Birmingham state herald., 1895-10-31
OUR SOCIAL WORLD.

(All items of social interest will be gladly noted in these columns if sent to Mrs George C. Ball, Nineteenth street. between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, South High lands. Telephone 9S8)
 It may possibly be considered a work of supererogation to call attention again to the necessity of earlier hours at our evening social functions. But there is so much at stake. so much that will have It's effect upon our health, our business and also upon our reputation for proper understanding of the good forms of so- c:ety, that it is worth while to once more refer to this matter. There seems to ex- ist in the minds of many persons an idea that their belated attendance at an evening reception indicates very ultra ''swelP' social condition. This is errone- ous in the extreme, and can only be ex plained upon the ground of youth or in- experience. Social customs and hours are the result largely of environment, and in great cities one entertainment rapidly crowds upon the heels of another, and frequently two and three functions will occur on the same evening. This fact, of course, necessitates an irregular appearance at one or more of them if an effort Is made to be present at all during some portion of the evening. But two engagements for the same hours rarely occur with us, as our city is still small enough for us to find it possible to arrange our entertainments so as not to conflict or clash. So we should at once dismiss from our minds desire to em- ulate a fashion which only prevails in the largest cities of the country and then only because of an absolute necessity. More than this, in New York and other northern cities of approximate size so- cial diversions are chiefly indulged in by the wealthy, leisurely class, with no reg ular duties and limitations. The young beaux of society are generally men whose fathers have accumulated great fortunes which their sons are making great efforts tc disburse according to the laws of finance; and to breakfast at midday is but the habit of these unoccupied speci- mems of manhood. But with us. in this busy Alabama town of modest propor tions, wealth is very rare. almost un- known condition with any of us, and any man who Is worthy of consideration has a;is regular daily duties and obligations which must be attended to whether he retires early or late at night. While a certain amount of social diversion should be encouraged, there is no excuse for any recreation which interferes with an hon est and quiet performance of our business requirements. To attempt both--late hours and regular business duties--for hny length of time will certainly result in physical injury nine cases out of ten, and finally necesstate the giving up of one or the other.
 Public opinion is shaping itself along such healthy lines In this matter of late attendance at evening entertainments that the indication is that very soon no young lady or gentleman who desire to be considered in any degree 'swell' will permit themselves to be later than 9:30 o'clock In greeting their hosts and host esses this season in Birmingham. The men and women who will do the enter taining this winter desire earlier and more sensible hours, and, as we all know, there are certain inalienable rights which belong to the entertainers, and no we'll bred man or woman would willingly ig- nore them. The same improved hours should apply to club recptions, cotillons and every other form of social gathering, for the more nearly a club entertainment approaches in it's details and regulations B private social function the more elegant and enjoyable 1t is. This is small mat ter-this of adopting earlier hours-in some respects, but it is one that should be immediately regulated. We are too we'll bred a community and are in the major jty. too familiar with the usages of good society to continue to commit blunder that indicates one of two things: very false idea of what is really good form, Or a deplorable ineXperience in social matters With little consideration and
 
 be obviated.
 While we are discussing this question, which assure you is being very warmly considered by the best part of our com munity it is well to appeal to the young gentlemen to inaugurate reform in this matter. This is the easiest solution and naturally the proper one. If every young gentleman, when he makes an engage ment with a girl for any entertainment, will specify and insist upon prompt ap- pearance, either at a reception, cOtilion or other functions we will soon witness a change in our social conditions both wholesome and desirable.
 Some friend suggested a few days ago the giving of what she termed "Cinder- ella parties" and it is a most excellent idea The Cinderella entertainments re- ouire the guests to be present at S:30 o'clock. Such parties would prove a bless inG to the busy active young men of Bir- mingham and a boon to the men and women who contemplate entertaining this winter.
 The members of the Tuesday afternoon Whist club were the guests at their last meeting of Mrs. l.. G. Woodson, on Nine teenth street, South Highlands. The prize large and elegant jardiniere was won by Mrs. Jack o. Cohen At the meeting on Tuesday afternoon the whist club decided to increase it's membership to twenty, instead of sixteen. as has been the membership heretofore. Mrs. Will Ham B. Leedy, Mrs. Louis T. Bradfield, Mrs. J. r. Graham. Mrs. J. c. Hunter and Mrs. Peter B. Clarke were elected, mem bers of the club. The members will be