Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1873-08-21
GOOD MANNERS.

The authcress of"Unset.lcd Etiquette. "
which was published in Lippincott's Nag
d.i"e few months ago. has edited a work
on kindred subject. which is valuable
aid for the young in the study Of manners.
1t is published BY Lippincott 4 Co, un-
der the title of '.The Young Lady's
Friend" The editor contributes an in
'roduct"ry chapter. which contains many
excellent suggestions:
'J nj touriours pensc qu'ou rerorneroit le gen.
re humain si Ton reformoit redncarion de Ia
jeunesse" ''Lsures Piaccins'
This volume teaches that no "distinc.
tions of blood and caste" are acknowledge
cd in this country. but only such as are
founded on education. character, and
manners. While i, does not claim that
there are any exclusive old families who
conduct the difficult duties of fashionable
life intuii:ycly.' it docs assert tia. when
that training which includes attention to
manners is bestowed in youth, poiteness
becomes instructive, constituting the diff
ttsfEasHes tfaSe sags between & the well educated and
been neglected
Il aflirms tina. while some persons have
great dread Of ceremony. as if il implied
sacrifice OF sincerity or simplicity, es-
.ablishcd rules of etiquette are necessary
for the harmony of social intercourse. and
that these rules. though varying in differ
ent countries. have 4 meaning and a use
adapted 10 each. and should be welcomed
aud understood by all.
1t also states that most young people
desire to have good manners. bu. that
many do nr not know In what they con-
sist. and that although they may wish to
conform to the customs aud usuges of po-
lite society they are unable to do SO from
ignorance of what is expected of them.
1t informs US that there is strong de-
sire for improvement in young people of
both sexes 1S3). and that in fuctua-
ting society like ours. where the sudden
acquisition of veal h brings new families
into new positions aud surrounds them
with new associates. where talents and
education carry people into the most re-
fined circles without any previous training
IN manners, that 1t becomes very neccssa-
~ to have some means OF finding ou: what
belongs to polished life. If there be any
s,;ch a, this day OS73) We would say
that by frequent and careful rerusal Of
these pages such knowled ge may be gained
as will make i; the faul; Of those who read
them if they do not become, in character
and manners. all that the most devoted
parent can desire. Although there has
been ample time for Improvement since
the day when Walter Scott complained oi
"the manners CT want of manners peculi-
ar to Americans" the author is right in
asserting that. '.to a certain extent, rule
ness is still a characteristic of our people,
and that downright insoleuce not uufre-
lueutly prevails"
So much so that in what is called our
eess society it is not uncommon to meet
with men who imagine that they make
themselves Of impo, ,ance because they
can be rude and even insulting. remind.
ing those with whom they arc thrown OF
the story told of King james. who. when
asked by his nurse to make her son gen.
tleman, replied. II will make him bar.
onet If you will. bat no power on earth
L We
agree with Locke in thinking that in niue
cases out OF ten a man is what his educa
,ion has made him, what a comment i
their conduct upon the training they hav,
received in the home circle! Or il ".
; surpor, the theory that in man. as vel
as IN animals. qualities are transmitted
: in the blood, what deductions should ",
arriTe at concerning their proreni,orsy
The following passage. which occurs il
i. a recent novel. Is SO true and good that
will bear repeating:
The only excuse for the existence i,
this country of set or sets pretending .
; be at the head of social life Is that the
{ really fulfill certain Important functions
tha, they really offer higher standard G
. excellence and culture. that they reall
encourage an improvement in manners
: and stimulate The grUw,h and spread q
y refined taste. This is their oaiy raise
I. d'etre. IL they do nos do this their es
] elusiveness j: an insolent pre,ers:ou.
'son,emr,illc huml ug."