The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-06-21
Highest of all in Leayening Power-Latest Govt Report
RHa!:I!! al! BakiRg Bsa5sg,!
ABSOLUTELY PURE
THE ART OF INTRODUCING.
A Few Pertinent Suggestions in Regard
to This Familiar Custom.

The various rules of that social
formality = the Introduction = are
many.
A young gentleman wishing an in
PRODUCTION to young lady ought al
ways to solicit it either from her
parents or from some married lady
who will vouch for his standing and
character.
After permission is granted to the
satisfaction of all parties the presenta-
tion should be made after the usual
prescribed form:
"Allow me to introduce Mr.. Robin
son, Miss Smith; am delighted to-
present him to you." Then the intro
ducing friend retires and allows con-
versation between the two without in
terruption.
In all cases of introduction the gen.
tleman should, after being introduced,
wait for the lady to bow. 1t is her
prerogative to establish the acquaint-
ance.
On the young lady's part, when a
young gentleman is presented to her
she should not rise. She only inclines
her head, but she takes care that her
eyes are turned toward the person in
troduced.
A young lady when presented to an
elderly person or persons who are
evidently older than herself should
rise. The standing of both parties in
measure determines the particulars
of behavior. But certainly the elderly
person should demand this respect of
the younger when introduced.
In presenting one lady to another
the permission should be secured.
A single woman should be presented
to a married lady-not the reverse.
This same law of manners should and
does prevail in the introducing of
gentlemen to gentlemen.
When cordiality is to be expressed
the hand should be offered, although
handshaking is not so general as
formerly. "The ceremonious introduce
tion forbids it,
In the cases where young people are
introduced to persons older than them
selves the offering of the hand invari-
ably should come from the elder
never the younger-and should be
carefully received in the same spirit
as it is given.
When stranger is presented to any
lady acting in the capacity of hostess
she should extend her hand. The
civility of the home places the new
conner at ease and secures him social
welcome.
The bow in polite circles is consider
ed all that is necessary. A gentleman
when given an introduction to a lady
bows. Two ladies being introduced
bow. But whenever the introduction
partakes of a marked friendly charac-
IL ~ L
betw cen.
In all cases the names in an intro
duction should be pronounced in q
clear, distinct manner. An indistinct-
ness or carelessness in this matter is
| bad form.
Generally speaking, introductions
should never be given on the street, in
a store, OF at any public place Of
amusement. That is not only in bad
taste, but a casual introduction does
not insure foundation for future ac.
quaintance. Indeed, young ladies
when presented even at a ball, tea, Oh
reception to person who does not
prove agreeable can ignore outside ot
their hostess house the fact of the in
PRODUCTION.
A question has arisen in many circles
whether, at reception, tea, or any in
formal entertainment, the guests o1
the hostess should consider the intro
duction necessary.
Many persons object to what is called
"roof introduction" and do not be.
lieve in an equality SO social. There.
fore, for the most part, the formal and
permitted Introduction remains the
perferred way of bringing people to
gether.
In the giving of letters of introduc
tion, permission first should be grant
ed, even in the case of intimate
friends.
To proffer letters is a dangerous
thing, unless one knows well the stand
ing and social character of the person
one is thus introducing; many un
pleasant consequences arise from
good heartedness." Such letter car
be presented in person, but the more
elegant way is to send the letter by
messenger or post, the card of the per
son comforting the introduction and
your own, with address accompanying
it.
A visit should be made within weel
after the arrival of the letter by the
person receiving it if the acquaintance
is desired.
In writing letter of introduction
care should be taken that request:
which involve much time or trouble
should not be made. TO give dinner
in many houses is sore trial where
service is not ample and means are
: limited. Therefore the letter of intro
{ duction should entail only attention:
| of minor sort.
, There is a word to be given to the
shy, the timid, and to those young peo
pie who are unused to society and it
laws, says Mrs. Oliver Bell Bunce
. The introduction" is the social helper
| that inspires courage, the key that il
time opers to one the world, its pleas
7 ures, AMI it's ways.
, How One Room Was Papered.