The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1898-03-12
True COURTESY.
1t Is Always Seen IN the UnseIns
Person.

1t Is Always Seen In the UnseIGsh
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 hypercritical to note, what is
plainly apparent to the close observer
OF human nature, as displayed in the
broad light of public contact, a deca-
dence in genuine courtesy.
Much attention is paid to correct
form, card etiquette, table etiquettes,
the proper name of greeting stran-
gers or ones friends of sending gifts
and acknowledging the same, and al!
the little niceties which facilitate social
intercourse and give added charm to
everyday life.
All these things and many others are
an important and necessary part of
ones education, as by their practice
errors in taste-oftentimes almost I'M
pardonable-may be avoided, and ease
and grace Of manner may be attained.
There is, however, a higher courtesy
which cannot 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 comfort of those with
whom one is brought into contact, In
public as well as in social relations,
rather thar the outward impression to
be made upon them.
AT a recent social gathering in a local
church, a group of young people were
enjoying themselves in a somewhat
noisy 4 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 %notlceably married by her
own embarrassment at the continuous
whispering aud 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 all the means which
should make for culture and refine
ment.
1t is, however. by no means always in
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 all places. in
dividuals may be expected to pay court
eous attention to d speaker or other en-
tertainer, or to at least avoid interior
ing with the comfort of others who
may be listening interestedIy.
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 faultlessly cor
rect in other minor particulars of good
form, but he does not rudely jostle Us
in public places. nor 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,uess
and 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.