Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1890-10-24
WHAT IS GOOD FORM.
Differing Customs In Different Countries
Etiquette Among Various Peoples.


That etiquette is sometimes arbitrary
and not covered by the definition of
common sense set to rule is shown by
the widely varying customs in different
parts of the world.
An American going up or down
stairs in public hotel does not feel it
incumbent on him to remove his hat ii
n lady should be on the stairs. In
Europe it would be considered very
rude if man did not uncover under
such circumstances. An American,
entering parlor expects the lady of
the house to rise and greet him.
In Spain lady would seem to for
felt her sclf-respect should she ex-
hibit so much forwardness. No one
ever saw man and woman arm in
arm in the streets of Spanish city
without knowing they were foreigners.
A Spanish husband even never takes
his wife's arm in public. Nor would
n Spanish woman receive male visitor
alone. Such is the system of protection
exercised over women by hidalgo.
grandee. tradesman and peasant in the
sunny land of romance.
Among the notable guests ut the
Constitutional Centennial banquet in
the Philadelphia Academy OF Music. in
September. 1887, were the Chinese
Eavoys who accompanied Count Nit
kiwez to this country in connection
with the concessions to u Philadelphia
syndicate. During the evening a note
WAS handed to the chief envoy. a grave
looking, elderly man. He was
troubled for a moment and then made
an elaborate apology in French for the
rudeness of whicn he was compelled
to be guilty, namely, the wearing of
his spectacies in C mpany long enough
To- read the note. 1t is gross breach
of etiquette for Chinaman to wear
eyeglasses or spectacles in company,
aud it is equally impolite to enter a
room with the hat of. A gentleman
OF the Celestial Kingdom always re.
mains covered to show his respect.
Another piece of Cainese etiquette
noticeable at the banquet was that, al
though the evening was fine, the en-
voys wore rubber overshoes until thew
reached the Academy cloakroOm, and
removed them prior TO entering the
amphtheater. Chinese etiquette for
bids man TO enter a room with soiled
shoes, and consequently, overshoes are
worn until arriving ut the house.
An American won d never think nj
removing his hat prior to speaking to
any man on the street. In Holland be-
fore speaking to the most humble in
dividual out of doors Il man uncovers.
In Holland, too. men and women rare
lv purchase at the same stores, but in
case where they do, if woman dis
covers that men are assembled inside
she retires until they leave. A live
American store-keeper would probably
soon change this feature of Dutch
etiquette. The Americans English.
! Germans and Russians shake hands
with man in bidding him welcome.
An arabs greeting is to rub his cheek
against that of the person he saIutes
and kiss him. A Frenchman welcomes
n friend by embracing and kissing him.
though by slow degrees this custom is
being superseded.
The japanese customs are similar to
those Of China. 1t is not an unusual
sight to see a number of Japanese re-
move their sandals, cross their hands
and cry Spare me!' when a great
man passes. but the custom is rapidly
going out of vogue since the leaven of
enlightenment has been spreading
through the land. A peculiar mark OF
esteem in Burmah is to ask permission
to smell persons face. and then de-
clare the perfume to be as sweet as
some choice flower. The custom is
contined to Burmah and is not likely
to spread.
In America politeness goes. as IL
should. before all else. One rule can
be laid down for general observance
where n persons ideas of the proper
thing TO do are unsettled: let him III Ike
himself at home. He should do so in a
manner 10 create some respect for
home. unlike young man who called
at the Office of n noted Philadelphia.
somewhat famous for his straightfor-
ward utteranceS.
Make yourself at home for few
minutes" said the owner of the Office
to his visitor
The young man, having seated him.
self somewhat comfortably, but mis-
taking a table for footstool, respond.
ed cheerfully:
Il always make myself at home"
Then pity the people at home, "
J WAS the Ouipk rosnOnsp