The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-05-22
THE IDAHO REPUBLICAN

greater and more impossible tale OF
misbehavior on the part of the In
dividual under discussion. So the
voice Of reason and good will is 81
lent and gossip runs rife until the
participants arise to depart, feeling
righteously self satisfied with this
highly seasoned mental meal.
Like highly seasoned food, unkind
criticism or gossip has an extremely
detrimental influence on the person
indulging in 1t. Gossip, as taken in,
oyerlOads the BARN and poisons the
mind, rendering the participant
weak-minded, credulous, and con-
stantly craving some highly improb-
able and scandalous tale. More peo-
pie become confirmed falsifiers by
this indulgence than by any other
means. A gossip is one Of the worst
enemies of mankind and civilization.
Unfortunately there are more per-
snos harmed than those who criti-
cize unkindly. There are also to be
considered those persons who are
unjustly and unkindly criticized. U.s.
ually they are not present when
criticized, as the gossip is usually a
coward who prefers, like the Indian,
to stick his weapon in the victims
back. However If the person dis
cussed is not present, there is some
so-called friend who Immediately
makes 1t his business to inform that
person all that was said regarding
him.
The effect of this criticism is diff
ferent in different people. 1t hurts
them all. but in varying degrees. The
man who possesses the truly philo-
sophical spirit shrugs his shoulders
and reflects that while he is being
unkindly discussed, some one else is
escaping. The man of this type can
go calmly on even though gossip
buzz about his ears
Then there is the stolid man who
is sufficiently Independent spirit to
say, well, let EN- talk. I'll do as
! please, and they can help them
selves" This man also fares we'll.
But then there is the quick-witted
Independently minded person, who,
being sensitive, is wounded deeply.
AS rule this person is aroused, en-
Uttered and stimulated to 60 to ex-
tremes just ITO show people that
don't care a rap" Again there is
the sensitive, meek person who is
horribly hurt but who suffers in ST.
lence He gradually falls into set
ways of doing nothing, saying moth
ing, and being nothing" in the vain
hope that he will be left in peace.
What an unfortunate, tendency this
is that causes a community to become
transformed from a quiet, peaceful
ne1ghborhood into a seething hot |
bed of unkindness and strife. Hun
dreds of lives are embittered and
stunted by unkind criticisms. Hun
dreds of plans are frustrated. Hun
dreds of brilliant outlooks for life
work come to naught, an dali be-
cause of unkind criticism. Our most
public-spirited people are forced to
discontinue some of their most fruit
Jul schemes and the country suffers
olighting retarding of progress.
There is cause for this habit and
t should be sought out and rooted
'ut with as firm purpose as peo-
lie are capable of evincing. There
Mould be sensible, thorough cam
'aigns against this evil as we'll as
Igainst the liquor or drug habit.
Not until we learn to look more
indy upon our neighbor and re-
member that we should cast the mote
rom our own eye before beginning
surgical operation upon his, shall
re reach the truly Christian life and
ne one that every person with a con-
H. r