The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-09-01

ELEGANCE OF MANNERS.

Nothing is so potent to commend one
the cl aracter he or she bears for poitencss
and refinement of manners. The one who
| enters society educated in the art of good
behavior, will find little or no difficulty in
winning the high opinion and strict atten-
ton of those with whom they meet
| What is peasanter than to converse with
well-iniOrmed and refined lady or gentle,
man. or be in the company of either?
While it may be true that many claim
and, indeed believe that they always act
in conformity to the laws of politeness, we
fear that III many instances there are grave
violations of it committed. Every allow
ance is to be made for the ignorant but
none for those from whom we may reason
ably expect a good illustration of what
refined manners are. Where much is given
much is required, and little wonder is there,
then, that person should feel offended
when treated improperly, even though in
directly, by those who are members of the
highest class i'll society, and doubtless pride
themselves ON their elegance of manners
whose feelings would be mortally wound.
ed did they know that they were considered
ought else in the community.
1t is undeniable, that the lady or gentle
man, whose instruction has not been alone
confined to the making of a graceful bow
or the using of good language, but has also
embraced the study of due regard for the
feelings OF others and the mystery of treat
ing all with kindness, is the only rightful
owner of such Il title. Is he gentleman
who dresses in the latest style of garments
and carries out all the forms prescribed for
the evening company or the ball room, bnt
would turn deaf ear to the appeal of the
needy, or would ridicue the opinions of
others? Is she lady who follows even to
mlnuteness the latest Partisan styles and
goes through the regular routine of aristo-
cratic life, but looks upon the poor per-
haps even the respectable, of her own sex
as unworthy her attention, or makes sport
OF their customs? Surely not.
We hope our town is possessed Of few, if
any, who, while claiming to be ladies or
gentlemen, are, in reality, unworthy the
name. The writer would hesitate to point
out one. Yet the improper acts of some
on recent occasion, have not escaped at
tentlon and criticism. Nevertheless, it is
to be hoped that these were rather the re-
suits of sensitiveness than the effects of
reconciliation, and were by no means in
territorial. A future test will be the best
means by which to judge of this.
When persons visit places where they
are always welcomed and kindly received.
1t is very plain that they obligate them
selves to act in a becoming manner, or, if
they find it impossible to do so, to with
draw. There is no law of politeness that
will permit different course. If, for in |
stance, i'll the ball room, or evening COM |
pany, or social gathering OF any kind, a |
mlshap should occur tG some one or several |
OF the assembly, would it not be highly |
impoiite for any one to take further notice |
OF 1t than would be necessary to rendering |
assistance? Would it not hespeali want
of refinement to give vent to ridicule and |
laughter on such an OCCASION Most GER |
tainy it would. And if this would be true |
III such cases, how much more unbecomug |
would be the same actions in 4 place of |
religious @0rsh5p, and when the religious
ceremonies are made the object of ridcule. |
As We said before, the ignorant may be |
excused, and the rude and unmannerly are
unworthy of notice, but there is little left |
for the real and pretentious but censure! |
The excuse that the ceremonies are strange
has no force, for it is to be expected that
however strange things may appear. re- !
Spect for those who regard them as sacred, |
IT no other motive could be found should |
be sufficient to prevent ridicule besides. it |
would show a lack of intelligence on mat
tiers of no small Importance and DISPOSE
ton to pass judgment without hearing the
cause. PoIJTEXEss
Eitton, .dugua aatf, 1877.