaar, authority
tor the foregoing. Shylock and Antonio
1--WE each othrr but short shrift when haZ-
riding the chances of golden argosies; the
cont aud the cloak, y the going OF miles
twain. " Il hardly asked for or expected III
the stir Of personal seeking; but the morn
ing greeting, instead of the Indifferent
stare. the offer of a chair, the unused book,
he very recognition Of existence, these are
small demands that have n time and piafc.
That is pleasant custom IN The Oid
Word-the bow Of parting to those lett be-
mind when a Traveller descends from the
compartment Of the railway carriage.
.Adieu monsieuri Boujour, madame u
means nothing. merely passing the time OF
iay. but il gives sense Of companionship.
4 identity and oneness with the situation