Tact or Common Sense

"Who is stronger than thou?" asked Braham; and Force replied "Address."—VICTOR HUGO.

"Who is stronger than you?" asked Braham. Force replied, "Skill." VICTOR HUGO.

Address makes opportunities; the want of it gives them.—BOVEE.

Tact creates opportunities. A lack of tact gives them to others. BOVEE.

A man who knows the world will not only make the most of everything he does know, but of many things he does not know; and will gain more credit by his adroit mode of hiding his ignorance, than the pedant by his awkward attempt to exhibit his erudition.—COLTON.

A man who knows the world makes the most of everything he knows and even many things he does not know. By skillfully hiding his ignorance, he earns more credit than a pedant who awkwardly tries to show off his learning. COLTON.

The art of using moderate abilities to advantage wins praise, and often acquires more reputation than actual brilliancy.—ROCHEFOUCAULD.

Making the most of modest abilities wins praise and often earns more recognition than true brilliance. ROCHEFOUCAULD.

"I never will surrender to a nigger," said a Confederate officer, when a colored soldier chased and caught him. "Berry sorry, massa," said the negro, leveling his rifle; "must kill you den; hain't time to go back and git a white man." The officer surrendered.

"I will never surrender to a nigger," said a Confederate officer after a colored soldier chased and caught him. "Very sorry, master," said the negro, pointing his rifle. "Must kill you then. Ain't time to go back and get a white man." The officer surrendered.

"When God endowed human beings with brains," says Montesquieu, "he did not intend to guarantee them."

"When God gave people brains," says Montesquieu, "he did not intend to guarantee them."

When Abraham Lincoln was running for the legislature the first time, on the platform of the improvement of the Sangamon River, he went to secure the votes of thirty men who were cradling a wheatfield. They asked no questions about internal improvements, but only seemed curious to know whether he had muscle enough to represent them in the legislature. Lincoln took up a cradle and led the gang around the field. The whole thirty voted for him.

When Abraham Lincoln first ran for the legislature, he campaigned on improving the Sangamon River. He went to seek the votes of thirty men who were harvesting wheat with cradles. They asked no questions about the proposed improvements. They seemed interested only in whether he was strong enough to represent them in the legislature. Lincoln picked up a cradle and led the men around the field. All thirty voted for him.

"I do not know how it is," said Napoleon in surprise to his cook, "but at whatever hour I call for my breakfast my chicken is always ready and always in good condition." This seemed to him the more strange because sometimes he would breakfast at eight and at other times as late as eleven. "Sire," said the cook, "the reason is, that every quarter of an hour I put a fresh chicken down to roast, so that your Majesty is sure always to have it at perfection."

"I don't know how you do it," Napoleon said to his cook in surprise. "But whenever I ask for breakfast, my chicken is always ready and cooked just right." This seemed even stranger to him because he sometimes ate breakfast at eight and other times as late as eleven. "Sire," said the cook, "the reason is that I put a fresh chicken in to roast every fifteen minutes. That way, your Majesty can always be sure of having a perfectly cooked chicken."

Talent in this age is no match for tact. We see its failure everywhere. Tact will manipulate one talent so as to get more out of it in a lifetime than ten talents will accomplish without it. "Talent lies abed till noon; tact is up at six." Talent is power, tact is skill. Talent knows what to do, tact knows how to do it.

Today, talent is no match for tact. We see talent fail everywhere. With tact, a person can achieve more in a lifetime with one talent than someone with ten talents can achieve without tact. "Talent stays in bed until noon, while tact is up at six." Talent is power, and tact is skill. Talent knows what to do, and tact knows how to do it.

"Talent is something, but tact is everything. It is not a sixth sense, but it is like the life of all the five. It is the open eye, the quick ear, the judging taste, the keen smell, and lively touch; it is the interpreter of all riddles, the surmounter of all difficulties, the remover of all obstacles."

"Talent matters, but tact is everything. It is not a sixth sense, but it is like the life in all five senses. It is the open eye, the quick ear, the discerning taste, the keen sense of smell, and the lively touch. It solves all riddles, overcomes all difficulties, and removes all obstacles."

The world is full of theoretical, one-sided, impractical men, who have turned all the energies of their lives into one faculty until they have developed, not a full-orbed, symmetrical man, but a monstrosity, while all their other faculties have atrophied and died. We often call these one-sided men geniuses, and the world excuses their impractical and almost idiotic conduct in most matters, because they can perform one kind of work that no one else can do as well. A merchant is excused if he is a giant in merchandise, though he may be an imbecile in the drawing-room. Adam Smith could teach the world economy in his "Wealth of Nations," but he could not manage the finances of his own household.

