This trait of tact, however, is moving south, and even the colored race is getting hold of it.  An old negro who was born on the plantation where he lived when set free, remained after the war in his cabin and worked for the son of his old master.  In his old age his memory began to fail and he would neglect to do things he was told to do.  The young man was patient with the old negro for quite a while but finally said to him: 

“Uncle Dan, you must do better or you and I will have to separate.”

The old servant said:  “Mars Jim, I does the best I can.  I is mighty sorry I forgits things and I’se gwine to try to do better.”

But he grew worse and one evening when he failed to do a very important chore, the young man said:  “I told you what would happen if you did not do better and the time has come when you and I separate.”

Uncle Dan replied:  “I’se mighty sorry, Marse Jim.  I was here when you was born, and when you growed big enuf I ust to take you on de mule out to de field wif me, and I members how you ust to take de lines and dribe de ole mule.  Den when de war broke out and ole Master jined de army, I stayed here and took care ob ole Missus and you chilluns.  I shore is mighty sorry we’s got to part, but if you says so den its got to be, but look here, Mars Jim, if we’s got to part, whar’s you counting on moving to?”

By this time tact had done its work, aggravation had melted into forgiveness and the young man said:  “I’m not going to move anywhere, Uncle Dan, nor shall you.  We’ll both stay here on the old plantation together.”  That was certainly tact on the old man’s part.

A young negro, who craved a ride on a railroad train but had no money, crept under the baggage car and fixed himself on the truck.  The train started and when at full speed the engine struck a mule and tore the animal to pieces.  Part of the mangled remains was carried into the running gear of the baggage car.  The engineer stopped the train and commenced pulling out pieces of mule here and there until he reached the baggage car, when, looking under for more of the mule, he saw the white eyes of the negro.

“Come out, you imp, what are you doing under there?” said the engineer.

Back came the tactful reply:  “Boss, I wus de fellow what wus ridin’ dat mule.”

The engineer said:  “Well, I guess you’ve paid your fare; climb into the cab and help me run this train.”

I commend to you the cultivation of tact, but don’t let it lead you into the meanest trait of character—­selfishness.  To say,

  “Of all my father’s family I love myself the best,
  If Providence takes care of me, who cares what takes the rest?”

In the days when there was a community hearse in a country neighborhood, and carpenters made the coffins, a young man, who was ashamed of the old worn-out hearse, went about soliciting money to purchase a new one.  Presenting the purpose to an old man of means, he received from this selfish citizen the reply: