Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 252, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1915 — WHAT TACT CAN DO [ARTICLE]

WHAT TACT CAN DO

Wonderful Are the Innumerable Things Accomplished by This Faculty. Wonderful are the innumerable things accomplished by tact. To do or Bay the right thing at the proper time and place Illustrates what tact is or ought to be. Through a peculiar faculty of its own to facilitate and adapt words and actions to time, place and the circumstance of them, the tactician usually produces excellent and pleasing results. The achievements of St. Paul compare in his line with Caesar, Napoleon and other military lights famous in history for expert tactical work. Paul strove in all things to please all men, not seeking profitable things to himself but to the many, that all might be saved. His discernment in sizing up situations and acting on them with little apparent notice ended as intended by him. Nothing more should remain for the warrior and statesman to be desired in the artful and evolutionary manipulations of tact than to carry out all that was planned from the beginning. Degrees of tact as grades differ in every department of life. Tacticians to the manner born rate higher than those who acquire the knowledge of it by study and labor. The former are better fitted, more opportune and quick by nature to perceive and act promptly in the adjustment of matters submitted to them. A word or gesture with men In joy or sorrow effectively given and accepted signifies tact.

Will Improve Study. Again, kindliness of feeling is unpretentious tact pure and simple. Gifted in some, tact, of course, will improve with study. Study as you may, labored tact is apt to be inaccurate, wanting in finesse and less courteous in its bearings. Traits characteristic of tact are chiefly based on patience and forbearance. Without them we are liable to err. Children and foolish people exhibit a want of tact. Not wishing to attribute fact too much to genius or' natural talent, we may add a seemly aid to this commendable and high-class culture by caution and the care we use in the practice of it in all we say and do, and do quickly. Diplomacy is a special order of tact that ranks above other comparisons simply by the quality of its own endurance and that of persons exercising it. The observant of the phases of life admire tact as seen in our households, the kitchen and drawing room. Victory in war, success in politics or the professions, apart from intellectual acumen of the man, is greatly due to tact, which must be circumspect in all it assumes. To bring people to our way of thinking in disposing of our affairs requires tact. There’s nothing repellent about tact. The tactical will draw, mesmerize, magnetize and, if permitted, we name it as something captivating, fascinating, charming. Disorder is out of line with tact, because there is no unity about it. Thrift, peace, contentment of mind and good health may be laid to orderly tact, the door of the correct tactician. Go where you may, the tactical should be the supreme, reigning, silent, conciliating factor In conducting all our affairs, to the extent that it tends to promote and make life happy. Method about one’s madness surely is tact with a vengeance. That will prevent a clash at arms or argument. It averts exhibitions of temper, anger and ill will. It makes the indolent active, the slovenly neat and clean in person and appearance. It jeopardizes nothing, for it has nothing to lose in its varied exertions. Blarney of speech, though of Celtic origin, make and character, is tact of the first order. Lightens Life's Burdens. Tact, then, is apparent to an*' approved by all because of the nicety with which it deals in that which it undertakes. It lightens the burdens of life and anticipates emergencies at all times. There is no real selfishness about tact. With confusion there is no tact, or even the semblance of it Our homes, shops, and the carriage and care of them should never be without tact. Tact is the economy of life. What the compass is to the ship tact should be to the man who sees danger ahead rising from the unexpected. Circumstance and the occasion oftentimesr give evidence of opportune tact. Tact is speedy in repressing self and addresses itself at the same time to the wantß of others as well as his own. There are convenience and conventionality about tact finally that reduce turbulency tc quietude. It turns war into peace. It makes us happy because it touches the right spot in the heart of every man and woman who falls under its influence or comes in contact with iL — Rev. George T. Donlin.