The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-02-06

The Ley. Il. n. Sanders writes as follows
to one OF our religious exchanges:
l have noticed that in German families
family government is very strict: comnarpJ
with The theory and practice in America ON
TINS subject, may say eS Stremely rigid. The
rules and regulations are few, but thew arc en-
forced on all occasions aud under ali circun-
stances. Unquestioning submission TO pa-
rental authority lies at the foundation of
tins government. Children are taught 10
entertain the highest respect for superiors
ana ioi age 1t is beautiful to see the re-
spectIul manner in which they deport Them
selves in the presence of their superiors and
oder persons. They are also invariably no.
lite to strangers
\ lew weeks ago friend and myself made
an excursion on foot into the country. and
were surprised at the genuine politeness of
the poor peasants and their children. Every
peasant and child we met saluted us in the
KmGeSt manner possible, and readily and
pleasantly answered all our questions. Chill
ureh are early taught to be industrious and
selt-reilant. They are not allowed to call
servants TO do for them things which tbey
can easily do Tor themselves. Every bow is
traineo Tor some business or profession, and
the girls are aimed to make Good house
keepers and good wives. In the best fani-
lies, servants very seldom wait on the table
not even when guests are invited.
took tea, not long since, at the house of
Baroness, with a large party, and not A
servant was to be seen. The Baroness made
tea after we We're seated at the table. with a
convenient and elegant apparatus prepared
ior the purpose, and two beautiful young la
DIES, a niece OF the Baroness and a friend.
passed around the table and served the
guests.
On certain occasion, | called On wea yJpv
family, and was received by the lady of the
bouse, who told me that her two DAUGHTERS
We're in the kitchen cooking. They were
both TO be married soon, and professional
COOK mad been employed to come three times
a week, to give them lessons in the art OF
ccoklnS, and initiate them fully into all its
mysteries. IN five minutes one of these
young ladies came into the parlor to see me.
neatly dressed, and conversed in beautiful
English.
thorough acquaintance with domes ;ic
economy is considered an indispensable quail
lncatlon IN young lady for the married life.
IN addition TO this, mothers teach their
daughters that one of the chief duties after
marriage Is 10 strive to keep their husbands
comfortable and happy. When a German
husband comes to his home, at the close of
the day OF toll and anxiety, his wife receives
him with a smile, afrannes lis arm. chair.
s7F 9'HNy -oh1l uilQ Shippers,
places before him refreshments. gets him q
clsar, and while be eats and smokes con-
verses with him in the most ENTERTAINING
ihaifiief about The seseiits day. YiI..9
VIII your lady friends say about this picture
OF domestic lite in Germany.
His "lady friends" win undoubtedly
reply that this is very pleasant ar
raneement for the German gentleman /:
but lie has omitted some noints /, tba
filling out of his picture He should
have added, what is true, that German ladies',
even those of rank, are expected to perform
Offices which the men regard as menial and
beneath themselves. No German gentleman
would be seen walking in the street carrying
bundle. That is beneath him; but he win
walk beside ms wife, his sweetheart. or even
his mother, and allow her to carry IT. 1t is
her place TO serve. On the whole, we sus-
pect our 'lady friends are not anxious to i'm
port German manners at present.