New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-01
AT THE BILLIARD TABLE.
II is a Good Place TO Determine a
Mans Character.

It's a curious thing, remarked the OLD
gentleman who has a habit of analyzing
the minor points of life, TO observe how a
mans temperament may be judged from
the way in which he plays billiards.
His companion made no reply but ele-
waited his eyebrows in the manner Of in
terrogation.
For instance" continued the old fellow.
have a look at that short man when he
makes his next shot"
The Individual in question was just pre-
pairing to play. His brow was wrinkled and
his lips compressed. Hardly had ne struck
the bali when he began a series OF gym
nastics. which were continued as ne foi-
lowed the course Of the ball around the
table. The shot was a failure by the
breadth of a hair. and an expression OF me
keenesI disappointment spread over the
hi. performance" remarked the old
gentleman. shows an excessively nervous
and sensitive disposition. He will be easily
discouraged and quick to take oHence. n
man that can make himself utterly InlserA-
Bile by worrying over a trife. Now Watch
his opponent
The latter was a tall, slender young
man After casting rapid glance at the
position Of the balls, he struck the cue BAH
a quick blow, and hardly pausing 70 Cd
serve the effect of the shot, moved 70 lne
opposlte Of the table and began TO chalk
his cue while the ball, having ceased us
pyrations stopped Just where he evidently
expected II would. Several more success
ful shots were made, the young man IN
each instance displaying the same coolhess
and offhand manner, apparently not CdIlHS
whether his efforts were SUCCESSFUL or not
In this case" said the old gentleman
I'VE have confidence. with vein OF recA-
lessness and carelessneSs. You can set
down this chap as an easygoing man, who
never borrows trouble, but lets tomorrow
take care Of itself. Confidence IN MS anil
ity Is a prominent characteristic and ne
will succeed by that mears, his greatest
enemy being his own gooj nature He
would make a very good friend, and an
equally good enemy, as he can bear no
ma There's a study too-that thickaet indi-
vidual at the adjoining table Note how
carefully he plays each shct showing no
emotion whether he Is successful or not
bulldog determination is exhibited In every
action and he is withal careful business
man. neat and tidy in has hahlts ana
punctual as to engagements-'-a man capa-
HE Of forming great plans and Of executing
AT the next table We have very off
ferent personality. See that young man who
hoIds his cue as II he were afraid OF IT,
who makes each shot uncertainty. every
now and then RlanciEg anXlous-y at his op-
Donent's string? Fear OF defeat or failure
would prevent him from engaging In any
large enterprise and many opportunities 10
succeed in life would be neglected for the
same reason. He possesses Mite or no am
bi+jor and IS innrdinately selfish II he
wins that game he viii boast Of It for some
time.
There Is still another type of character
djsnIayed in the man at the end tahle-the
chan with gray hair He plays as IL the
whole proceeding bored him infinitely and
he would be glad when II Is over. That
man apears To have a craving for some
excitement: he's OF a reckless disposition
ara hard 70 please. In short he is what
might he termed a crank. But I see you
nre scouainted with him" added the Ola
Gentleman. as his companion bowed to the
person referred II. ,..
II am" was the reio'nder. That s my
respected dad. (Chicago Tribune.