New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-10
CAUSE or THE DECLINE or COCRIES1'

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TO the Editor Of The Tribnnc'
Sir: Your editorial the decline OF cou'uo''
among men was statement Of fact. well known an"
fully recognized by evcrg citizen Of New York VINO HIS
occasion to use the various transportation lines rom
his home TO business. society. ETC. IL canho, w -.
MED that mans courtesy toward women Is dcc''''e
among Americans. and is likely to decline SUI no'
under present advantageous circumstances. n"'
effect must be preceded by cause, ana seeing tnc 0
let lis search for the cause.
You attribute the decline Of courtesy very largely
TO the widening OF woman, sphere making Her "o'0
and more a scIfreliant being, neither nccuhs' no'
asking nor caring, for the protection ana alVcnt'o'
Of man. Whilst this may be true to some extent j"
Is only a small part OF the underlying cause OF ''''
decline OF courtesy in For the main ana ""c
reason we must look further; must look to woman
TO show the cause. As you apty say, "a tree y
known by its fruit let us judge men by ule''
mothers. 1t is the mother who is ncelectihg 'i'
culture of courtesy in her children who Is spoh'"'
for this lack of courtesy in man. IL Is dauS oo'"'
renee on the elevated railroads. In horse cars ana
ferry boats to ladies' placing their children III scn's
10 the exclusion OF other women. who are conpcii'l
to stand sou lady giving hcr own 50,
10 "A lady with small child ana tlch Juat q, s o"'
as the next scat IS vacated. the child IS deposited from
the lap into this empty seat, even thpn-h IA, NY
who gave up her seat may still be st'nuIn-. Is l''S
inculcatins proper degree OF respect hot 10 say
courtesy and poiteness III the Youhs . j., man s,
much a. her. right that she often i'rSc' To 'htlN
one for scat or other courtesy, moi oven dcsniis
to the givcr 1t Is not the poor shop GIRL VINO
generally smiles bows al ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS VINO ~
at fault in this respect but those rchl dressed WIN
all the outward signs Of lacy J. man ler sla'c'
or docs she not appreciate his consideration 49,
Is 1t considerable for lady 10 remain out maxim
her society calls. doing her thoppln-, fe-. htI ito
hcur is nj hand when the large mas, If inanlnd i
returning home. tired by hard day labor Shou"
she not be al home at thai hour, II only 10 welcome
her IN Sband father brother from hi work or Is IL
any more considerable for lady 10 >auntcr along inc
busy th0oughfircs Of our metropolis, preventing bu'
ness men. with urgent affairs on their hindr anu
minds from passing ahead J. u, lt,ro 30 IN
courteous josie such nconsderae ladies aside IN
the rush and tear of business
Further when man !. SO gallant AS 10 hoin uoor
open Tor the l.dy behind him. the lady very frequently
passc, through. wlthou; taking tire door from h'm
compelling him 10 hold II Tor the nrN !1iN ana 80 -
until some gentleman take Il from lnl. ih, Is zone
vcrv often regardless o. the fact thai thc first semitic
man may have q lady With him. waiting for hiu. j.
a man treated in fni- manner apt t. gro" more
c0ur;cous toward woman
These are a few OF the vital causes conducive 70 a
decline II courtesy ia man toward woman \ courtesy
or an act caantry becomes an a'i OF lnphi'u'c
the very moment il appreciated by The intended
recipient; and n cOurtcsies are not worthy OF ac'
knovled gncnt they not worth receiving
New ort. March !, l-"o. Nhhll ~.