New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-09-10
FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS.

FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS
The fact that leading paper ike The New
York Tribune offers prize for the best article
on THE Decline OF Courtesy together with the
fact that we notice articles on the same subject
IN other newspapers and the standard magazines
IS evidence TO the thinking mind that courtesy In
American children is on the decline For where
there is much smoke there must be some fire.
Lenfant terrible is abroad in the land. and IS
much more in evidence than in the days OF our
grandfathers, before the spirit Of push and get
ahesd-of-others" and almighty dollars" had pos
sessed In those times lack OF polteness In
children not topic Of universal interest be-
cause 81 was not so in evidence as TO demand
public comment. And although grandparents
were taught respect to elders and ordinary cour-
tesy they seem not 70 have been lacking in spirit
when they grew up, the history Of our nation
shows
II seems strange Therefore that in this age one
may often hear American mothers imply that they
dread training their children the extent OF de-
handing mere common politeness Of them, for
fear that n the process the chdren's spirit may
be injured. This idea absurd but have
heard 1t voiced in all seriousness. In fact occa-
sionally. fl almost seems If parents encouraged
impoliteness in their children the following in
oident that came under my personal observation
VIII show
was IN streetcar one day when a woman
got on the car with her three children, all Ell
oently bound for an outing OF some kind. The car
was rather crowded. and there were other passen-
gers entering at the same time. But the mother
with shameful lack OF consideration for two old
women who were trying to get seats. pushed her
children along with the whispered adlnonition
Shove ahead there; don't you let those folk get
ahead q you" Comment or such conduct is IN i.
necessary. or. rather, perhaps. IS very necessary
j vas only Al instance % how the American
mother viii give her children physical comfort at
the expense OF anything
II would be something OF consolation TO Ameri-
cans WHO are jealous Of our reputation as a ma
tion 70 think that such Incident as the above is
only typical OF the unthinking and uneuitured
classes But il is = strange and depiorable fact
that you will often see parents Of culture and re-
inemeut countenance the most o5roxious manners
In their children. Have not All OF rs charm
ing friends whose children. however, known
70 the community the horrid Jones boys?
! call TO :nind Incident which furnishes good
illustration q deplorable manners in the sons OF
laaeHte AZ culture and education and high stand
mg This boys father is certain prominent
o1lcial ia one OF largest American cities. The
Father and mother and son. who IS about twelve
years old. were all spending lie afternoon with
sher friends ST a certain country club AS the
uag was warm, thoy all ordered something 20
drink The boys mother who felt rather fatigued,
asked ior a milk punch She had 10 sooner taken
her nrst swallow than her promising yodng son
,Sok match from ms pocket lighted 4. and held
only slightly disturbed. but the friends would like
~ nave dealt With the Coy.
~ IS certainly puzzling matter that such in
stances fie above can find place among people
~ refinement. Is IL because the American mother
: really unequal 10 the task OF making her chill
e:en desirable and attractive even tolersble TO
olneTs2 II 80. We are doing great wrong TO
OUT American children. and American mothers are
sssskn9N lodging tbemseiyeS. IN this particular. the
lffeflors ~ French and English mothers AS the
az. as now stands. speaking broadly. an English
rlid brings with IL assurance Of pleasing man
iie1s-the American child has first 20 prove that n
hss them. We may not approve OF al the English
methods Of training children, but ne must reros-
me that il is distinct advantage TO them as a
nation 20 have certain fixed standards OF good
manners for ther children. 10 which not only the
Ieh but the poor. conform.
:. Perhaps swageer and sef-assertiyeness and self
.eapeEs 81 children are necessary to the main
lenance OF true democratic. spirit and perha ps
difference toward elders implies cringinq or taci,
acknowledgement OF infericrity but N 80 80
much the wore for a a nation I do moi he
gee that We VIII long hold 10 such IDEAS for
tnineIicans are becoming more and more ready
- ADOPT the good Institutions OF other nations
,rasenis and teachers both have fine opportunities
loF bringing into vogue a better standard Of hofh
morals and manners. They raise the standard
OF American citizenship BY teaching that In the
~1otemept Of 81 20 equal rights is Included the
nfnt % al 10 Kind and courteous treatment from
sesners- They both have the power 10 pofnt out
Our children By concrete examples-nevei By