Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1909-02-26
The Philanthropy of Kind Words.


tate is the universal tendency to pick
flaws in our fellow man, and although
it does not express itself so violently as
in olden times, because the veneer of
modern civilization tolerates nothing
more than tongue stabbings, the spirit
is often as cruel. So widespread is this
habit of hostile themselves Christian,
or who believe in of refraining from un-
kind comment not only becomes a
marked person, but one on rule, uni
versally esteemed, and in many in
stances dearly loved. Indeed, it is diff
ficult to name shorter cut to popular
ity and respect than the exercise of re-
straint in criticism of others, and he
who would win high praise from his
associates has only to make it a practice
to commend, with discrimination, a
gracious attitude toward life, which,
however, is as rare as it is noble.
One particularly unlovely character
istic of humanity is its habit of selfish
ly accepting things when they go
smoothly, without ever giving a
thought to those whose fidelity and ef-
ficiency make the smooth running pos
sible. 1t is too often forgotten that
they are human beings, subjected like
the rest of us to discQuragements and
other trying experiences of living, and
that most of them suffer from the dead
ly monotony of uninspiring tasks.
Think what word of appreciation for
good service would mean to these work.
ers in the midst, or at the close of
trying day; and yet how do you say the
word?
An object lesson in humanity's prone
ness TO censure, and its little inclina-
ton to commend, was unconsciously
furnished by the man in charge of sew
eral departments of large retail shop.
A woman who had just made some
purchases, accosted him and asked if
he were in charge and if he attended to
complaints. With resigned air he re-
piled in the affirmative to both ques-
tions, but his expression changed when
the woman then asked him if custom
ers often took the trouble to commend
good service, and when she further,
stated that her purpose in seeking him
was to praise the efficiency and court
esy Of certain young girl, he said with
deep feeling. "Madam, am extreme
ly grateful to you. 1t is, indeed, rare
thing that customer takes into con-
sideration the trials of a clerks position,
or appreciates good service sufficiently
to commend the clerk either personally
or to her superiors. Suppose instead
of exaggerating every error of service
or defect of manners, as is now the rule,
the whole world of shoppers should
mend its own manners by cultivating
reasonableness, and giving some sign
of appreciation for the faithful perform
ance of duty, would not the inevitable
result be to improve service generally,
and to bring positive happiness into
gray lives made up largely of over toll?
So much for the workers.
Now as to lifein general. Since the
appreciation of our fellows is one of our
dearest ambitions, think what fame
and love, to name on higher motive
than self-seeking, must surely come to
him who although he scorns fattery,
yet possesses the symathy, the intelli-
gence and the taste, to commend with
discrimination. This is species of
higher philanthropy which is urged on
all those who call themselves Christian,
or who believe in the brotherhood ideal
of human society. The cult of the az
preciative word, besides shedding joy,
might become an educatorial influence
or great power.-VOgue.