The Washington herald., 1907-02-10

The subject of introductions Is of such
magnitude that it would require a volume
in which 10 discuss it properly. the stand
ards and points Of view are SO different
There exist definite rules in Old World
countries where there is an established
social code. but in America our social
laws are not like those Of the Medes and
the Persians. but variable and elastic "a
suit different coTsmunities, and the rea-
son for this goes back to settlement days
when the hardships were so great that
sprigs Of nobility who came to America
as colonists often associated with con-
victs and were glad of the privilege
Then, in the conquering of the West, il
was impossible to choose ones friends.
The pioneer must take his neighbour for
such and be glad of the privilege, This
has modified the standards, which We
naturally inherited and inspired the host
ess with the idea that II her friends
were good enough for her they were
good enough for each other"
A few years back the edict went forth
from the ultrafashionables that no in
Productions should be made. This stand
ard is. Of course, possible where the mem
bers Of society are cosmopolitan and I'M
derstand the reason for IL, but in Wash
ington, where people from all over the
country from cities fields. and pTdiTies,
meet, It Is quite impossible. One never
errs in following kindly instincts, and II
is better 10 offend the smart set than
% hurt the feelings OF ones real friends.
To avoid any embarrassment TO her
guests, since her first object is their COM
fort and entertainment, il is well for the
hostess 10 be on the safe side, and 20
make general intr0dUctions. This is old
fashioned and American, differing entirely
from the English standard, but it is kind,
and puts people at their ease.
The accepted rules regarding introduc-
tons are few and simple II is always
permissible to introduce men TO each
otter because they can keep up or ignore
an acquaintance so made as they choose,
but under no circumstances should man
be presented TO a woman without abso-
lutte knowledge on the part Of the person
making the presentation that IL will be
welcome to her At any entertainment in
a private house introductions are unnec-
essary. Il is understood that all the
guests meet on common ground under
the roof OF a friend, and they are at
liberty to chat with each other. and
those who do not avail themselves of this
privilege give evidence Of the fact that
they are noviCes in social life.
In giving letters Of Introduction great
care should be taken and persons should
not presume to introduce "A slight ac-
quaint8nce to a slight acquaintance. He
must know well the two people whom his
letter brings together. and be abso-
lutely certain Of the reputation of each
Nowhere have letters of Introduction
been so abused as IN America. Volumes
could be written of the numbeTless letters
that have been presented by supposed for
eign nobility to the rich and influential
people of this country.
Only a few years ago Chicago was vic
timized by pseudo titled nObleman, who
gained the entree 10 every house Of con-
sequence there. including that of Mrs
Potter Palmer. but it developed that he
was a swindIer of the worst type Wash
ington has mad varied experience with
these Adventures. The wife Of former
Senator and a man who now holds a
conspicuous position became engaged
many years ago to a supposed French
marquis who brought the strongest let
tiers Of introduction and recommendation
from an American diplomat on the other
side. lie was man of imposing pres
ence, assured address. and had been in
town only a few weeks before he became
popular social favorite He promptly
returned all Of his social obligations and
gave handsome presents to his fiancee
His career here created so much gossip
that his doings We're published in the
foreign papers, and II was stated that he
had been introduced by Minister So-and-
so. whereupon the minister promptly ca
bled TO the Department of State saying
he knew nothing whatever of the So
called marquis, who fled before the news
of his masquerade became public. leaving
behind him the bills for every entertain
ment he had given and every present he
had made.
The father Of his iancee, to protect his
daughters name, intrusted an agent to
pay all these billS, which amounted TO
some S7OQO or 5000 But such occur
rences are, Of course, very rare People
have become wise in this age and gener-
atiOn-wiser. at least-and the telegraph
and telephone establish such a close con
nection between the different nations of
the world that such deception is not
easy, still II happens not only here, but
everywhere. In conservative Berlin, even.
where the social doors are difficult to I'M
lock. the nobility are now and then sur
pTised by the advent Of an adventurer
from America who cuts great swath
until he is discovered.
The wording of n letter of introduction
should be very careful. It should state
the position aad intentions OF the bearer.
the wishes Of the sender, and should be
or formal as the circum-
stances require A formal letter would
read about as follows.
SIR. Smith presents his compliments 70 Lord Ash
burton. and begs leave to present his colleague.
tie Honorable James Jones' who goes to England
foT the purpose Of investigating the question Of