The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-01-21
:. SALMACUNDI :.
BIZ Uncle Goshdingit 1868

Ing from the very potion OF the
ladder and working upward" This
is as it should be, for the advantages
of this procedure are obvious, and
if regarded in literal sense, lends
itself to humorous reflections. One
can readily see this is a very neces-
sary way to begin. To begin at the
top and go upward would be pre-
carius. The japanese are noted for
their reversal of many procedures
to attain results, but even these will
admit that to start at the top has its
dangers. Even could one start at
the middle and be NEITHER up nor
down, could this be done without
subjecting gravity to a reversal of
it's laws. This being true we agree
that to begin at the bottom is safer
and decidedly more conservative in
this age of progression.
In the recent death of the eminent
lecturer and humorist, Marshal P.
Wilder, a host of "kiddles'' and
grown-ups have lost a sympathetic
and smile bringing friend. His pur-
pose in life was to bring smiles and
cheer to a nation. Bravely labor
ing under physical disadvantages
that would have disheartened many,
he won the love and qualification Of
a host of needy children; to whom
he diverted a share of his lecture
earnings for Sweet Charity's sake.
Again tbs true that: handsome
is, that handsome does!''
To grant appreciation toward the
humblest aim and effort is to arm
and encourage endeavour to further
advances. To Withhold it is to dis
courage; for even the most earnest
deciple of 'doing-to- please will fin
ally falter at continued neglect of
appreciation. The inmate that does
not cultivate appreciation is primar-
lily unjust to himself as well as cruel
to his fellow inmates. We one and
all have faults and foibles that habit
has chained to us, but to add to this
blindness to the good in others is to
loose that good. 1t is unjust to dis
parage, find fault, and deny ap-
probation, and the intelligent in
mate omits that practice however,
and chooses the appreciative word,
and prefers to seek the good in his
fellow-inmates instead. By show
ing appreciation we gain in like
measure. besides, appreciation is
the trait of a broad, sympathetic,
and liberal minded character, to-
ward which each inmate can strive
to his own benefit and gain. Be ap.
preclative.
Pride is an essential to self-worth
and dignity, but when it oversteps
these limits it becomes conceit, and
conceit is a poor imitation of Honest
assurance. The possessor of conceit
permits his vanity TO overlook the
fact that time always unmasks it's
spuriouness, and bring him to ridi-
Guile and discredit in the end. How
pathetic is the embarrassment of the
person. upon discovery by others,
who has assumed standards of sta
ton, knowledge and means wholly
beyond him. To lack education,
means, or ability, is no cause for re-
proacn by others. but it is when
one falsely assumes them. Conceit-
ed assumptions not only binders ap-
probation for the good traits it's
practicer may possess. but repels
confidence and faith, the essentials
to success. Conceit is stumbling
block-a trait to be avoided.
The Dove of Peace" which CIV
ilization has fostered for the pur-
poses of peace, has as yet not been
able to find the branch of olive
amid the war turmoils of Europe.
1t flutters helplessly about half the
globe seeking to fulfill its mission of
love for mankind, but has, thus far,
sadly failed. Again we renew our
hope that the wanderer will soon
appear with that branch of olive
on the horizon of mans limited Wis
ion of the future.
Some one has said that: the
chronic crouch gets nothing but the
'skimmed-milk' of human kindness"
This is no more than just deserts to
one who can see no cheer in life,
and no good in his fellow man.
Life is likened to a hollow vessel,
to be filled with activities. conduct,