The world is full of theoretical, one-sided, impractical men who have devoted all their energy to developing one ability. Instead of becoming well-rounded, balanced men, they have become monstrosities. All their other abilities have withered and died. We often call these one-sided men geniuses. The world excuses their impractical and almost idiotic conduct in most matters because they can do one kind of work better than anyone else. A merchant is excused if he is a giant in business, though he may be a fool in a social gathering. Adam Smith could teach the world about economics in his "Wealth of Nations," but he could not manage his own household finances.

Many great men are very impractical even in the ordinary affairs of life. Isaac Newton could read the secret of creation; but, tired of rising from his chair to open the door for a cat and her kitten, he had two holes cut through the panels for them to pass at will, a large hole for the cat, and a small one for the kitten. Beethoven was a great musician, but he sent three hundred florins to pay for six shirts and half a dozen handkerchiefs. He paid his tailor as large a sum in advance, and yet he was so poor at times that he had only a biscuit and a glass of water for dinner. He did not know enough of business to cut the coupon from a bond when he wanted money, but sold the whole instrument. Dean Swift nearly starved in a country parish where his more practical classmate Stafford became rich. One of Napoleon's marshals understood military tactics as well as his chief, but he did not know men so well, and lacked the other's skill and tact. Napoleon might fall; but, like a cat, he would fall upon his feet.

Many great men are very impractical, even in the ordinary affairs of life. Isaac Newton could read the secret of creation. But he grew tired of getting up to open the door for a cat and her kitten. So he had two holes cut in the door panels for them to pass through whenever they liked. The large hole was for the cat, and the small one was for the kitten. Beethoven was a great musician, but he sent three hundred florins to pay for six shirts and six handkerchiefs. He paid his tailor an equally large sum in advance. Yet at times he was so poor that he had only a biscuit and a glass of water for dinner. When he needed money, he did not know enough about business to cut the coupon from a bond. Instead, he sold the entire bond. Dean Swift nearly starved in a country parish where his more practical classmate Stafford became rich. One of Napoleon's marshals understood military tactics as well as Napoleon did. But he did not understand people as well and lacked Napoleon's skill and tact. Napoleon might fall, but like a cat, he would land on his feet.

For his argument in the Florida Case, a fee of one thousand dollars in crisp new bills of large denomination was handed to Daniel Webster as he sat reading in his library. The next day he wished to use some of the money, but could not find any of the bills. Years afterward, as he turned the page of a book, he found a bank-bill without a crease in it. On turning the next leaf he found another, and so on until he took the whole amount lost from the places where he had deposited them thoughtlessly, as he read. Learning of a new issue of gold pieces at the Treasury, he directed his secretary, Charles Lanman, to obtain several hundred dollars' worth. A day or two after he put his hand in his pocket for one, but they were all gone. Webster was at first puzzled, but on reflection remembered that he had given them away, one by one, to friends who seemed to appreciate their beauty.

Daniel Webster was sitting in his library reading when he was paid for his argument in the Florida Case. His fee was one thousand dollars in crisp new bills of large denominations. The next day, he wanted to use some of the money, but he could not find any of the bills. Years later, as he turned a page in a book, he found a bill without a crease in it. On the next page, he found another. He went on until he had recovered the entire lost amount from where he had thoughtlessly tucked the bills while reading. When Webster learned that the Treasury had issued new gold coins, he asked his secretary, Charles Lanman, to get several hundred dollars' worth. A day or two later, he reached into his pocket for one, but they were all gone. At first Webster was puzzled. Then he remembered that he had given them away, one by one, to friends who seemed to appreciate their beauty.

A professor in mathematics in a New England college, a "book-worm," was asked by his wife to bring home some coffee. "How much will you have?" asked the merchant. "Well, I declare, my wife did not say, but I guess a bushel will do."

A mathematics professor at a New England college was a "bookworm." His wife asked him to bring home some coffee. "How much would you like?" the merchant asked. "Well, my wife didn't say, but I guess a bushel will do."

Many a great man has been so absent-minded at times as to seem devoid of common-sense.

Many great men have sometimes been so absent-minded that they seemed to lack common sense.

"The professor is not at home," said his servant who looked out of a window in the dark and failed to recognize Lessing when the latter knocked at his own door in a fit of absent-mindedness. "Oh, very well," replied Lessing. "No matter, I'll call at another time."

