The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-09-19
TABLE ETIQUETTE.
How Children Should BE Instructod-The
Use of Napkins, Etc.

many people, and especially society peo-
pie, that a residence in the country is
synonymous with awkward manners,
lack of politeness and disregard of ETH
quette generally. We can really think
of no reason why this should be the case,
and if in some instances it is SO, the
cause is not to be found in the fact OF
having lived outside of the region of
brick walls and paved streets, but from
causes entirely outside of this circum-
stance. Many person ignorant of the
most common forms of politeness and
etiquette, may be found among the dem
liens of the city, who have never seen a
cornfield or dug a potato.
1t is said of some people and children
that is natural to them to be polite, that
it seems to be born in them. This is
true, only in the sense that no other eX-
ample being presented, they learn it so
easily it appears to be natural. A child's
mind is a blank, and everything he
knows is learned at some time. This is
shown sometimes in the case of spoiled
child, who has always been allowed to
have his own way and treat others as he
pleases. His parents may be cultivated
and refined people, but such child will
reach across the table to help himself,
will say 'give me this" or snatch an
article away from another, or do any of
the rude things supposed to be confined
to ignorant and uncultivated society.
The native politeness which one would
expect will appear to be entirely want
ing.
Since, then, politeness is entirely an
acquired habit, there can be no reason
why it should not be acquired in the
country as well as the city, and we have
no doubt but what this is the case.
There are probably few houses into
which this paper goes where the Ordi-
nary forms of politeness are not OBJ
served. Children are taught to say
"thank vou," and ''if you please" and
to say "yes, ma IAN" and mo, sir, "
when spoken to. But there are some
forms of what is called etiquette that
are sometimes neglected. Among these
that of table etiquette is perhaps most
important, as talk of such knowledge
occasions great embarrassment to per-
son when thrown among company who
are accustomed to such forms.
The use of napkins are sometimes
neglected, which is an important omis-
sion. Fashion now preScribes such
large napkins that they are sometimes
denominated small tablecloths, but
whether large or small, children should
be accustomed to the use of them. II
is not necessary to fasten the napkin
under the chin, except in small children,
the action being too suggestive of bib,
but unfolded and laid in the lap, to be
used for wiping the fingers or mouth
There are few persons who do not find
occasion for its use, even if they do not
take the bones in their fingers as chill
dren are apt to do, if left to themselves
Polite society does not allow even chick
en- bones to be taken in the fingers which
were formerly the only exception, bu
the meat must be removed as far a.
possible with the knife and fork on thu
plate.
1t being necessary to first teach chill
dren to use the knife with the right hand
, it is sometimes little hard to accustOn
them to the use of the fork in that hanC
also, and they may require re
peated admonitions. But once learn
ed they will never forget it, an(
much modification may be saveC
l in the future for whatever may b.
thought of the use of the fork, certainl,
D no other method of eating is accepted
n in polite society. Neglect of these par
ticnlars NAV cause children to ask tn
f. reproachful question, "Why did you no
. teach me these things?n
=, The days of delicate appetites amonj
; ladies especially have gone by, and it
e considered perfectly proper to be helpe
= second time if desired. No one wiShe
to make a glutton of himself, but whe
n hungry the appetite may be appease,
O without fear of being thought ill-brec
). Neither is it necessary to wait until a
p are helped before beginning to eat.
+ a large patty is at the table, the first on
!. should wait a reasonable time mt
is those around him are helped. 1t is ne
necessary to say "thanks" or than
m Won" every time an article is passed, {
: the repetition becomes mOnotonOus,
single inclination of the head bein
=, quite sufficient.
- As has been said in regard to Sian
=. and correct language, if we wish chi
" dren to acquire proper habits, we mu
=. practice them ourselves, so in matte
- of etiquette they must be kept constant
~ before the child and practiced unit
~ they are second nature. And real
one way is as easy as the other IVES
ern Rural.
OF
. A good wig of white hair says 8
~ American tOnsorial artist, costs abo