Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-15
An Authority Criticised.


POINTS OF ETIQUETTE.
To the Editor 5f the EVENING STAR:
OF course The STAR is not responsible for
the opinions Of correspondents, but when the
'Author of Don't" as an authority, gives such
advice az was set forth in Etiquette and Man.
ners' in last Saturdays STAR, a reader may at
least criticise the "Author Of Don't" as an au-
thority. Customs may be slightly different in
different cities and we have some peculiar to
Washington, but think all I shall notice will
apply as well to one place as another In the
first letter quoted the answer ''yes" is given to
the question sis it customary for ladies to take
off their bonnets at formal luncheon?" l say
decidedly no. in fact formal luncheon is often
spoken of asa bonnet" luncheon implying the
almost universal wearing Of bonnets at such en-
tertainments.
Again, in reply to letter third. Eyes" is an
swered to the question whether guests should
leave cards at an evening reception. Again
say no. 1t Is not customary, in this city at
least, for guests to carry card cases, or leave
cards, where they would appear in full dress.
In letter twelve, take two exceptions to the
answers given. An 'At Home Is defined as
meaning in hostess merely being at home
at the time designated. and does not imply an
entertainment of any kind" The generally ac-
cepted definition OF an AT Home" in Washing
ton would be an evening reception, with guests
in evening dress, music generally, flowers and
an elaborate supper, instead Of the mo enter
tainment'' prescribed by the Author of Don't"
But most absurd of all is the answer given to
the question What is q caId receptlon?" "A
reception in which cards are introduced-pro-
gressive eucher. whist, &c.,-and usually takes
place" whatever that may mean, lat o'clock
Certainly our authority cannot have been
in Washington during the past four years, where
the card receptions of the White House and
cabinet have been such features Of social life.
If she had been here she would understand
what is the significance Of card reception. one
for which cards Of invitation are sent to ali ex-
pected guests, in distinction to the general re-
ceptions given weekly by ladies in official life,
where everybody is welcome. strangers
well as friends.
Possibly the '.Author of Don't' has heard
that card reception is soon to be given at the
White House under the Harrison regime
wonder IL she were to be hidden guest whether
she would expect to be RECALLED with old maid,
or progressive eucher. She might carry Of the
BOBBY prize! COMMON SENSE.
The STREET ANNUNcIAroR FOR STREET Cars
An inviting lunch was served this afternoon in
the Office Of the president of the Metropolitan
railroad company to stockholders and directors
Of the several street railroad companies. After
ward the party, consisting of Messrs. Pearson,
Grover, Brown, Green, Moore, DIR. Clarke, DR..
Clagett, Besll, Coolidge, Cammack, Wilson,
Greene, johnson, Riley and Thomas
|
which was explained during trip of street.
car set aside for the party, and was generally
considered to be q success. This street
annunciator consists Of box little less than
2 feet square and about inches thick, contain
ing cylinder, on which il rolled smooth-sur-
faced canvas. The canvas 10 divided into
squares, the upper half having on it in large
letters the name Of street. while the lower
portion is occupied by an advertisement.
The instrument 10 operated by the conductor
through the medium of knob or atran When
the car approaches an intersecting street the
strap b pulled and the name Of the street Il
visible 10 the passengers, while their attention
is directed TO the change BY the ringing Of
small alarm-bell
Mr.. Glover was warm In approval of this in
vention for the Washington and Georgetown
railroad
Sur FOR AN INJUNCTION, Hrc.--w. J. Arm
strong has applied for an injunction, &C.,
against Jane White and her husband, W. Lee
White. and W. @. White. He states that June
s. 1887, he sold them half interest in the