Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-27
SECRET OF GOOD BREEDING.
An Unborn Possession Which is a Great
Treasure.
his Commercial Appeal.

FROM the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
From time out of mind we have heard
the question discussed as to the cause and
results of good breeding Many hold that
gentlemen and ladies' in the true sense are
born not made. that environments have no
part at all to play in ones character;
others think directly the opposite-that
training is everything. and that without it
there Is absolutely no chance for refine
ment and courtliness.
Good birth is undoubtedly a very impor-
tant factor of good breeding Ones ideas
ambitions and aspirations, judging from
ones surroundings. should be of the same
order. But there are many exceptions to
this rule. Many gentleman has been
born in filth and squalor of degenerate par
ents and yet has managed to rise above
his surroundings and prove himself gen.
/ tieman. Again, many a son born Of par
ents OF wealth and refinement and noted
for their good breeding has gone down to
the path of sin to the bitter end, has sunk
to the depths Of degradation and iniquity.
These persons could probably boast Of Gull
lures and centuries of noble ancestry, had
received the best of training, and yet had
fallen after all. Such cases as these are not
rare; they may be met with any day.
But before going further into the discus
sion 1t would be best to discover what con-
stitutes good breeding, Of what it consists.
Wealth Is not important element; in
fact, 1t may be placed entirely out of the
list of factors as a hindrance in many
cases instead of help. There is generally
current a mistaken belief that wealth is
all that Is necessary to ones refinement,
and on this ground many little acts and
deeds are excused or overlooked every day
that were they unaccompanied by the Of
tenders wealth would bring him condemna-
ton and censure. Wealth covers many
SINS and yet. in its place. can be used In
countless good and useful ways. Physical
IA 1Gd RI of
good breeding, but the best bred people are
always the most beautiful to the person
who can appreciate them. Another quality
which can easily be dispensed with is
haughtiness, an acquisition which has car
ried many a person past Scyla and Cha
rybdis while plunging about in the social
stream.
The most potent factor of good breeding,
the prime element, the first principle, is
nothing more nor less than a condensation
OF the Golden Observation-Disclosures kindness
of heart Nothing else can ever gain su-
periority over this great and noble trait of
character. and without this no person can
possess real refinement, perfect dignity and
truly good breeding. Nothing can supply
its loss and nothing can buy its possession.
Unselfishness is inherent innate and in
born; it Is mysterious something that
cannot well be defined and yet may be
found In the poorest and humblest as well
as in the loftiest and noblest of all Gods
creatures.
Good breeding Is plainly matter of in
stinct. an Unborn possession that is one Of
the greatest OF treasures. Many possess
1t. but great many more fail to attain
1t, through lack of the necessary Qualities
essential to its acquisition.
We can more readily pardon the person
who Is perhaps not conversant of the usage
OF the various and sundry apparel neces-
sary at social functions more readily than
the one who Is dressed strictly In accord
ance with court etiquette and yet cannot
SO conduct himself in a manner BETTING
his station and the place at which he lends
his presence Clothes unfortunately for
some. are not all that they require to de-
serve the title of lady or gentleman, but
there are great many who fail to see the
matter in this light.