Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1882-10-13
HOME TALK.

A rule Of etiquette which is often VIC
lated. especially by women is that relat.
ing to letters of inquiry that should al.
ways contain stamp for reply. Its
not only courteous, but 1t is matter
of absolute Justice The question is
usually a personal matter and wholly
for the benefit of the inquirer who is
asking favor. 1t is to be sure, lit
thing to write a few lines, and sheet
ofpaper, envelope and postage stamp
cost but a trifle but a stranger or COM
mon acquaintance, has no right to de-
mand that trife o, even to request it
without returning an equivalent.
1t is not pleasant thing to say, but
it is true, that this sort OF rudeness IS
more often committed by women than
men. This difference is not because
women are not naturally as courteous
as their brothers, but that the latter
from their business training know that
the majority Of people do not care to
give something for nothing to those in
whom they have no interest. Women
on the contrary. do not stop to think
of this. They want something, they
may get it by the writing of letter,
and in the majority of cases they for
get to enclose a stamp. We speak of
that which We know, for scarcely a
week passes bu: that we receive letters
requesting us to forward an en-
closure and sending no stamp. We
frequently &c: complaints from men,
bers of the Household who have offer
ed some favor to the other members
and been overwhelmed with letters ac-
cepting it, but no stamp for reply. One
or two of this kind may be regarded
with kindly forbearance. but when they
multiply into the dozens the thing
grows monotonous. 1t should be an
invariable rule never to send letter Of
inquiry, which is personal matter en-
tirely without enclosing postage for a
a reply. If this is not done, no one
need be surprised at not receiving an
answer.
The American Queen speaks of this
matter. ofwhich a correspondent COM
planned, and adds that she made it a
text for a sermon against women gen.
orally, invelghing against the habit |
which they have of allowing others to
spend small amounts in their behalf:
"This is small matter, continues |
the Queen, but illustrates tendency
among American ladies which it is just |
as well should be recognized. They al
low their friends ofthe Steiner sex to
pay for them very often when they
should pay for themselves. Examples
are to be met with on every hand. If
a gentleman invites a lady out with
him it is not necessary to say that he
shall pay their mutual expenses. But
if a gentleman meets a lady friend in a
car or stage, or restaurant, he
should not attempt to pay her score !;
and if the offer is made, she should not
hesitate positively to decline it. Cen
orally speaking, if a lady is not IN a
gentleman's company, he should not
meet any expense for her, and she
should not allow him to put her under
the obligation. We are sorry to know
that ladies do not seem to understand
this simple rule. 1t is not only etiquette,
it is common sense.
In these days when women are trying
to be self dependent, these things
assume more importance than as mere
matters: of etiquette. The habit is a rem
nant ofold days when their husbands,
fathers and brothers kept the purse
strings tightly tied. and few cents held
lonely sway in the feminine pocket
hook. There is vast change in these
later years when so many women are
self supporting, and the change should
be made apparent in such simple mat
tiers as these.-Z0ledo BLADE.