The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-14
Etiquette AND IMPORTANTLY.
The American Way Somewhat Better
than StiIted Forms.
Baltimore Sun.

Baltimore Sun.
Some of the English newspapers have
been greatly exercised apparently by what
seems to them the familiar tone of the
telegram sent by Miss Alice Roosevelt to
Emperor William in regard to the launch
ing of the Meteor. Recent cablegrams
from Berlin show that these English news
papers are giving themselves unnecessary
concern, inasmuch as the Emperor is
quoted as describing the telegram as
charming and not in any way an CT
tense against the majesty which he has
the reputation of guarding with consider
able jealousy at home. That there was no
basis for any such feeling as the English
journals in question attributed to the En-
peror is evident from the text of the mes
sage sent by Miss Roosevelt, which, it will
be recalled was as follows:
Ills Majesty the Emperor. Berlin, Ger
many-The Meteor has been successfully
launched / congratulate you and thank
you for your courtesy TO me, and send you
my best wishes.
ALICE LEE ROOSEVELT"
1t is impossible to conceive of any more
appropriate terms in which Miss Roosevelt
could have expressed herself. 1t was the
frank, unaffected message Of an American
lady, acknowledging without servility the
courtesy done her and offering her thanks
and best wishes in return. To Englishmen
and Europeans generally. who are accus-
toned TO think that thrones are hedged
about with a special divinity and that they
and their occupants should be approached
with bated breath and Bonded knee, Miss
Roosevelt's telegram may appear too direct
and familiar" and lacking in the reverent
tone which should characterize the Ian
guage of those who address royalty. Such
critics should remember that every Ameri-
can man is a sovereign by virtue of his
birthright and that every American lady
is queen at home and that she meets roy
atty on it's own level.
If Miss Roosevelt's telegram seemed "fa-
miliar'' to these sticklers for court ETH
ouette they will probably be thrown into
spasms of horror when they read of the
unceremonious style in which Governor
Van SAINT, of Minnesota, behaved toward
his "Royal Highness" the prince. as re-
isfed in the SUMS dispatches YESTERDAY
After the delivery of Governor Van SAINT s
address the prince intimated that he would
like to greet the members of the Governors
staff. who, attired in military uniforms,
stood at a respectful distance. The Gov
ernor was gratifed and promptly said:
-'All right. prince. all right"
Then MinnesotaS executive started to-
ward his fellOw-delegates, but. observing
that the prince hesitated, he crooked his
finger, beckoned toward the prince and hur-
riedly exclaimed:
Come on; come on
The prince seemed somewhat astonished
at the apparently unusual method OF ad-
dressing him. but finally grasped the situa-
Governor Van SAINTS direct Western
method of doing things lacks the courty
grace and stately ceremonial of royaI f1nc-
tions abroad. and is free from the obsequi-
business and exaggerated Difference dis
played occasionally even by Americans
when in the atmosphere OF courts, but his
welcome was none the less hearty and sin
cere for all that Doubtless to those who
believe in the divine right of kings he ap-
peared shockingly familiar" in addressing
his Royal Highness" simply as prince"
and Reckoning 10 him with his hnger-and
perhaps significantly winking his other eve
instead of walking backward and bowling
to the earth In,5 But r OF the he two every true
style. which has manhood and heart be-
hind il, if not elegance and etiquette.