The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-03-19

The conslderate Nelghbor.
If you desire to bear the most enviable
reputation as neighbor, put into daily
and hourly practice the excellent rule Of
considering your neighbours comfort as
we'll as your own. You have no right to
create any disturbances. indulge any fads,
cultivate any pets, or even entertain your
friends at the expense Of your neighbors
sleep and safety. You have no right to
bring home party Of lively friends to
your apartment after the theater and In
augurate a noisy supper party or dance
to last until the wee sma' hours OF the
morning.
You have no right to practice your piano
five hours a day when there are Quiet and
non musical residents on the floors above
and below you, and because you sleep
soundly O. nights you should not maintain
a pet dog who loves to bay the moon.
The ideal neighbor has good strong
strain of unselfishness in his nature, and
he Is quick to recognize the rights of 9TH
ers and to guard against any 1ntrusions
upon their privileges.
He is at no time a thoughtless borrower
of the belongings Of others. and II he calls
upon a neighbor for the loan Of book,
a basket, or even a seemingly valueless
newspaper, he is careful to return it with
promptness and exactly in the state in
which he received 1T.
AS he is considerable himself he knows
SOu0lIll1iE VI lIc StIC VI 0AdCL1ll6 COlAoAuC1
ations from others. He arbitrates such
delicate matters that require complaint
and adjustment; he does not quarrel over
| them. ." Etc.,.
If the children next door have broken
your apple trees Or the ice box of the
family that lives overhead has overlooked
and injured your ceiling, play the part OF
the considerable neighbor and don't look
upon the occasion as casus belli. Frank
ly announce the cause and effect OF the
injury, but don't couch your information
in the form Of q complaint and 1rritably
demand satisfaction and restitution. Treat
the incident as a lamentable accident, and
in the most open and friendly spirit, and
it is a difficult and acrin onious neighbo1
who will not meet your calm and good ma
tured presentation of your case In ar
equally friendly and repentant spirit. 1t is
the neighbor who Is slow to anger anc
not impatient with the weaknesses OF
others who secures the radiant justice II
a community dispute. ...
On the other hand, be at pains to learr
Of and offer prompt reparat1on for any IN
jury of which you and yours unconsc1ousl5
or accidentally may have been guilty
; There are the neighbors who prefer tt
suffer any injury in a proud timid silence
rather than venture on a rebuke, or Wh(
take their revenge by a sudden cessation
of all friendly communications.
Now when the family across the wa!
nod coldly or not at all, and their chill
dren are denied communication with you
own, you may be sure that this Is an oc
, casion when in the true spirit Of neigh
) borliness you can follow no wiser cours
) than pay call and learn what is arn1ss
} Take yourself sharply to task for neve
amiably but persistently probing for tn
missile that has created a wound in you
Y neighbours feelings. Never permit a caus
r of falling out to remain mystery, an
Q such mysteries rarely exist where the i'm
. Of gossip has played no part. Many ma;
j be the elements in your character tina
: contribute to the makeup Of an idea
:; neighbor, but if you are a victim Of tn
= habit Of gossip you will successfully ere
t ate breaches between yourself and thos
= about you that only the exercise Of tn
Q most potent charm can heal. Take
il profound interest in your neighbors, smil
e at their foibles and pity their weaknesse:
y but beware how you examine their char
acter in the crucible Of criticism, &c
l. your friend across the way will forgiv
), your shortcomings as you forgive his, bu
u he will find no mercy for you in his hear
k if you have made free with his name owe
: a dish Of idle gossip.
o Adelaide Gordon.