The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1810-02-21
AMUSING MISCELLANY.
yReM THE ANTHOLOGY.
OrsginSi Letters, from an american Trspeiier
IN E~rohe, to HE friends tn this country.
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LETTER TWENTY-SEVETNH
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WILL give you one instsnce only, which will
ne u!ient, t,hecAuse criticism their works 10 not
The objecrof this letter {; but the remark is made
simply Introduction to some sketches of French
manners. a French traveller remarks, that " the
.3'serscans ia general, even the gcnfee Ito
his own words) " sc chens apec les dsigts" blow
thsir noses with their fingers, and their pocket
handkerchicfs only to,seis" After ths,you would,
perhaps, be surprised to me attemp. any thing
like sketch Of French manners, but do it, dsclar-
ing that only seize those particuartss, or traits,
which obvious to the eye Of the passenger which
he ,sAo rsns may read, and which, perhrps, . more
intimate acquaintance wsuld cause to vanish.
The French have been called polite people. 1t
was formerly said, that down to the acquey behind
the coach, the cleaner of your boots, there
delicacy and politeness, which, IL insincers,
nevertheless contributed to the charm of society.
Whether the revolution, or any other cause has pro-
duced change it is most certain that change has
taken place and, though you will find mile pro-
tcstatons dc respect thousand assurances Of
Pcct, though every one assures you, that Jour
Pany Is +" inhniment agreeable, infinitely agreeable
yet, in general, you find the same rudeness and in
civility, tho indifference your accommodation
for which John Built had been deservedly condemned
stranger in publick place 10 squeex xed, crowded,
jos,led in tt< same savage manner, at vauxhali.
Nor do perceive any difference in their treatment
- your SEX AZ the theatres, the pubck lectures
in all publick spectacles, gentleman will permit
lady to peep through the angles Of his elbows with
Oh, cnlarging those angles for her accommodn-
tion, much less removing to give her place. Nor do
find that disposition 10 make stranger forget his
msfortunes not speaking their language ntelligi
bly,, which have heard represented peculiar to
them On the contrary, they appear to think every
stranger savage, who does not speak il well, and to
increase his embarrassment by laughing aud ridcu-
ling him. Such instances, at least. have witnessed.
The French ladies said 10 have preserved th.r
ancient love Of intrigue of this can sAy nothing,
but from re port but they certainly have retained
their love nd taste for dress, which 10 preMntive
proof ofthe other Nopeope change theis dress Of
ten the French ladies. and certainly discover
such fertility and dclcacy Of tast G. When went
over Tn England from France last year, thought
myself transported to country Of Hottentots. so
awkward and autre were the dresses of the ladies'.
The fashions change here in sefs about month
lesser variations take place every week The French
gentlemen, economical in every thing else, are pro-
fuse on their made wives, and their mistress
ses The best trade in France, should thin (,
That of ks jewellers ext to that will rank the mil
liners and after those, in successive order, will
come the nsnsaxkers, flower manufacturers, glove
and hosiery merchants.
The pcrruqi.r had forgotten. I humbly beg his
pardon, because all society would cease without his
ase6h, and indeed indispensable assistance.
While the ladies' are so attentive TO their appear
znce. the gcnuemen as grossly negligent Of
theirs. In geaeral, the French young men are the
nos. i'll dressed people have ever seen. Freck
coats, what should cali great coats. or surtous
sSsfsAa aaier them their hair dshsllved. and
sxtr.m.y Disgusting. There are, however, cxcep-
tons and the pAias royal some times may exhibit
s''Ppered pantaiooas, who may vie with the bcanx Of
bmdSreet. ... Yours, &c.