The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-10
RULES or GOOD FORM.
Social Laws which Regulate BE-
haviOr in society

then these small courtesies that constitute
the ensemble of polite behavior are quite
worth study and observance.
A kindly heart and genial nature may
De the Scotch poets definition OF a gentle
man, but TO the world at large these are
the corner stones. from which should
spring the finer architecture that COM
pletes the structure.
Both men and women hesitate at the foot
OF stairs over the question as to when
shall 90 irst-the woman or the man. This
short rule, If remembered. vii govern
the indecision-that in going down the
steps the man follows the woman; in GO
ing up, he precedes her.
Never pass a woman on a staircase. no
matter under what provOcauon. espec-
laliy II you have no acquaintance with
her. II a man is coming down stairs
hurriedly and woman appreciates the
situation, she can quicken her steps or
stand aside, saying do not let me detain
you lie should bow his thanks and pass
on.
Every gentleman should remove his hat
when accompanying a woman down the
steps. If they are strangers, and meet on
the stairway she advancing, he should
stand to one side. and remain with head
uncovered until she is a step above him.
then resume his way. Should he be a few
steps from top or bottom he must so
back TO the landing, allowing her TO
pass him.
This Is the etiquette of the stairs. It
may sound trivial to enumerate these rules
to man Of the world, but it is a safe es-
innate of that six out of every ten forget
to observe them when in the rush of busi-
ness offices, hotels or even boarding
houses.
Next to the question of the stairway
comes the problem of the door When
women are passing out of a room the men
should give them Drapafipncp a the door
If man has followed a woman down the
stairs, he allows her to pass into the room
first, as he stands at the side of the door
way, not behind her.
If the door is closed he can step before
her and open it. 1t is enormously thought
Chat if the door opens into the room the
man should pass in with the handle in
hand and stand there as she enters. Not
So The door can be thrown open and held
back with the open hand from the side on
which he should stand. Therefore. the
manner in which a door opens does not
alter his attitude.
The two rules already outline should
stand for a mans courtesy in an elevator.
A woman precedes him both when enter
ing and leaving. Men are not very careful
in lifting their hats when femme occu-
pants share the elevator. 1T is trouble
some" they argue, but It is breach of
politeness to do otherwise.
is to catch a street car. he must stand
aside if a woman desires to get on. 1t Is
unnecessary to lift his hat as she does so,
for the action would materially lessen his
ability to jump on the car.
lf he has acquaintance with her, she
should be assisted by him. and it is af-
firmed that the polite thing for a man in
any case is to respectfully help woman
in a position like this; especially if, as
usual, her hands are filled with bundles
/ No sensible woman would take offense at
the courtesy if it was rightfully executed
Offering a seat to woman in a car 10
so many-sided a problem there is little
satisfaction in discussing the question.
That man should lift his hat when he
does rise to offer his seat it a rule that
holds no amendment. The lady's escort,
II she has one, lifts his hat also in ae-
acknowledgement of the courtesy. In alght-
| ing from a street car the rule of preced-
ence is reversed, the man stepping down
! first, that he may be of assistance. This
/ action holds good I'm every case whether
| rendered from stranger or friend.
When greeting a woman on the street
! do not merely tip your hat; or as many do,
barely touch it's brim with your fingers.
Raise the covering entirely from the head,
leaving ii bare as she passes.
1t is a bit hard to determine whether
man or woman should bow first 1t is
very much question of the degree of in
timacy. In the case of a slight acquaint-
ance a woman should be allowed the
choice of recognition. Of course, it de-
ponds very much on catching the eye. for
a woman dislikes by look or action to no
tice a man acquaintance who may have
forgotten the Introduction.
In southern countries it is the vogue
to stand with hat in hand while con-
versing on the street with a friend of the
opposite sex climatic conditions do not
favor that custom in all ATTITUDES. In lieu
of this the gentleman lifts his hat both
on ADDRESSING and leaving her. The best
! procedure under the circumstances is to
walk with the woman until the converse
! ton is ended. This relieves her from any
| conspicuousness
When escorting a woman to the the
alter always go up and down the aisle be-
fore her. This rule is founded on common
sense, for you make clear the path. When
! the coupons are identified stand aside and
! let her pass in first. Always rise when a
woman is passing in front of you to seat.
1t is no mark of Difference but makes
/ less obstruction
man should offer his arm to a lady
after nightfaI. The custom is not as gen.
eral as formerly but 1t lends, too, much
support and comfort to women to ever fall
into disfayor In assisting her over a
crossing or through crowded thorough
fare, his hand placed under her elbow is
more efficacious. To an elderly woman ne
should extend the latter courtesy at any
hour of the day, as she will probably need
the support.
Whenever you see a woman's gown in
disorder, so that others may unpleasantly
criticise the fact should be told her. The
manner of telling determines her recep-
ton of it. A man who lifting his hat.
steps up to a woman and quietly says: Il
beg your pardon, but your skirt is slipping
down." and turns away may feel as
sured he has done the proper thing. 1t
may embarrass her deeply, but she will
thank him. 1t prevents a dozen passers-
by laughing at her.
Several men tell me they glance over a
friends toilet very carefully if they are
accompanying her to public place. All
members of the lovely sex do not possess
maids, and gowns are sometimes care
lessly put on, so the surveillance of a quick
eye and bit of advce-though masculine
may prevent later disaster
A MIRACLE IN NEW YORK.
A Woman Receivers Her Voice After
Five Years of SpeechIcsSneSs