The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1898-03-05
TRUE COURTESY.
Il Is Always seen in the CDseInsh
Person.

Il Is Always seen in the CDseIGEh
Person.
In these enlightened days, when the
average person is critical of his fell
lows, and does not hesitate upon oCca-
sion TO condemn the slightest breach
of accepted social form. it may seem
somewhat hypercriticaI to note, what is
plainly apparent to.the c.Cse observer
of human nature, as displayed in the
broad light Of public contact, a deca-
dence In genuine courtesy.
Much attention is Faid to correct
form. card etiquette, table etiquettes.
the proper manner Of greeting stran-
gers or ones friends of sending gifts
and acknowledging the same. and al.
the little r~iceties which facilitate social
intercourse and give added charm to
everyday life.
AL these things and many others are
an important and necessary part of
ones education. as by their practice
errors In taste-oftentimss almost I'M
pardonab.e-may he avoided. and ease
and grace OF manner may be attained.
There is, however. a higher courtesy
which canno be acquired by super
fetal means, but must come directly
from the heart. an Unborn delicacy. a
thoughtful tact, which considers the
feelings and the con fort of those with
whom one is brought into contact. in
public as well as in social relations,
rather than the outward impression TO
be made upon them.
At a recent social gathering in q local
church. q group of young people were
enjoying themselves In a somewhat
noisy manner at the expense of others
who were trying to listen appreciative-
ly to some excellent music. voluntarily
provided for their entertainment.
Following a brilliant local rendering
n young lady, o companion and init
mate of the members of the group in
question, was introduced. and recited
an artistic and pathetic selection in a
manner most exquisite, but the effect
of which was noticeably married by her
own embarrassment at the continuous
whispering and audible of
her young friends. Yet these young
people were not from the lower strata
Of social life. but were accustomed in
their home lives to al, the means which
should make for culture and refine
ment.
1t Is, however, by no means alwaysin
young persons that such lack of court
esy is conspicuous. Often their elders
are quite as careless in their disregard
for their feelings of others. as may be
noted at gatherings even of those of
literary tastes, where, of al places, in
dividuals may be expected to pay court
eous attention to a speaker or other en-
tertainer, or to at least avoid interfer-
ing with the comfort OF others who
may be listening interestedly.
The unse,fsh person is never dis
courteous. He may not always hold
his spoon at the exact angle prescribed
by social usage. nor be faultlesslv cor
rect in other uinQr particulars of good
form but he does not rudely jost!e US
in public places. ror swing heavy doors
without the slightest interest as to
who may be struck by them; and could
we go with him TO his home. we should
discover that there had been incul-
Gated the principles of thoughtfu,ness
ard true courtesy which characterize
his manner and that because Of his
habitual practice of the same each and
every member of his family is made
happier and better-E,izabeth Rob
bins Berry, in Boston BUDGET.