"The professor is not home," said Lessing's servant. The servant had looked out of a window in the dark and failed to recognize Lessing. Absent-mindedly, Lessing had knocked at his own door. "Oh, very well," replied Lessing. "No matter, I'll come back another time."

Louis Philippe said he was the only sovereign in Europe fit to govern, for he could black his own boots. The world is full of men and women apparently splendidly endowed and highly educated, yet who can scarcely get a living.

Louis Philippe said he was the only ruler in Europe fit to govern because he could polish his own boots. The world is full of men and women who seem exceptionally gifted and highly educated, yet can hardly earn a living.

Not long ago three college graduates were found working on a sheep farm in Australia, one from Oxford, one from Cambridge, and the other from a German University,—college men tending brutes! Trained to lead men, they drove sheep. The owner of the farm was an ignorant, coarse sheep-raiser. He knew nothing of books or theories, but he knew sheep. His three hired graduates could speak foreign languages and discuss theories of political economy and philosophy, but he could make money. He could talk about nothing but sheep and farm; but he had made a fortune, while the college men could scarcely get a living. Even the University could not supply common sense. It was "culture against ignorance; the college against the ranch; and the ranch beat every time."

Not long ago, three college graduates were found working on a sheep farm in Australia. One was from Oxford, one from Cambridge, and the other from a German university. College men were tending animals! Trained to lead men, they drove sheep. The farm’s owner was an ignorant, coarse sheep farmer. He knew nothing about books or theories, but he knew sheep. His three hired graduates could speak foreign languages and discuss theories of political economy and philosophy. But he could make money. He could talk about nothing but sheep and farming. Yet he had made a fortune, while the college men could barely make a living. Even the university could not supply common sense. It was "culture against ignorance; the college against the ranch; and the ranch beat every time."

Do not expect too much from books. Bacon said that studies "teach not their own use, but that there is a practical wisdom without them, won by observation." The use of books must be found outside their own lids. It was said of a great French scholar: "He was drowned in his talents." Over-culture, without practical experience, weakens a man, and unfits him for real life. Book education alone tends to make a man too critical, too self-conscious, timid, distrustful of his abilities, too fine for the mechanical drudgery of practical life, too highly polished, and too finely cultured for every day use.

Do not expect too much from books. Bacon said that studies "do not teach how to use themselves, but there is a practical wisdom gained without them, through observation." The value of books must be found outside their covers. It was said of a great French scholar: "He was drowned in his talents." Too much education without practical experience weakens a man and leaves him unprepared for real life. An education based only on books tends to make a man too critical, too self-conscious, and timid. It can make him doubt his abilities and feel too refined for the routine work of practical life. It can leave him too polished and cultured for everyday use.

The culture of books and colleges refines, yet it is often but an ethical culture, and is gained at the cost of vigor and rugged strength. Book culture alone tends to paralyze the practical faculties. The bookworm loses his individuality; his head is filled with theories and saturated with other men's thoughts. The stamina of the vigorous mind he brought from the farm has evaporated in college; and when he graduates, he is astonished to find that he has lost the power to grapple with men and things, and is therefore out-stripped in the race of life by the boy who has had no chance, but who, in the fierce struggle for existence, has developed hard common sense and practical wisdom. The college graduate often mistakes his crutches for strength. He inhabits an ideal realm where common sense rarely dwells. The world cares little for his theories or his encyclopaedic knowledge. The cry of the age is for practical men.

Books and colleges refine people, but they often provide only moral refinement. This refinement comes at the cost of vigor and rugged strength. An education based on books alone tends to weaken practical abilities. The bookworm loses his individuality. His head is filled with theories and saturated with other men’s thoughts. The mental stamina he brought from the farm has evaporated in college. When he graduates, he is astonished to find that he can no longer deal effectively with people and practical matters. As a result, he is overtaken in the race of life by the boy who had no such opportunity. That boy has developed sound common sense and practical wisdom in the fierce struggle for survival. The college graduate often mistakes his crutches for strength. He lives in an ideal world where common sense rarely exists. The world cares little for his theories or his vast knowledge. The age demands practical men.

"We have been among you several weeks," said Columbus to the Indian chiefs; "and, although at first you treated us like friends, you are now jealous of us and are trying to drive us away. You brought us food in plenty every morning, but now you bring very little and the amount is less with each succeeding day. The Great Spirit is angry with you for not doing as you agreed in bringing us provisions. To show his anger he will cause the sun to be in darkness." He knew that there was to be an eclipse of the sun, and told the day and hour it would occur, but the Indians did not believe him, and continued to reduce the supply of food.

