St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-07-02
An Ideal Bachelor.

ment and so give over the selfish joys
of bachelorhood. But as long as young
men in their lamentable desire to be
comfortable refuse to look at the matter
In that light there is need that they
should be duly instructed in the proper.
ties Of their position, and what better
instructor could they have than the
anonymous genius who writes Of things
GAS Seen by Him" in that very fash.
ionable publication, Vogue? 1t is he who
tells them what "the complete bach
elor" should be, and if they are wise
they will listen to his words. All the
contingencies which arise in the social
life of the bachelor are duly considered.
First, there is the matter Of his public
manners, in which many men who re-
gard themselves as well bred are woe
fully deficient. They will smoke in the
street, keep women standing on corners
while they talk to them, sit while wom-
en- are standing, carry sticks or umbrel-
las at offensive angles stare women out
Of countenance at theaters or hotels,
and in general make nuisances Of them
selves. Now, a bachelor who will do
any Of these things is wretchedly in
complete.
Then comes the question of clothes
Nothing more distinguishes the gentle
man than what he wears. Nor is it
enough, as many do, to be nice in the
matter of gloves, shoes or cravats and
owe large sums to the tailor. Dressing
is not so much matter of money as a
matter {. taste. After man has put
his wardi ODE in proper condition he
may get along remarkably well on a
very small yearly sum. Our author does
not disdain to give economical hints,
to tell how the tailor around the corner
will do perfectly well some things for
which the "s,,ell' tailor would charge
roundly, to explain how to get out of a
suit the utmost possible service. Such
things are beneath no mans attention,
though he be genius or a millionaire.
Until the art Of dressing properly is un
derstood, the moral progress of society
will remain an idle dream. We need
not add that the man who wears a
"made tie" belongs in the outer dark
ness Of barbarism 1t is gratifying also
to note that the use of the Tuxedo, or
house coat, is earnestly recommended.
Since every complete bachelor will in
variably dress for dinner, he will find
in the Tuxedo an economical and easy
substitute for the more rigorous full
dress coat, and one that can be worn
not only at home, but in informal com.
panies of gentlemen and at the theater
or in public restaurant. We note that
our author speaks good word for the
black tie with Tuxedo, though he does
not absolutely bar white one. This is
a question upon which no thoroughly
satisfactory ruling has ever been made
For our own part, we think that those
occasions wherein man feels white
tie incumbent also demand "swallor
tail" coat.
The toilet is not less important than
the dress. Scrupulous care in this re-
spect is certainly the mark Of com
plete bachelor. That man should take
his tub every morning goes without say
ing. At the same time there is no need
to insist upon the rigor of the game anG
say that the water shall be cold. Topic
water is best. Every man should learn
to shave himself" These are golden
words. A barber is occasionally neces
sary no doubt, but there is something
offensive to refined sensibilities in the
picture Of long row of men in chairs
having part Of their toilet performed
Our author says nothing of the habit Of
having boots BACKED in the street, just
ly regarding it as one 80 bad as to bt
unspeakable. Patent tooth powders
washes, pomatums and nostrums Of
every kind are condemned without re
serve. This, too, shows good sense. The
care of toilet articles is rightly insisted
upon. A man cannot be compile
bachelor unless he is yelling to TAX,
some trouble. The custom of wearing
the hair long is disapproved.
No point is too minute for the consid
Grafton of this thoughtful writer. Tht
etiquette of cards is matter upol
which lamentable ignorance is Otter
displayed, and in calling and dining
out there are those who show the lacl
of breeding. The practice of graspins
or squeezing the hand of lady is (bar
ring exceptional circumstances unad
visable. "a man removes his glove
from his right hand ON entering thu
drawing room, and holds this, with hi
stick and hat, in his left The hat SHOULD
be at an angle, the top about level will
his nose. This is important. But some
thing more than mere politeness is re
quired of the complete bachelor. Hi
goodness Of heart will come out in hi
treatment of his servants. Though HI
must exercise an iron WILL" he mus
also encourage them now and then b,
kind word" And once in awhile the,
must have a holiday or some cast of
clothing. They, in their turn, shout,
be "noiseless and automatic" Sucl
things too many young men forget
With this book, however, they canno
go very far astray. They can learn how
to behave at dances and at countr,
houses and at clubs. If it be objecte,
that on these subjects gentlemen do no
need instruction, the retort is obvious
Persons who are not gentlemen hav
their ambitions and frequently try to be
come complete bachelors. And sine
this is so, let us be grateful for tb
mentor who is able to give them s.