Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1920-01-30
Automobile Etiquette.

suddenly and so many persons have
machines at the present day that it
would seem that most people should
be informed as to good manners in
accepting favors from those who
have autos, but judging from the ex-
perience of many hospitable owners
of cars, there is lamentable igno-
rance about etiquette in this regard.
Many well bred people are at a loss
to know what to do when asked to
accompany friends on little trip I'M
til they consult those who have had
experience in that line. However, as
soon as family owns car the les
sons come thick and fast as they
take out with them friends who do
not know exactly what good manners
require in the way of auto trips in
machines belonging to others. The
things thatseemed so complex when
they rode in other autos now straight
en- out quickly when they drive their
own cars.
For example, a young man and his
wife we're asked by friends to accom-
pany them to the state fair, and they
accepted the invitation. When they
arrived at the grounds the young
man guest sprang out saying: "Well,
I'm interested in sheep and the rest
of you are not, SO 4 guess | will go
to the sheep barn; will see you later"
Thus he departed not to be seen
again until evening. He thought
nothing more of the incident until
the same thing happened to him the
next year when he owned car Of
his own. This time however he
took his nine-year old son and the
guests took their little girl of about
the same age. The woman guest
had enough money for her dinner
and that of the little girl, but all
day the owner Of the car was leased
by his son for toy balloons, candy,
crackerjack and the other things
that attract youngsters, so he had to
buy for both. Moreover, he did not
like to be tied to the ladies all day,
but could not bring himself to de-
sert his wife, as the lady guest was
slightly i'll and she had both young
sters on her hands. In the evening
they all congregated for the home
ward trip, but the host was not
thinking of the present occasion. He
was remembering the day one year
before when he left his wife TO trail
about with the other husband and
wife and he saw all aG once that
somebody ought to formulate some
rules about auto etiquette and spread
them broadcast.
Generally speaking, the guests on a
little trip provide the dinner and pay
for any little refreshments in the
way of ice cream or soft drinks in
case stop is made in a town. I'm
less the host expressly forbids it the
guest should see to the small expen-
SEES such as treats for the youngsters,
fruit, candy and light refreshments
enroute as well as dinner for such oc-
casions as state fair or sale or town
event. The guest should be ON hand
promptly and settle the bills as a
matter of course without hesitation.
Admittance to the grounds for the
party is often paid by the guest,
though generally each person pays
their own way. If lunch is taken
along the guests. should take the
greater part of it, il not all, and
should provide the hot coffee or lem
onade if such drinks are obtainable
at the picnic grounds. If the guest
is lady alone, then, of course, she
pays for nothing, but the rule of
helping to meet the expenses applies
to the man whether alone or with
his family.
Usually the host asks the guests if
they have any preference where they
go, but if he does not the guests
should never suggest the route. No
matter if the guests have been over
the road before no mention should be
made of it unless pleasantly, and
surely no objection should be offered.
Try to be interested in the trip even
though it may be perfectly familiar
one. In case of accident the ideal
guest does not make disparaging re-
marks and talk about important en-
gagements that must be broken by
the delay, but takes the bitter with
the sweet like a good sport, helping
repair the damage if competent and
not hindering by advice or attempted
help if he knows nothing about the
mechanism. A man asked friend
to go on drive and during the day
storm came up. The machine went
into ditch and owner and car were
covered with mud before it could be
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