"We have been among you for several weeks," Columbus said to the Indian chiefs. "Although you treated us like friends at first, you are now jealous of us and trying to drive us away. You used to bring us plenty of food every morning, but now you bring very little. Each day, you bring less. The Great Spirit is angry because you have not brought us food as you agreed. To show his anger, he will darken the sun." Columbus knew an eclipse of the sun was coming and told them the day and hour it would happen. But the Indians did not believe him and continued to bring less food.

On the appointed day the sun rose without a cloud, and the Indians shook their heads, beginning to show signs of open hostility as the hours passed without a shadow on the face of the sun. But at length a dark spot was seen on one margin; and, as it became larger, the natives grew frantic and fell prostrate before Columbus to entreat for help. He retired to his tent, promising to save them, if possible. About the time for the eclipse to pass away, he came out and said that the Great Spirit had pardoned them, and would soon drive away the monster from the sun if they would never offend him again. They readily promised, and when the sun had passed out of the shadow they leaped and danced and sang for joy. Thereafter the Spaniards had all the provisions they needed.

On the appointed day, the sun rose in a cloudless sky. As the hours passed without a shadow on the sun, the Indians shook their heads and began to show open hostility. But at last a dark spot appeared at the edge of the sun. As it grew larger, the natives became frantic. They fell before Columbus and begged him for help. He went into his tent, promising to save them if he could. Around the time the eclipse was due to end, he came out. He said the Great Spirit had forgiven them. The Great Spirit would soon drive the monster away from the sun if they never offended him again. They readily promised. When the sun came out of the shadow, they leaped, danced, and sang for joy. After that, the Spaniards had all the provisions they needed.

"Common sense," said Wendell Phillips, "bows to the inevitable and makes use of it."

"Common sense," said Wendell Phillips, "accepts what cannot be avoided and makes use of it."

When Caesar stumbled in landing on the beach of Britain, he instantly grasped a handful of sand and held it aloft as a signal of triumph, hiding forever from his followers the ill omen of his threatened fall.

When Caesar stumbled while landing on the beach in Britain, he immediately grabbed a handful of sand. He held it high as a sign of triumph, forever hiding from his followers the bad omen of his near fall.

Goethe, speaking of some comparisons that had been instituted between himself and Shakespeare, said: "Shakespeare always hits the right nail on the head at once; but I have to stop and think which is the right nail, before I hit."

Some people had compared Goethe to Shakespeare. Speaking of these comparisons, Goethe said: "Shakespeare always hits the right nail on the head at once. But I have to stop and think which nail is the right one before I hit it."

It has been said that a few pebbles from a brook in the sling of a David who knows how to send them to the mark are more effective than a Goliath's spear and a Goliath's strength with a Goliath's clumsiness.

It has been said that a few pebbles from a brook, slung by a David who can hit his target, are more effective than a Goliath's spear and strength combined with a Goliath's clumsiness.

"Get ready for the redskins!" shouted an excited man as he galloped up to the log-cabin of the Moore family in Ohio many years ago; "and give me a fresh horse as soon as you can. They killed a family down the river last night, and nobody knows where they'll turn up next!"

"Get ready for the redskins!" shouted an excited man as he galloped up to the Moore family's log cabin in Ohio many years ago. "And give me a fresh horse as soon as you can. They killed a family down the river last night, and nobody knows where they'll turn up next!"

"What shall we do?" asked Mrs. Moore, with a pale face. "My husband went away yesterday to buy our winter supplies, and will not be back until morning."

"What should we do?" asked Mrs. Moore, her face pale. "My husband went away yesterday to buy our winter supplies. He won't be back until morning."

"Husband away? Whew! that's bad! Well, shut up as tight as you can. Cover up your fire, and don't strike a light to-night." Then springing upon the horse the boys had brought, he galloped away to warn other settlers.

"Your husband is away? Whew! That's bad! Well, lock up as tightly as you can. Cover your fire, and don't light a lamp tonight." Then he jumped on the horse the boys had brought and galloped away to warn other settlers.

