The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-10-28
From the chronological Journal j
Home Politeness.

Etiquette abroad, with its thousand
forms, its manifold details, and its innu-
merable ceremonies, is often discussed
and enlarged upon. If Lord Chesterfield,
Count D'Orsay and kindred authorities
are to be believed, it is the great essen
tial end and aim of life. While in a mi
nor degree admitting its Importance, it
is impossible to be oblivious to the fact
that it is largely subordinate to and de-
dendent upon the exercise of politeness
at home. If the influence of home be
potent In the affairs of religion, morals,
and education, is it not equally powerful
in the formation of manners and deport-
ment? Home is the great training school
of life; and the child who is daily taught
from parental lips that the great secret
of true politeness is consideration for the
feelings of others, and that the most sol
id basis of all etiquette is the golden
rule, will, generally. in mature years, be
courteous and refined; and, though igno-
rant of many forms, yet win both hearts
and hopes. The children of the cultured
widow or of the intelligent merchant,
who has been compelled by adverse cir
cumstance to leave the refined circle of
the the town and retire to some quiet
country village, command the attention
of their neighbors by their superior ad-
for society or public life is politeness at
home to be practiced, but chiefly that
home may be made wnat it should be,
the sweetest and happiest spot on earth
one to which its members shall, in the
after years of separation, look back with
fondest memories.
Could we visit those homes which fam
lily feuds have made wretched or desc
late, and become acquainted with the
kinsmen who cherish for each other a
lifelong hatred. we should be surprised
to find how often the omission of little
courtesies or the commission of thought
less incivilities had at first created cold
ness or distrust. Take heed to the fox
es, the little foxes which spoil the tender
vines is as applicable to etiquette as to
other matters.
1t is to be regretted that while society
commands and business compels that
rudeness be banished and harshness and
querulousness be repressed, yet in the
comparative retirement of home, greater
freedom is allowed; and there are some
Lords of Creation" display their tyran
nv. while the amiable bellies of society
who, when bent on conquests, never for
get that "A low, soft voice is an excel.
lent thing in woman, yet here, on the
slightest provocation, speak in a tone
sufficient to arouse the seven sleepers
while their juniors are allowed the larg.
est license; and, in short, home is treat
ed somewhat as we do rainy days, when
we sally out in our worst habiliments
and feel in our surliest mood
Does the charming Lillian Matilda ev-
er remember, the honeymoon having
passed, as she languidly takes her place
at the breakfast table, with her hair in
curl papers, crumpled collar, and morn
ing robe looking as though washing was
included among the lost arts, the time
when Mysteries would have ensued
should her intended have chanced to
find her in such deshabille?
Does she imagine, as, with petty
gossip, ontinuous murmuring, or angry
words about trifes, she taxes her hus-
bands patience, that human affection
can withstand all shocks or love and re-
spect never be destroyed? 1t certainly
never occurs to her, as, with loitiest dis
dain, she addresses her servants pays no
attention to their wants or sorrows and
looks upon them merely as beings per-
mltted to live merely to serve her, that
"Of one blood God created all the nations
of the earth, and that "all we are breth-
rem" Nor does Adolphus Charles re,
member the rules laid down in courting
DAYS, as, company being absent" he
| leisurely smokes his cigar in the cosy
parlor and labors under the delu-
| sion that carpets were woven for spit
t. ons.
1t is manifestly unknown to him that
mantel pieces were not intended for loot
stools. neither were boot jacks originally
designed for parlor ornaments.
He is disposed to forget that loud
yawning is not considered ESSENTIAL tc
| good breeding; and that magnanimously
10 surrender your iavorite newspaper oil
magazine to some relative is q oardina.