Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1921-02-01
SYMPATHY

That was a kindly deed the other
night when large number of our peo-
pie gathered in a community meeting
and by their presence and cOntribu-
tons gave expression to the esteem
and affection in which they hold one
OF us who happens to be less fortu-
nate; an expression by our good peo-
pie not only of good will but also of
desire to aid.
1t is proof-if one is needcd-that
the human heart is still touched by
another's misfortune. Sometimes we
are too prone to become skcptical and
approach too closely the attitude of
the misanthrope who secs no good in
mankind. In this DAY Of hustle and
the potent dollar, the better and warm
err instincts of the human heart are
so often unseen but not, we believe
non-existent. 1t would seem some
times that men arc too busy TO give
expression to those kindlier sentiments
so rich in potentialities for happiness.
The dance the other night strengthens
our faith in the Inherent kindness of
our fellowmen.
This may often be seen in little,
unobtrusive acts. Just a few short
days ago lady stepped into our office
with tears rolling down her cheeks.
She apologized wholly unnecessarily
and said she had just witnessed the
uncomfortable grief of a young boy
over the loss of his mother In our
schools the teacher of this same lad
knowing of his great loss and desiring
TO relieve him of all possible heart
pangs, kindly requested the scholars
of the room to make no reference to
meet him as usual When the lad APP
peared at school he approached the
teacher and remarked, Il am unable
to bring a written excuse for my alb
sence yesterday. You know we buried
my mother" Whereupon the kind
hearted teacher, who was so careful
to instruct the scholars, burst into
tears herself and she and the stricken
child wept together in sympathy
Still touched by the memory of the
days sadness, she related the expert
ence to her landlady upon reaching
home that evening and again the two
of them resorted to that privilege OF
a woman, "a good old cry" The next
day the landlady related the story to
her neighbor friend, and the story
again ended in tears. Why do we &c
to such lengths to chronicle this sim
pie, homely little instance in the lives
Of these few people? For this reason
only. that it. exemplifies the thought
we hold that human hearts still bleed
for those who suffer. Here were foul
women totally unrelated to the sor
rowing lad and yet who were moved
10 tears by the thought Of his grie
over the loss of that wonderful thing
a mother and a mothers love
Our Red Cross workers witness
auch of the pathetic side of life an'
often are able to relieve it. wort
reached them the other day that ;
family of children we're unable to at
tend school because of the need o
shoes. This lack was supplied almos
as soon as it was learned. Our loca
executive secretary was given a de
post of $4,000 recently by the boar
of managers in order that worthy PEG
pie in need might receive assistanc
quickly We give our dollar yea
through our Red Cross membership
and how great is the good it does. Sym
pathy working again in the hearts 0
the givers.
Now this editorial is an impractical
thing. The materialist would scor
u. 1t will help no man TO build u
houses or barns or bank accounts
It's only few words reminding u
that there still exists that priceless
gem-human sympathy.