The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1908-02-13
friendsbip==Does lit Exist?
~~~~~


tions as we'll as~ individuals. These
friendships expand into confidence;
and when we have CONFIDENCE in ma
ton, we respect it's people and Trust in
its integrity.
Bacon once asserted: "Tbere is little
friendship in this world lnthis age Of
enlightenment we can observe thou
sand indications that refute the FORE
going statement.I In Bacon's time
there may have been little that de-
served tAe honor of being called friend
ship, but conditions are not similar to-
day. 1t is true that there are those
who form friendships, aud then make
a mockery of the confidence reposed in
them; but there are others of higher
mentality who make friends and keep
their friendship during their lifetime.
Many of us have been sorely disap-
pointed in our friends, aud have sew
cred the ties at the first opportunity.
This action Is commendable, for it is
far more honorable to act as an open
enemy than to be hypocrite.
A few years ago the world rang with
the thunderous words of Emile Zola
when he dared to step forth and face
the cabal that surrounded the army of
the French Republic in behalf of Al
fredDreyfus, q man who, at that time,
was detested by the whole country 1t
was the courageous denunciation OF
Zols's that changed the tide in the for,
tunes of this unhappy man.. 1t is a,
such times that the assistance of q
4 stanch friend is sorely needed, and the
man who does not cultivate and seek
the friendship of his acquaintance
during the heyday of his prosperity
will regret his mistake when adversely
overtakes him. Those who fIippantly
i remark that friendships are formed
for sOrdid motives. are either very illit
crate or else they are viewing th'
: world thru smoked glasses. We couit
cite several cases similar to that o
Zola's, but refrain from doing SO.
All, who can measure or enumerat
the deeds of mercy, the acts Of dis
interested kindnesses, and the count
, less number of persons who have bee1
assisted financially thru pure motive
of friendship! When we think o
these things we realize that friendshi
is something more reverential, NOR
enduring and more lovabIe than man
presume it to be-. It is the nectar tha
sweetens life, that cheers the despon6
{ ent spirit, and that enables us to NOR
clearly understand one anoths
= What does sthe man who is constant
. walking in the shadows, who, is mt
D rose and irreproachable, and who di
+ trusts his fellow-creatures know I
: the blessings to be derived from m'
: tual friendship? Nothing! The mi
t anthrope, misinterprets every actio
= To him, friendship and honor are syl
/ onymous with hypocrisy and disfiol
l. esty; and, possessing low standard .
9 ideals, he imagines the rest of ma
p kind govern themselves according
q his beliefs. What fatnity! When v
n are sick, who is it that visits our be-
T, side? When we 60 on a journey
Q. some distant land, who is it tn
10 wishes us godspeed? When we gi'
)r an afternoon or evenings entertai
+ ment, whom do we invite to partial
q. of our pleasure? Assurediy tits o
e; friends!
I'd The word "friendship" should not
er spoken of lightly. Instead of~attemH
th ing to destroy its beneficent influen
Of we should endeayor to foster it al
" encourage its growth. X