Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-07-26
GOOD FORM

Certain customs have come to be recognized sncer
the designation of good form" They are not in them
selves matters of principle. But the forms have been
adopted in order to facilitate order, to provide for the
means for the display Of sentiment. Some Of our forms
are relics Of other days and other customs. It makes no
very great difference to your neighbor at the table
tines or the handle pointed in his direction. He would
probably feel quite safe either way. But there was a
time when the pointing of a sh>rpened weapon in the
direction OF another was considered, and with excellent
reason, to be an offensive demonstration, and to call for
Immediate measures of counter attack or defense. we
find the trace of those old conditions in the courtesysre
quirement that even a harmless table instrument be pre-
sented handle first.
There is reason behind most of our customs and
there seems to be special reason for calling attention to
what lies behind some OF the recognized customs regard
ing applause in public. Continental Europeans frequent
ly signify their approval of public utterances by shouting
"viva!" or its equivalent. The Briton is addicted to his
Hear, Heart" which; as frequently uttered, resolves it.
self into "'ear. carr and which, when it becomes genera,
in a large audience, might bes mistaken for an ominous
thunder OF disapproval. But these vocal expressions are
usually accompanied by the clapping of hands, which ap-
pears to be an almost universal form Of expression. CIV
ilized Americans usually applaud by clapping the hands.
The unciviHzed frequently use the feet. Occasionally
they whistle.
Under what circumstances is applause proper? Ap-
plause signifies approval or admiration OF something
done by another. We do not applaud our own acts.
Hence. when the audience is pleased with the eloouence.
or agility. or skill of some one who appears before them
and speaks or acts for their entertainment or edification.
the audience very PROPERLY a%pplauds.
We do not applaud an enterprise in which we are
full participants. Therefore we do not applaud a prayer.
The prayer is uttered by one person, but the entire as
sembly participates. Therefore silent and reveren, at,en-
ton during the prayer and the Entire absence Of ap-
|plause at the close.
The singing Of 'aThe star-spangled Banner" whether
BY the assembly or by e selected chorus. is MOTTO be, APP
plauded. The anthem is not sung or played to amuse or
instruct the audience. but as q means Of expressing the
patriotic sentiment of the audience. It is a devotional
exercise, and as such is to be observed with due dignity
and solemnity.
We r%unSinto q complication when We consider the
matter OF applauding the display Of the national flag. In
military circles, where forms are prescribed with great
Irisidity. the flag y not sppIauded. When 1t appears on
formal occasions II e resOectfuliy saIuted, and that is all,
But y seems that for the genera, public ii is proper that
when the flag appears at the head OF I, parade, or in
any other formalsway, there is propriety in some more
iactiveid Demonstration than the silent salute, and at the
risk Of running counter to the booA. we should recom-
nsend that Old Glory be greetedlxtth both hana-clapping
and schser1. @ &
me double easies 81 Austria IS getting Its neck
.yrung on Two fronts
TIM fAnAtag of Baden 4. opposed ID skytas, ii
1waants aersaapy " p<oposs 81 agreement against the
y