Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-07
BY AN OLDTIMER

your acquaintance" and the continual insulting
query, as that SOP" Universal ntroducers and
handshakers are also persons who show the marks
of the beast, which must be pretty big gilded
pill to allow them to be swallowed.
However, these can all be corrected by con-
slant attention to the conversation and behavior
of those who are already in. And if you cannot
acquire this at first hand take heed and watch
them in public places, such as restaurants, hotels,
etc., and, even if you copy their Alterations, it
would be better than to stick to your provin-
ciaisms.
Study the Social Register. 1t is the Society
Bible. Look up therein as English people do in
the Peerage, the standing of everyone you meet.
Men can be judged by their clubs, and those with
the mystic initials "Un,' Ak" 3D." and "N1b"
of first choice, and if married their families
partake of their glory. Also in other espec-
tally, locality of domcile has its influence.
At the opera, where, if you cannot have a
parterre box,-and that is almost an impossi-
bll1ty-try seats rather than more unfashion-
able part of the house; study the guide in the
program to the occupants of these places among
the mighty; become familiar with their faces,
verify them the following morning in the society
column accounts, and also read diligently the
descriptions of all the large entertainments of the
season, know by the list of guests who is who in
each set. All this will be useful. You will soon
learn to pick out Vanderbilt an Aston any,
where, and this will be step to bring you more
closely in touch with them.
Try out the fashionable restaurants at lunch
con and at dinner. You can improve on your
studies, and being frequently at these places
will bring you into notice. Cultivate, by the
generous tipping system, the most kindly and
respectful relations with the various head walters
so that there will be a little stir when your party
arrives Perhaps the head of your house by this
time will have a nodding acquaintance with
financier or two who are Gin" They will return
your salutations because it will be to their in
tereSt.
designation must diligently do his work in the
financial quarter of town. He must dabble in
stocks sufficiently to be noticed and to have the
reputation of moneymaker, and people-there
are but few dinner topics in society outside of
Change and speculation begin to talk of
him. He must get elected to as many boards as
possible and be put up at luncheon club. But
he must be careful as to other club membership.
1t is better to wait than to join the wrong
ganization. The comparatively new and
known man stands more chance of being rail-
roaded through at certain Flfth-ave clubs than
one whose family history is open book.
During this period of simple kindergarten work
you must not make the mistake of living in the
wrong section of town. Avoid the West Side and
Riverside Drive. Be wary about apartments,
however eligible and expensive. Only those who
have acquired position afford to live in them.
If you cannot get house on the avenue, opposite
the park, try one of the side streets, two or
three blocks east. Otherwise, go to one of the
fashionable hotels All of these keep press bu-
reaus of some kind, and your names will be sent
occasionally to the newspapers as "doing some
thing" If fortune favors you that you will be
able to get in at any of the smartest musical
mornings you will have made an advance step.
Now, as to the press. 1t is important that you
should be advertised. Do not however, make the
mistake that society reporters poor, underpaid
hirelings who can be propitiated with a check or
with a meal with the children and governess.
They are high priced, naughty, and independent,
and are available for nothing but the most in
teresting items about the most spectacular people.
dull times they grateful for news, and a
ote now and then the n OF your star
your suburban or country retreat, if you have any
ia connections, Tuxedo will be about the best
You may have to go there out of season; but
are continually renting their houses, and tenants
angling all during the year, and the experiment is
a trial Do not go to snowy seaside hotels. Avoid