File:American etiquette and rules of politeness (1883) (14597875377).jpg

Identifier: americanetiquett00houg (find matches)
Title: American etiquette and rules of politeness
Year: 1883 (1880s)
Authors: Houghton, Walter R. (Walter Raleigh), 1845-1929
Subjects: Etiquette
Publisher: New York : Standard Pub. Co.
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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ladies and gentlemen who weresitting around a fire, in place of passing infront of them, as most little ones of that agewould have doue. The action of the littleif girl called forth a remark of approbation from some one else who observed her conduct. Her parents at her early age had already done for herwhat many another one has to acquire through thetribulation of an embarrassing experience. It is anunfortunate thing that so many young men andwomen have to be taught what is proper and what isnot proper conduct after they have reached years ofmaturity. Our young people might as well grow upintuitively taught in the principles and graces of goodconduct by the example and advice of careful and con- (207) 208 AMERICAN ETIQUETTE. siderate parents, as to come into manhood and woman-hood rude, ungraceful and negligent of the many littleacts of kindness and unselfishness which alwayscharacterize a well-bred person. In this spirit andwith this hope the following rules of conduct arepresented :
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GRACEFULNESS. To every well-bred man and woman physical educa-tion is indispensable. It is the duty of a gentleman toknow how to ride, to shoot, to fence, to box, to swim,to row, and to dance. He should be graceful. Ifattacked by ruffians, a man should be able to defendhimself, and also to defend women from their insults.Dancing, skating, swimming, archery, games of lawntennis, riding and driving, and croquet, all aid indeveloping and strengthening the muscles, and shouldbe practiced by ladies. The better the physical train- EULES OF CONDUCT. 209 ing, the more self-possessed and graceful she will be.Open-air exercise is essential to good health and aperfect physical development. AWKWARDNESS OF ATTITUDE. Awkwardness of attitude betrays a want of goodhome training and physical culture. It is a mark ofvulgarity. A lady should not sit cross-legged or side-wise on her chair, nor stretch out her feet, nor holdher chin, twirl her ribbons, or finger her buttons. Aman should not lounge in his

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