Norwich bulletin., 1921-01-18
ODD INCIDENTS IN AMERICAN
 HISTORY
RULES OF GOOD
 BEHAVIOR IN COMPANY


 George Washington was not only . soldier and a patriot, a diplomat and an executive, but he was a gentleman and scholar. In every phase of the great man he seems to have met with admirable success, not only as a credit to his coun- try. but to himself as we'll. History is full of illustrations of the fine character of Washington, in none of which he shines more strikingly than in his depsrt- ment at all times
 Even as a youth Washington seems to have inherited all the fine precepts of the Washington training, as is shown by his rules of civility and decent behavior in company and conversation which he com piled when he was but 13 years of age. His quaint rules or maxims have been carefully preserved, and Dr. J. M Toner of Washington pronounced them "as broad as civilization itself, though few of them are particularly applicable to So- cicty as it then existed in America" A few of Washington's rules carry their own moral: Rule l. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present. 4. In the presence of others sing not to | yourself with humming noise, nor drum | with your fingers or feet. 5. If you cough, sneeze, sigh or yawn, | do it not loud, but privately, and sneak not in your yawning, but put your hand xerchief or hand before your face and l turn aside.
 | 6. Sleep not when others speak sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop.
 1S Read no letters, books or papers in company, but when there is a necessity 1 for doing it you must ask leave; come not near the books or writings of another so as to read them unless desired, or give your opinion of them unasked also look not nigh when another is writing letter | 30. In walking the highest plac6 in most countries seems to be on the right hand therefore, place yourself on tho left of him whom you desire to honor, but if three walk together the middle place is the most honorable; the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk to. gether.
 S2. To one that is your equal, or no much inferior. you are to give the chic place to your lodging. and he to whom i is offered ought at first to refuse it. bu at the second to accept. though not with out acknowledging his own unworthi ness.
 8. Let sour discourse with men c business be short and comprehensive. 37. In speaking to men of quality d not lean nor look them full in the face t nor approach too near them; at least kee a full pace from them. t .3s. In visiting the sick do not present = ly play the physician if you be not know t ing therein.
 s A. When a man does all he cal him that did it.
 l. 4S Wherein vou renPove ano+her h unblamable yourself, for example is mol
 prevalent than precept
 56. Associate yourself with men Igood quality if you esteem your own repl ri tation, for 'tis better to be alone than bad company. CT. Detract not from others; .neitht
 be excessive in commenting.
 80. Be not tedious in discourse or If reading, unless you find the compar IS pleased therewith.
 S2 Undertake not what you eann
 perform, but be careful to keep yol ia tpromise. w ss. Speak not evil of the absent. f it is unjust
 9s. Drink not nor talk with yo,
 mouth full neither gaze about you whi E. drinking. ct i1o. Labor to keep alive in your brea that little spark of celestial fire eallt
 conscience. le In commenting on the preeepta as Ia V down by Washington, Dr. Toner say
 This closing maxim or injunction, |
 observance of which is so important .- the makeup of a mans character. tn - most appropriately placed at the end, al ID it's choice for that place is peculiar
 characteristic 'of Washington's sty
 Throughout all his writings he is esr ng cially noted for his good taste and a