Mrs. Moore carried the younger children to the loft of the cabin, and left Obed and Joe to watch, reluctantly yielding the post of danger to them at their urgent request. "They're coming, Joe!" whispered Obed early in the evening, as he saw several shadows moving across the fields. "Stand by that window with the axe, while I get the rifle pointed at this one." Opening the bullet-pouch, he took out a ball, but nearly fainted as he found it was too large for the rifle. His father had taken the wrong pouch. Obed felt around to see if there were any smaller balls in the cupboard, and almost stumbled over a very large pumpkin, one of the two which he and Joe had been using to make Jack-o'-lanterns when the messenger alarmed them. Pulling off his coat, he flung it over the vegetable lantern, made to imitate a gigantic grinning face, with open eyes, nose, and mouth, and with a live coal from the ashes he lighted the candle inside. "They'll sound the war-whoop in a minute, if I give them time," he whispered, as he raised the covered lantern to the window. "Now for it!" he added, pulling the coat away. An unearthly yell greeted the appearance of the grinning monster, and the Indians fled wildly to the woods. "Quick, Joe! Light up the other one! Don't you see that's what scar't 'em so?" demanded Obed; and at the appearance of the second fiery face the savages gave a final yell and vanished in the forest. Mr. Moore and daylight came together, but the Indians did not return.

Mrs. Moore carried the younger children up to the cabin loft and left Obed and Joe to keep watch. She was reluctant to let them take the dangerous post, but they had begged her to. “They’re coming, Joe!” Obed whispered early that evening. He had seen several shadows moving across the fields. “Stand by that window with the axe, while I point the rifle at this one.” He opened the bullet pouch and took out a ball. But he nearly fainted when he found it was too large for the rifle. His father had taken the wrong pouch. Obed felt around in the cupboard for smaller balls. As he searched, he almost stumbled over a very large pumpkin. It was one of two that he and Joe had been making into Jack-o'-lanterns when the messenger alarmed them. The pumpkin had been carved into a giant grinning face, with open eyes, nose, and mouth. Obed pulled off his coat and threw it over the lantern. Then he used a live coal from the ashes to light the candle inside. “They’ll sound the war-whoop in a minute, if I give them time,” he whispered, raising the covered lantern to the window. “Now for it!” he added, pulling the coat away. An eerie yell greeted the appearance of the grinning monster, and the Indians fled wildly to the woods. “Quick, Joe! Light up the other one! Don’t you see that’s what scared them so?” Obed demanded. When the second fiery face appeared, the savages gave a final yell and vanished into the forest. Mr. Moore arrived at daybreak, but the Indians did not return.

Thurlow Weed earned his first quarter by carrying a trunk on his back from a sloop in New York harbor to a Broad Street hotel. He had very few chances such as are now open to the humblest boy, but he had tact and intuition. He could read men as an open book, and mold them to his will. He was unselfish. By three presidents whom his tact and shrewdness had helped to elect he was offered the English mission and scores of other important positions, but he invariably declined.

Thurlow Weed earned his first quarter by carrying a trunk on his back from a sloop in New York harbor to a Broad Street hotel. He had far fewer opportunities than even the humblest boy has today, but he had tact and intuition. He could read people like an open book and bend them to his will. He was unselfish. Three presidents whom his tact and shrewdness had helped elect offered him the post of ambassador to England and dozens of other important positions. But he always declined.

Lincoln selected Weed to attempt the reconciliation of the "New York Herald," which had a large circulation in Europe, and was creating a dangerous public sentiment abroad and at home by its articles in sympathy with the Confederacy. Though Weed and Bennett had not spoken to each other before for thirty years, the very next day after their interview the "Herald" became a strong Union paper. Weed was then sent to Europe to counteract the pernicious influence of secession agents. The emperor of France favored the South. He was very indignant because Charleston harbor had been blockaded, thus shutting off French manufacturers from large supplies of cotton. But Weed's rare tact modified his views, and induced him to change to friendliness the tone of a hostile speech prepared for delivery to the National Assembly. England was working night and day preparing for war when Weed arrived upon the scene, and soon changed largely the current of public sentiment. On his return to America the city of New York extended public thanks to him for his inestimable services. He was equally successful in business, and acquired a fortune of a million dollars.

Lincoln chose Weed to try to win over the "New York Herald." The paper had a large circulation in Europe. Its articles supporting the Confederacy were stirring up dangerous public sentiment at home and abroad. Although Weed and Bennett had not spoken to each other for thirty years, they met. The very next day, the "Herald" became a strong supporter of the Union. Weed was then sent to Europe to counter the harmful influence of secession agents. The emperor of France favored the South. He was furious because Charleston harbor had been blockaded, cutting off French manufacturers from large supplies of cotton. But Weed's exceptional tact softened the emperor's views. He persuaded the emperor to make a hostile speech, prepared for delivery to the National Assembly, more friendly in tone. When Weed arrived in England, the country was working night and day to prepare for war. He soon brought about a major change in public sentiment. When he returned to America, the city of New York publicly thanked him for his invaluable services. He was equally successful in business and acquired a fortune of a million dollars.

