The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1872-03-02
Maxims Of Washington.

The following "Rulcs Of Civility
and Behavior in Company and
were found in
manuscript written by Washington
when he was about thirteen years
old. The source from which they
were derived is not known Form
ing as they do q code for the
building up the habits Of morals,
we think them an appropriate Of
feling to our readers, who. we
hope, are zealously devoted to the
cause of education
The max ms which contributed
TO form such a perfect character as
that of our Washington. Eust ap-
pear precious to every American
mother.
l. Every action in company
ough to he with some sign Of re
srect to those present.
2 Be no fla,terer; neither play
not with any one that delights not
10 be played with.
8 Let your countenance be
pleasant, but in serious matters
somewhat grave.
4. Show not yourself glad at
the misfortune of others, though
/! he were your enemy.
s. When you meet with one of
greater quality than yourself stop
and retire, especially If it be at
door. or any straight place, to give
! way for him to pass.
6 They that are in dignity, or
in office, have in all places pre-
cedency; but whilst they are young
they ought to respect those who
are their equals in birth or other
qualities, though they have no
public charge.
I. 1t is good manners to prefer
those to whom we speak before
yourselves. especially il they be
above us, with whom in novsort we
ought to begin.
g. Let your discourse with men
Of business be short and comp.e-
hensive.
9. In writing or speaking give
to every one his due title, accord
ing to his degree and the custom
of the place.
! 10. Strive not with your su-
periors in argument. but always
submit your judgment to others
with modesty.
IL. Undertake not to teach
your equal in the art he processes;
it savors of arrogancy.
II When man docs all he
can, though it succeeds not well,
blame not him who did it.
: I3. In reproving. show no signs
J of choler, but do it with sweetness
and nildness.
IA. Take all admonitions thank
! fnlly, in what time or place soever
| given; but afterwards, not being
} culpable. take time or place con.
} venient to let him know it that
gave them.
Is. Mock not, nor jest that are
: sharpbiting, and il you say any
thing witty or pleasant, abstain
a from laughing thereat yourself.
. 16. Wherein you reprove anoth
y er, be unblamable Yourself: fol
: example is more potent than
5. precept-
y II. Use no reproachful Ian
!, guage against aay one; neither
curse nor revi!e.
18 Be not hasty to believ,
flying reports to the dlsadvantag'
Of any.
19. In your apparel be mod
est, and cndeavor to accommodate
nature rather than procure admira
u ton; keep to the fashion of you
o equals, such as are civil and order
'e ly with respect to time and places
,s 90 Play not the peacock look
IS ing everywhere about you. to se
t. il you be we'll decked. il you
t shoes fit we'll, il your stockings sc
lie neatly aud clothes handsomely.
rs 81. Associate yourselves wit
le people of good quality. il you es
Dt TEEN your. reputation; for it
Is better to be alone than in ba
ID company.
ID 22. Let your convers alton b
I'd without maiace or envy. for it is
IN sign Of tractable and commenda
as Bile nature; and in all causes Z
IN passion, admit rea son to govern.
l. % Utter not base and f-ivolou
Of thoughts amongst grave and learn
m ed men. no7 very difficult question
is on subjects among the ignoran
y nor things hard to be believed.
of "a Speak not Of doIeful thing
in time Of mirth, nor at the tabl
speak not Of melancholy thing
as death and wounds, and il o,hel
mention them, change, if you ca
the discourse. Tell not yo,
dreams but to intimate friends.
25. Break not jest where nor
I, takes pleasure in mirth; laugh n.
z. aloud nor at all. without occasio
IN Deride no mans misfortun,
49, though there be some cause.
+ rs. Speak not injurious word
9 neither in jest nor 10 earnest, sec
Oh at none although they give occa
u- :on.
's' u. Be not forward, but fricnt
10 ly and courteous; the first
~ salute, hear and answer, and |
u not pcnsive when it is time to CO.
verse.
ed 20. Detract not from othc,
ks neither be excessivein comment
p ing.