The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1883-01-12
FRENCH PoLITENEss.
1t is Simply a Very Artistic and
Decorative FrescO.

decorative EfeScO.
Lucy b. Hooper in Chicago Tribune.
I recently received, and perused with
much enjoyment the number Of The Trib-
une containing the account of the
proceedings at Central Music hall on the occa-
sion of the delivery of Mr. Emery A Storrs'
lecture on Europe. One passage in the dis
course of my brilliant countryman particu-
larry struck me-namely, the paragraph relat-
ing to French politeness, whereof he says:
Desiring to be generous, at first thought it
was veneer; nearer approach convinced me
that was doing it too much honor-it hardly
merits the Characterization of fresco" This
lecture, by the way, has made an impression
upon the Partisan mind, being largely quoted
from in the journal known as LIE Soleil a very
ably-edited and intellectual paper
But, to return to the question of French
politeness, must confess that entirely agree
with Mr.. Storrs in his appreciation of it Yet
it is very charming; it is fresco merely, but
the fresco is very artistic and decorative, The
grace and courtesy of manner that surround
one on every side in Paris add very positive
largely made up of little things, an attention to
the minuti@ ef social intercourse, strict OBJ
servance of certain rules of etiquette and a
charm of manner that is perfectly irresistible
Add to this a vast amount of tact which
prevents any rubbing the wrong way of
undue susceptibilites, and the casual
observer will very readily comprehend
bow delightful race this is to live amongst
Frenchmans devotion to the rules of eti-
quote is really extraordinary; he would con-
slider himself brute did he appear without
gloves in lady's presence, or go to make an
evening visit In any costume save full evening
dress, or fail to lift his hat in passing an un-
known lady on the staircase or in the hall of
house at which he CHANGED to be visiting
You may be perfectly sure that on any occa-
sion or in any circumstance he will do the cor
rect thing.
But where French politeness shows it's
fresco-like thinness is in the practical side of
the quality. The fine chiyalrous devotion of
American manhood towards the weaker sex is
not only wholly lacking in Paris, but is re-
placed by an aggressive and selfish rudeness
in many instances that is wel-nigh unbearable
to an American woman. In proportion as the
Frenchman's house manners are charming,
lis street manners are deplorabe. The most
elegant dandy that ever paced the boulevards
will not hesitate to 1rustS woman out of his
way on narrow sidewalk
If he push her into the gutter, so much the
better for him and so much the worse for
her. He will elbow and shove without mercy
party of ladies at the entrance of
q crowded theatre, using lAs supe-
rior strength, not to protect them, but to thrust
them out of the way. If lady drop her para
sol or her handkerchief on 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 expected of them. l once
saw an American lady hail cab on the Rue de
Paix. AS it drew up to the sidewalk two we'll
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 pavement on the crowded
boulevards, and never once did see a man
amongst the passers-by stop and extend a
hand to help the sufferer TO rise
Another subtle form of rudeness amongst
our French friends is the failure to answer
letters. do not mean mere notes or letters
of inquiry on subjects interesting to the writer
merely, but actual business communications
of certain amount of Importance Another
very annoying lack of courtesy is to be found
in their want of punctuality, even in matters
of business. And / have yet to come in
contact in American society with a stratum
low enough to furnish personages who
would act after the following fashion, An
American lady once got up in Paris a soiree
musicale Of some Importance. private af-
fair, admission being gained by invitation
only. She hired for the occasion small
concert hall belonging to one of the leading
teachers of singing in Paris This hall had
two proscenium boxes, which the hostess
wished to reserve for some particular friends
of her own. There being no lock ON the
boxes, she affixed a placard to each door,
bearing the name of the person for whom
the box was intended; and, as an additional
measure of precaution, she tied ribbon
across each door A paFty Of French titled
personages, for whom invitations had been
requested by an intimate Observation-Disclosures
of undoubted birth, and breeding and social
standing-arrived early at the hall, broke the
ribbon and tore off the placard from one box
door, and installed themselves in the 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 comments on this incident, which 1 know
to be true, having learned the facts from the
| lacy who gave the entertainment
| PARIS, France.