January, 1923. THE MIDGET Page 5 the animal world over and over, man included, and you will not find an other animal liheunto the dog. The noble dog has been called “the friend of man,” and a truer state ment has never been made. Any man ^that a little boy has confidence in and is not afraid of, is to be com plimented for he has something that money cannot buy. Such a man is an asset to his race and should be held in high esteem by his fellows. And if one will only reflect upon the lives of men he will discover that such men as I allude to have gained the respect and love of their race and have contributed much to their day and generation. If such be the re ward of a man who possesses that secret, something that gains for him the confidence of a little boy, much greater should be the reward of an animal which possesses the same thing. Therefore, the dog, because of th’s magnetism and the noble traits that are his should and of right ought to hold a distinct place in the hearts of men, a place of re spect and admiration. Accordingly, we believe the dog the superior ani mal of animals. For does he not possess traits in which man is de ficient? Does not the dog return good for evil? Does he not obey his master at all hazards? He does, and more, he is the friend and com panion of the little boy. We have always felt that there should be a movement for the de fense and protection of animals, and now that such steps have been taken we believe people will realize more and more the valu of animals with a language different from our own. Hence we hope that the society which has been organized in this state for said cause may assist in the appreciation and protection of the dumb animals. POLITENESS. (Margaret Ellen Patterson.) Several days ago I heard some pu pils in our school talking about an article advertising a book on social etiquette. It is claimed that this book will tell any one how to act properly in social life. The juniors have been thinking along this line and wish to know how to become more useful, kind and beautiful. We have come to the conclusion that politeness is the key, for what is more useful, kind and beautiful than courteous, polished manners? There are two things necessary to be good-mannered, knowledge and practice. Knowledge, as in every accomplishment, comes first, but the important thing and the thing we wish to do is to put into practice our knowledge. A boy may know all the rules in the game of basket ball, but without practice he can never become a good player. The best places to practice your knowledge of good habits are at home, at school and in early life. Good manners are not only essential in social activities. In business, the first impression that is made by the man requiring a position is produced by his good manners or politeness. How much quicker does the real man, who seeks his job in a quiet, polite manner, secure a position than the one who goes at it in a slam-bangy way, without the least bit of respect for his employer? In sports, there are few ways to show your politeness, but the boy or girl who is most ad mired is the one who is not filled with egotism and the one who thinks of the other fellow’s feelings. In ev ery day life, how much happier is the boy or girl who helps some one else than the one who ignores his fellow playmates? When the motto, “Help somebody today” can be carried through, even a slight doff of the hat is a small deed that will long be re membered. Few things are more practical and valuable than good manners. Take, for instance, the predicament that was Sir Walter Raleigh’s, when the lady approached the mud hole. There was nothing more valuable to him at this time than his courteous man ners. Good manners must be generous to make a permanent impression, and the real purpose must be to give pleasure and comfort to others. One may ask “To whom must we be obliging?” Be respectful to all classes, your inferiors as well as your superiors. Lincoln has always been admired for his gentle manners and courtesy, as well as for his man liness and braveness. Once as he rode through a village square, a ne gro, who loved him, doffed his cap, with a broad grin on his face. Lin coln politely returned this greeting by lifting his hat to the negro. A man on the square laughed at the President for doing this, but Lincoln replied: “Is it not that a white man should be as polite as a negro?” The big things are not the only ones noticed, but it is the little ■ things that count.- Some of the lit- j tie kindnesses we can practice each day are opening the doors for oth ers, always respecting those in au thority, thanking people for respects t r — '1 ■— fi ■m n n — n n — ii ni n him n — n — ii ii n — n — 'i '^n——rr a mn n — n — n fi n n i Albemarle Novelty Store School Supplies Tops Marbles Baseball Goods in Season Valentines McEwen and Pence, Owners 5c to $5.00 Merchandise Read the Local News | Twice a week in the ' • j STANLY NEWS-HERALD 1 for $2 a year; $1 for six months. | Bring- the News-Herald Your | Job Work. i