"Tell me the breadth of this stream," said Napoleon to his chief engineer, as they came to a bridgeless river which the army had to cross. "Sire, I cannot. My scientific instruments are with the army, and we are ten miles ahead of it."

"Tell me how wide this river is," Napoleon said to his chief engineer. They had come to a river with no bridge, and the army had to cross it. "Sire, I cannot. My measuring instruments are with the army, and we are ten miles ahead of it."

"Measure the width of this stream instantly."—"Sire, be reasonable!"—"Ascertain at once the width of this river, or you shall be deposed."

"Measure the width of this stream immediately." "Sire, be reasonable!" "Find out the width of this river at once, or you will be removed from your position."

The engineer drew the cap-piece of his helmet down until the edge seemed just in line between his eye and the opposite bank; then, holding himself carefully erect, he turned on his heel and noticed where the edge seemed to touch the bank on which he stood, which was on the same level as the other. He paced the distance to the point last noted, and said: "This is the approximate width of the stream." He was promoted.

The engineer pulled down the brim of his helmet until it seemed to line up with his eye and the opposite bank. Then, standing carefully upright, he turned on his heel. He noted where the brim seemed to touch the bank he stood on, which was level with the opposite bank. He paced the distance to that point and said: "This is the approximate width of the stream." He was promoted.

"Mr. Webster," said the mayor of a Western city, when it was learned that the great statesman, although weary with travel, would be delayed for an hour by a failure to make close connections, "allow me to introduce you to Mr. James, one of our most distinguished citizens." "How do you do, Mr. James?" asked Webster mechanically, as he glanced at a thousand people waiting to take his hand. "The truth is, Mr. Webster," replied Mr. James in a most lugubrious tone, "I am not very well." "I hope nothing serious is the matter," thundered the godlike Daniel, in a tone of anxious concern. "Well, I don't know that, Mr. Webster. I think it's rheumatiz, but my wife——" "Mr. Webster, this is Mr. Smith," broke in the mayor, leaving poor Mr. James to enjoy his bad health in the pitiless solitude of a crowd. His total want of tact had made him ridiculous.

“Mr. Webster,” said the mayor of a Western city, “allow me to introduce you to Mr. James, one of our most distinguished citizens.” The great statesman was tired from traveling and had missed a close connection. He would have to wait an hour. “How do you do, Mr. James?” Webster asked mechanically, glancing at the thousand people waiting to shake his hand. “The truth is, Mr. Webster,” Mr. James replied in a deeply mournful tone, “I am not very well.” “I hope nothing serious is the matter,” thundered the godlike Daniel, sounding deeply concerned. “Well, I don't know that, Mr. Webster. I think it's rheumatism, but my wife...” “Mr. Webster, this is Mr. Smith,” the mayor broke in. He left poor Mr. James to enjoy his bad health in the pitiless solitude of a crowd. His complete lack of tact had made him look ridiculous.

"Address yourself to the jury, sir," said a judge to a witness who insisted upon imparting his testimony in a confidential tone to the court direct. The man did not understand and continued as before. "Speak to the jury, sir, the men sitting behind you on the raised benches." Turning, the witness bowed low in awkward suavity, and said, "Good-morning, gentlemen."

“Address the jury, sir,” a judge said to a witness who kept speaking directly to the judge in a confidential tone. The man did not understand and continued as before. “Speak to the jury, sir, the men sitting behind you on the raised benches.” The witness turned, bowed low with awkward politeness, and said, “Good morning, gentlemen.”

"What are these?" asked Napoleon, pointing to twelve silver statues in a cathedral. "The twelve Apostles," was the reply. "Take them down," said Napoleon, "melt them, coin them into money, and let them go about doing good, as their Master did."

"What are these?" Napoleon asked, pointing to twelve silver statues in a cathedral. "The twelve Apostles," came the reply. "Take them down," said Napoleon. "Melt them, turn them into coins, and let them go about doing good, as their Master did."

"I don't think the Proverbs of Solomon show very great wisdom," said a student at Brown University; "I could make as good ones myself." "Very well," replied President Wayland, "bring in two to-morrow morning." He did not bring them.

"I don't think the Proverbs of Solomon show much wisdom," said a student at Brown University. "I could make up proverbs just as good myself." "All right," replied President Wayland, "bring in two tomorrow morning." He did not bring them.

