The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1885-02-26
Ethics Of Letter Writing.

There is no social accomplishment
which is more often called into requisi-
lion than the art of letter writing To
say and do the proper thing at the pro-
per time is one Of the tinwritten laws of
etiquette. It is q valuable accomplish
nent to perform this duty gracefully
Social correspondence devolves quite
naturally upon the women Of the fami-
ly. II il Unnecessary to point out the
value Of promptness In acknowledging
and answering correspondence, for it is
the height Of rudeness to leave letters OF
question Unanswered. In letters of in.
vitation and acknowledgement the Sc.
verely conventional form is used. Let
ters OF introduction should be brief,
and, as they are generally presented IN
person, exaggerated expressions OF
praise are not in good taste. These, OF
course, and any other letter delivered
in person, are unsealed. Letters OF
coincidence are written informally.
This branch Of epistolary correspond
ence is difficult one, and actual feel
ing is the only guide to good taste. 1t
is in personal letters between relatives
and friends that the most charming
specimens are found; the gossiping,
chatty epistles that Dire largely expected,
and which bring color into the dullest
day. Anyone who has been stranded
in country house in stormy weather
will remember the pleasant excitement
caused by the arrival of the mail. DIR.
Johnson once made the sweeping asser-
ton that gossip never hurt anybody no
doubt this is going too far, but it can
not be denied that information as to
what is "going on" and familiar personal
items constitute the best of these let
tiers. The close of letter must &C.
cord with the address, in formality
and form. A lady, must not use alb
breviations in her letters any more
than in her speech, nor use figures, ex
cept in case of date. The date of a
letter is of Importance even in the most
trifing matter. When a printed ad-
dress is stamped upon sheet of letter
paper, the date is often relegated to the
end Of the epistle. Postal cards should
be used only for business purposes,
such as sending orders, brief messages
or notice by mail.
The cards that come with envelopes
to fit are used for any business message
that you wish to send enclosed; in an
swering a question, sending memoran-
dunn or making familiar inquiry
The enveloped card stands midway be-
tween the postal card and the note
sheet. Always use the folded note for
any formal writing. It shows more
care, and therefore more compliment,
just as the card, for some strange rea-
son, is easier to pick up for hasty line
in an envelope.
When note that requires an answer
is sent to any one unknown to the
writer always enclose postage stamp
Formal notes and letters are generally
written in the third person. 1t is con-
sidered inelegant to sign letter
Mrs." If it is necessary in giving
the address, place it in brackets under
the full name. A firm, clear handwrit-
ing is mark of good breeding. "Yours,
truly" or every truly yours" is going
out of date, just as these, in their turn,
supplanted "Your obedient servant"
and "Yours to command" Cordially"
with high regard Sincerely" or
Respectfully" as the case may admit,
are more in use. The selection of writ
Ing paper and envelopes depends upon
individual taste. Plain, heavy paper
is fashionable at present. The practice
of pertaining letter paper, always in
taste, is entirely out Of
date.