The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1906-03-31
THE ART OF CONVERSATION.
American Women Excel in it-Houss
hold Gossip.

American Women Excel in it-Houss.
hold Gossip.
1t is interesting and instructive to
see ourselves occasionally as others see
us. and it is particularly SO to note
what Sarah Grand, the English au-
thoress, has to say about American
women and the art of conversation.
English woman, She frankly AYERS, can
ance at the brilliant American as
though her charms in that direction
indicated u lack of stability in her
moral character. Mrs. Grand goes on
to say:
1t is rumored in England that Amer
lean women are superficial, that all
versation. This makes one wonder
what English people do with their
knowledge, seeing that it so seldom
comes out at all. 1t may be that
the English wonan's education is so
solid that it sinks to the depths of
her being, AMI remains there immov-
able. An intelligent American wo-
mans conversation Is like the Widows
cruise of oil, never empty. She goes
about the world with her eyes open,
enjoying herself with the unaffected
franlsness Of q child; and she is al
ways good company. Her point OF
view is often quaint, generally origi-
larger minded and warmer hearted
than the average English woman.
She is as genial with women as with
men, and as happily ut home with
men as with women. being accustomed
to their highest respect.
If the average English woman were
judged by her conversation one would
say that want Of intelligence was her
principal characteristics: but it is not
want of intelligence 80 often as want
of the means to develop her intel
gence from which she suffers; want of
mental stimulant. She lives in u vi
cious circle, a state of intellectual
none interest themselves in her, and
because none interest themselves ~
her she remains unintercsting. Many
with larger minds and wider inter-
ests recognize her possibilities, and
would help her If they could, but $,
long as she is content to remain q
react with the effect Of centrifugal
force on all who come near her.
The cant Of individuality, concludes
Mrs. Grand, has broken up the family
circle. and the friends who were wont
to bring q change of ideas have nov
no center to attract them. Letters an
memoirs Of old days TEEN with descriD-
tons Of delightful gatherings made
memorable by the grace and wit OF
conversation; nowadays it is quite e:s-
ceptional to find any one noted f"i'
this charming accomplishment.
There are OF course numbers VIM
possess the gift, but it is not now
mentioned as an addition to their a..
fractions; in fact, in these days whe 4
Il woman's charms are publicly cato
legued, item by item, this, the most
/ captivating of all, is usually only aG-
vanced in desperation when something
evil must be said about an ugly person.
There must surely be n radical mis-
/ take somewhere in the modern higher
education Of women, so-called since
it las lcssencd rather than added t..
their social qualities. mathematics
without manners being the commonest
result.
! The cultivation Of the easy exchan &c
| Of thought and experience which makes
conversation one Of the great enjoy-
ments Of life, the one from which is
drawn the happiest sense Of satisfa:-
/ ton, the saving consolation of hope
should surely be encouraged. not as a,l
art but as q duty.