"Will you lecture for us for fame?" was the telegram young Henry Ward Beecher received from a Young Men's Christian Association in the West. "Yes, F. A. M. E. Fifty and my expenses," was the answer the shrewd young preacher sent back.

"Will you lecture for us for fame?" a Young Men's Christian Association in the West asked young Henry Ward Beecher by telegram. "Yes, F. A. M. E. Fifty and my expenses," the shrewd young preacher replied.

Montaigne tells of a monarch who, on the sudden death of an only child, showed his resentment against Providence by abolishing the Christian religion throughout his dominions for a fortnight.

Montaigne tells of a monarch whose only child died suddenly. To show his anger at Providence, the monarch abolished Christianity throughout his kingdom for two weeks.

The triumphs of tact, or common sense, over talent and genius, are seen everywhere. Walpole was an ignorant man, and Charlemagne could hardly write his name so that it could be deciphered; but these giants knew men and things, and possessed that practical wisdom and tact which have ever moved the world.

Everywhere we see tact or common sense triumph over talent and genius. Walpole was an ignorant man, and Charlemagne could hardly write his name legibly. But these giants understood people and the world. They had the practical wisdom and tact that have always moved the world.

Tact, like Alexander, cuts the knots it cannot untie, and leads its forces to glorious victory. A practical man not only sees, but seizes the opportunity. There is a certain getting-on quality difficult to describe, but which is the great winner of the prizes of life. Napoleon could do anything in the art of war with his own hands, even to the making of gunpowder. Paul was all things to all men, that he might save some. The palm is among the hardest and least yielding of all woods, yet rather than be deprived of the rays of the life-giving sun in the dense forests of South America, it is said to turn into a creeper, and climb the nearest trunk to the light.

Like Alexander, tact cuts through knots it cannot untie and leads its forces to glorious victory. A practical person not only sees an opportunity but seizes it. There is a certain knack for getting ahead that is hard to describe. But it is what wins the great prizes of life. Napoleon could do anything in the art of war with his own hands, even make gunpowder. Paul was all things to all men so that he might save some. The palm is among the hardest and least flexible of all woods. Yet in the dense forests of South America, it is said to turn into a climbing plant. Rather than go without the rays of the life-giving sun, it climbs the nearest trunk toward the light.

A farmer who could not get a living sold one half of his farm to a young man who made enough money on the half to pay for it and buy the rest. "You have not tact," was his reply, when the old man asked how one could succeed so well where the other had failed.

A farmer who could not make a living sold half his farm to a young man. The young man made enough money from that half to pay for it and buy the rest. The old man asked how the young man had succeeded so well where he had failed. "You lack tact," the young man replied.

According to an old custom a Cape Cod minister was called upon in April to make a prayer over a piece of land. "No," said he, when shown the land, "this does not need a prayer; it needs manure."

Following an old custom, a Cape Cod minister was asked to pray over a piece of land in April. When he saw the land, he said, "No, this land doesn't need a prayer. It needs manure."

To see a man as he is you must turn him round and round until you get him at the right angle. Place him in a good light, as you would a picture. The excellences and defects will appear if you get the right angle. How our old schoolmates have changed places in the ranking of actual life! The boy who led his class and was the envy of all has been distanced by the poor dunce who was called slow and stupid, but who had a sort of dull energy in him which enabled him to get on in the world. The class leader had only a theoretical knowledge, and could not cope with the stern realities of the age. Even genius, however rapid its flight, must not omit a single essential detail, and must be willing to work like a horse.

To see a man as he really is, you must turn him around until you see him from the right angle. Put him in good light, as you would a picture. From the right angle, his strengths and flaws will appear. How much our old schoolmates’ positions have changed in the ranks of real life! The boy who led his class and was envied by all has been overtaken by the poor dunce. He was called slow and stupid, but he had a kind of plodding energy that helped him get ahead. The class leader had only theoretical knowledge and could not cope with the harsh realities of the age. Even a genius, however fast he flies, must not skip a single essential detail. He must also be willing to work like a horse.

Shakespeare had marvelous tact; he worked everything into his plays. He ground up the king and his vassal, the fool and the fop, the prince and the peasant, the black and the white, the pure and the impure, the simple and the profound, passions and characters, honor and dishonor,—everything within the sweep of his vision he ground up into paint and spread it upon his mighty canvas.

