New scenes, new people, are brought to our very doors, and the interchange of thought gives food for reflection and adds polish and grace to our daily lives. But the tourist in a foreign land needs to be especially careful in his thoughtlessness, not to offend the peculiar manners and customs of the country which he visits, and not to air his opinions to every stranger. Nearly every one is apt to be less cautious about his behavior abroad than at home. If all could only feel that they are accepted as representatives of their native land, they would guard its good name more tenderly, by acting under all circumstances, as ladies and gentlemen. There is a marked contrast between the rush and scramble of Americans when traveling and their ease of manner when at home.
American gentlemen are the most chivalrous of men.
Early training, the deference accorded women, the influence of good homes, have helped to make them so, and yet to see them as we have, pushing and jostling ladies at the ticket office of a railway station, or the entrance to a theater or taking all the seats in a car, and allowing ladies to stand, would impress a stranger with a very different idea of that chivalry of which we like to boast. There must be some demoralizing influence in a railway train, for one continually sees exhibitions of rudeness there. There is a pleasant side to this, however, and that is found in the fact, that, no matter if the gentlemen are a little rude in their eager quest for a place, a lady who acts with propriety, can journey from one end of our country to the other with safety. Women are held in high esteem, and are certain of protection when they require it. It is always more desirable to have an escort when traveling, for there are many little anxieties which he can assume, thus making a lady's journey more enjoyable.