The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1904-02-04
Table Manners and
Good Breeding.

ing an opinion is to observe the man.
ners of those with whom we come in
contact. So when we, see a person
whose actions are flagrantly in opposi-
ton to the common rules of good
breeding we straightway define him as
a victim of an unfortunate training.
Good manners are something that no
man can well afford to be without il
he intends to mingle with his fellow
beings. Many little deficiencies will
be considerably overlooked in the face
of pleasing refinement of manner.
But let US saw wood:
S. ID. in his article published in last
weeks issue of THE MIRROR takes
surprising stand in regard to table
manners. The more so because we
had always supposed him to be a man
of average intelligence in this period
of civilization. He asks: .W hat are the
principles upon which many of the so.
called rules of table etiquette are
?"
He might better ask, Why do we lay
claim to being superior civilized peo-
pie? What right have we to deem our
selves to be above the methods of bar
barians or savages in intellectually ?
That he should uphold, nay, advocate
the mode of conveying food to the
mouth with knife while eating in the
presence Of others, in public, shows, as
it were, lack of appreciation of a
refined manner. But we don't believe
he meant it! We are inclined to think
that he mistook the manner for the
man. If he will read his article over
closely we are sure he will agree with
us that he gave his subject less thought
than it was entitled to. When he says
that mans manners are correct simply
because they are habitual he is absurd.
It is just as sensible to say that it is
right for thief to steal because it is
his custom.
1t is very true that many a loyal
heart beats in the breast OF him who is
of uncouth manner; but his lack of
knowledge concerning things conven-
tional is due to environment and not
to disregard of a desire to learn. We
do not criticise the man but his man.
ners. And when a person possessing
common intelligence, and whose bring.
ing up has placed him at disadvan-
tage in this respect, finds himself
among people of refinement, he will
assuredly endeavor to correct his
faults. If he does not, he can safely be
termed boor. The Arabian sheik
would not thrust his hand into the
dish and draw out dainty morsel and
stuff it into the mouth of his guest like
tie beasts of the forest if he were no,
barbarian. But we had hoped thai
we had passed the barbaric stage long
/ ago.
Good manners are just as important
a part of a mans education as his A I
Cs if he intends to succeed in life
And all can become we'll bred if the,
will. tits just as easy to carry your
food to your mouth with fork, anG
use knife as it was intended, to cut
up your food, as it is to eat with your
ingers-and it is much more presenta
BILE.
We agree with S. d. in that W,
should not taunt man with his lach
of good manners, thereby trying t,
humiiate him. We should ourselve
then become liable to the appellatiol
of "underbred cad" But we can il
kindness of spirit endeayor to induc'
him to remedy his failing. And if h
is fairminded he will not become in
censed at our liberty in speaking tt
him, but wilLprofit therefrom.
In speaking of foreign customs W,
will say that being possessed of al
adaptability of character we initiate
our hosts foreign mode of CONDUCTING
themselves when partaking of thei
hospitality, out of mere courtesy. Blu
if their manners are crude and I'm
couth we are obviously aware OF. tn,
fact. And we tolerate them onl,
out of consideration for our hosts
/ feelings. In all civilized countrie
there is a common code of good man
ners which is an unwritten law to goo,
breeding. Especially table manners
OF course, in place of this kind
man is somewhat handicapped, blu
nevertheless if he has had the advan
tage Of learning good manners hi
ought to exercise them as much a
possible. No matter in what situation
j ~ find hix,ooflf bic