Shakespeare had a remarkable gift for knowing how to use everything in his plays. He ground up the king and his vassal, the fool and the fop, the prince and the peasant. He ground up the black and the white, the pure and the impure, the simple and the profound. He ground up passions and characters, honor and dishonor. Everything within his sight, he ground into paint and spread across his mighty canvas.

Some people show want of tact in resenting every slight or petty insult, however unworthy their notice. Others make Don Quixote's mistake of fighting a windmill by engaging in controversies with public speakers and editors, who are sure to have the advantage of the final word. One of the greatest elements of strength in the character of Washington was found in his forbearance when unjustly attacked or ridiculed.

Some people show a lack of tact by resenting every slight or petty insult, even those unworthy of their attention. Others make Don Quixote's mistake of fighting a windmill. They argue with public speakers and editors, who are sure to have the last word. One of Washington's greatest strengths was his restraint when he was unfairly attacked or ridiculed.

Artemus Ward touches this bubble with a pretty sharp-pointed pen.

Artemus Ward punctures this bubble with a rather sharp pen.

"It was in a surtin town in Virginny, the Muther of Presidents and things, that I was shaimfully aboozed by a editer in human form. He set my Show up steep, and kalled me the urbane and gentlemunly manager, but when I, fur the purpuss of showin' fair play all round, went to anuther offiss to get my handbills printed, what duz this pussillanermus editer do but change his toon and abooze me like a injun. He sed my wax-wurks was a humbug, and called me a horey-heded itinerent vagabone. I thort at fust Ide pollish him orf ar-lar Beneki Boy, but on reflectin' that he cood pollish me much wuss in his paper, I giv it up; and I wood here take occashun to advise people when they run agin, as they sumtimes will, these miserable papers, to not pay no attenshun to um. Abuv all, don't assault a editer of this kind. It only gives him a notorosity, which is jist what he wants, and don't do you no more good than it would to jump into enny other mudpuddle. Editors are generally fine men, but there must be black sheep in every flock."

"It was in a certain town in Virginia, the Mother of Presidents and things, that I was shamefully abused by an editor in human form. He praised my Show highly and called me the urbane and gentlemanly manager. But then I went to another office to get my handbills printed, for the purpose of showing fair play all around. What does this pusillanimous editor do but change his tune and abuse me like an Injun? He said my waxworks was a humbug, and called me a hoary-headed itinerant vagabond. I thought at first I'd polish him off à la Benicia Boy. But when I reflected that he could polish me much worse in his paper, I gave it up. I would here take occasion to advise people not to pay attention to these miserable papers when they run against them, as they sometimes will. Above all, don't assault an editor of this kind. It only gives him notoriety, which is just what he wants. And it don't do you any more good than jumping into any other mud puddle. Editors are generally fine men, but there must be black sheep in every flock."

John Jacob Astor had practical talent in a remarkable degree. During a storm at sea, on his voyage to America, the other passengers ran about the deck in despair, expecting every minute to go down; but young Astor went below and coolly put on his best suit of clothes, saying that if the ship should founder and he should happen to be rescued, he would at least save his best suit of clothes.

John Jacob Astor had a remarkable gift for practical thinking. During his voyage to America, the ship ran into a storm. The other passengers ran around the deck in despair, expecting the ship to sink at any moment. But young Astor went below deck and calmly put on his best suit. He said that if the ship sank and he happened to be rescued, he would at least save his best suit.

"Their trading talent is bringing the Jews to the front in America as well as in Europe," said a traveler to one of that race; "and it has gained for them an ascendency, at least in certain branches of trade, from which nothing will ever displace them."

"Their talent for trade is bringing the Jews to prominence in America as well as in Europe," a traveler said to a Jew. "It has given them a dominance, at least in certain branches of trade, that nothing will ever displace."

"Dey are coming to de vront, most zairtainly," replied his companion; "but vy do you shpeak of deir drading dalent all de time?"

"They are coming to the front, most certainly," replied his companion. "But why do you speak of their trading talent all the time?"

"But don't you regard it as a talent?"

"But don't you think it's a talent?"

"A dalent? No! It is chenius. I vill dell you what is de difference, in drade, between dalent and chenius. Ven one goes into a man's shtore and manaches to seel him vat he vonts, dat is dalent; but ven annoder man goes into dat man's shtore and sells him vot he don't vont, dat is chenius; and dat is de chenius vot my race has got."

"A talent? No! It is genius. I will tell you the difference, in trade, between talent and genius. When one goes into a man's store and manages to sell him what he wants, that is talent. But when another man goes into that man's store and sells him what he don't want, that is genius. And that is the genius that my race has got."