The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1883-02-15
FRENCH PoLlTENEss.
1t IL Simply Very Artiatic and De,
oPativo Freoc0.

4C 10 Stmpty = very AItaoGsC ana OeC-
orative Fresco.
fLucy n. Hooper in Chicago Tribune.
But. to return to the question Of
French politeness, It Is very charming;
It Is a fresco merely, but the fresco 10
very artistic and decorative. The Rraco
and courtesy of manner that surround
one on every side in Paris add very
positive charm to existence. French
politeness is largely made up Of little
things. an attention to the minntie Of
social intercourse, q strict observance Of
certain rules of etiquette, and charm
Of manner that is perfectly irresistible.
Add to this vast amount Of tact, which
prevents any rubbing the wrong wav
of undue susceptibilities, and the casual
observer will very readily comprehend
how delightful a race this 10 to live
amongst. A Frenchman's devotion to
the rules of etiquette il really extraor-
binary; he would consider himself q
brute did he appear without gloves In q
lady's presence, or 60 to make m eve
ming visit in any costume eave full eve
ming dress, or fail to lift his hat In pass
ing an unknown Lady on the staircase or
in the hall of house ct which he
CHANGED to he visiting. You may b
perfectly sure that on any occasion OF In
any circumstance he will do the correct
thing.
But whore French politeness shows ito
fresco-like thinness IL In the practical
side of the quality. The fine chival-
rous devotion Of American manhood to-
ward the weaker sex is not only wholly
lacking in Paris, but il replaced By an
aggressive and selfish rudenese In many
instances that is well.nigh unbearable to
an American woman. In proportion -
the Frenchman's house manners are
charming, his street manners are de-
plorable. The most elegant dandy that
ever paced the boclevards Will not hesi-
tate to thrust q woman out OF hts way on
the narrow sidewalk. -
much the better for him and 10 much
the worse for her. He will elbow and
shove without mercy party of ladies' at
the entrance OF a crowded theatre. using
his superior strength, not to protect
them, but to throw them out Of the
way. If lady drops her parasol or her
handkerchief on q crowded thorough
fare no man will stop to pick it up for
her. That is her business, and If the
male passers by refrain from treading on
the object it is as much as can be expec-
ted of them. I once saw an American
lady hale cab Oh the Rue de Paix. Az
It drew up TO the sidewalk two well-
dressed Frenchmen thrust themselves
in front of. her, got into the cab, and
drove off in triumph. During the severe
winter of some seasons ago repeatedly
saw ladies slip and fall on the icy pave
ments Oh the crowded boulevards, and
~ Il ~
passers.b by stop and extend hand to
help the sufferer to rise.
Another subtle form of rudeness among
our French friends is the failure to m.
swer letters. do not mean mere notes
or letters of inquiry on subjects inter-
esting to the writer merely, but actual
business communications of a certain
amount Of importance. Another, very
annoying lack Of courtesy is to be found
in their want Of punctualitv, even in
matters of business. And have yet to
come in contact in American society
with stratum low enough to furnish
personages WHO would act after the fol-
lowing fashion: An American lady
once got up in Paris soiree musicale Of
some Importance private affair, ad-
mission being gained by Invita-, on only.
She hired for the occasion small con-
SSAS A1aAA DCAOASAAS ~ OuO VI Vic AC0OAAS
teachers of singing in Paris. This hall
had two proscenium boxes, which the
hostess wished to reserve for some par
ticular friend Of her own. There being
no lock on the boxes, she affixed pla-
card to each door, bearing the name Of
the person for whom the box was in
tended; and as an additional measure Of
percaution, che tied ribbon across each
door. A party of French titled person
ages, for whom invitations had been re-
quested BY. an intimate friend-individ
uals'of undoubted birth, and breeding
and social standing--arrived early at the
hall, broke the ribbon and tore of the
plac lrd from one box. When the hostess
went to demonstrate one of the party,
viscount of lofty name and long
pedigree, shut the box door in her face.
add no comment on this incident,
which know to be true, having learned
the facts :rom the lady who gave the
enterta inmpnt