The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-08-29

To THE EDITOR OF The SUN-Sir: Please Day at.
tention to these lines. and let ten of us know what
You think about them. We are up in the country, all
relatives. guests Of a maiden aunt, who rules here.
kindly but sternly. strictly. especially in questions
Of etiquette. All like her moro or less, and nobody
wants to earn her displeasure.
We are a set of young people, with q few grown.up
and older ones thrown in; the latter are our cause
of complaint. inasmuch as they insist on certain
regulations or actions, In conformity with rules Of
speak and understand English, though We ART all
who does not speak English. but is Of a mild temper.
not disposed TO cause us trouble should We use the
The aforesaid maiden aunt insists on our leaving
the English Language alone and using q Language
set, for we ali speak English most Of the Il time, hsfe
and home; Before the edict was issued to use, say,
the French language in the presence Of our elderly
aunt, the conversation was rapid and did not lag.
So 8 slnn Those mSs w 4 hSiffa armerl Sne ea nSS f 4 y t6 5eT soa sGS op:
tionai part OF tte dinner and kept things huInming
their Thoughts. and when they can. the process is so
slow that dinner is spoiled through hard mental
Now. we discussed this state of things among a few
OF us and arrived at this conclusions: Since tho
hted by the adoption Of the language she under.
stands, the enforcement Of the use of said language
Tho old iody IN question would not feel blended
d ms MtTS It. to she sPSf hss h M rcasS SSf to t f sas w aG talk RS ab Sa;
t aS1; I Srs Lizzie ne H GItsrs d9, oar pn theme, Themes Of Gonyersa,
reviewing tho days work and happenings seems to
us wrong, and amy code OF etiquette demanding It Is
wrong. Have ten people OF assorted ages no right In
the matterf Are they all to be subject to the old
lady because she does not speak English, which in
this case ID u fault of her ownf We are so much sur
rounded in town by foolish and unnecessary de-
mands of so-called etiquette that when we 20 TO the
country We do not enjoy being bound by such
chains.
Our dinners, ever since the entry of this aunt, are
regular funeral repasts; one hardly hears a laugh,
the older people talk not at ali, those of middle ago
volt, or they talk 10 themselves only. fearing to con-
verse more. knowing that they are making m Mistakes
In every sentence. since they are all Amercanized to
such an extent that their mother tongue is not with
them any more. at least not su ~llciGntlY for animated
conversation at the dining table. Now, why does not
this aunt say Don't mind me. but talk English o.
We would all be thankful FORT. and our evening repast
would be AZ merry as heretofore. But no; she ia a
slave to her book OF etiquette, and also her niece. the
maiden aunt.
Now, what is your opinion Let US hear from you.
We shall all thank you for IL and try 10 think ~ you
do, whatever your verdict be.
NEW ROCHELLE. Aug. 20. JULIE ARIASpIEENE.
We agree with you entirely. Julie. that it would DO
gracious for your hosteAs to allow you to speak
English at dinner but you young people ara her
guests. and civility requires you TO yield 70 her
~hims 80 long a. you are such. She ought to con-
slider your hAppinsss. but nrst of all you must obey
tAAt obligation