Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 March 1885 — GOOD MANNERS. [ARTICLE]

GOOD MANNERS.

XVkat to Talk A Bout. Keep clear of personalities in general conversation. Talk of things, objects, thoughts. The smallest minds occupy themselves with personalities. Personalities, must with some be talked, because we have to learn and find out men’s characteristics for legitimate objects; but it is to be with confidential persons. Do not needlessly report ill of others. There are times when we are compelled to say, “I do not think Bouncer a true and honest man.” But when there is no need to express an opink n let poor Bouncer swagger away.-r-D?'. John Hall. How to Be Entertaining-. One of the most important rules in the science of manners is that you pre-. serve an almost absolute silence concerning yourself. Play the comedy, some day, of speaking of your own interests to ordinary acquaintances, and you will see feigned attention swiftly followed by indifference and then by weariness, until every one lias found a pretext for leaving you. But if you wish to group about you the sympathies of all and to be considered a charming and agreeable fellow, talk to them of themselves, seek some way of bringing each into action in turn; then they will smile at you, think well t of you and praise you when you are gone.— Balzac.

PoliteneH* in Public. What is politeness in public ? It involves the prompt perception of the rights and comforts of others, and the willing and graceful concession of these. Where this is done, even if the manner be not all that could be desired; the spirit and purpose answer. These are apt to be evident in the manner. And where there is a purpose and effort to make others agreeable, the essence of true politeness will appear. But selfishness, that seeks only personal enjoyment, at the expense of all others, is the essence of all impoliteness. There appear in public life many who are polished as to outward manner who are, at the same time, at variance with all the rules of good conduct. A stately bow, a polished expression, do not answer for that regard for the comfort of others which is the material element in good conduct.— Philadelphia Call. How Napkins Are Used. Some people unfold their napkin at table and carefully fasten it around them like an apron; and I have seen the same people gather up the crumbs at the close of a meal and carefully shake them over the tablecloth. There are others who would let it slide onto the floor and make every one uncomforta’ble to regain it. And I have observed the absent-minded person use it for a pocket handkerchief, and calmly proceed to appropriate it, feeling quite mortified afterward when the contents of his pocket were revealed. There are those who tuck the napkin under the chin, as one does when about to feed an infant, , and some who on leaving the table carefully fold it as if for future use. This is not good form, unless a ring is supplied. It is a pretty custom to keep rings for guests, each ring of a different pattern, cr designated, if for ladies, by a different colored ribbon. It gives a guest an athome feeling, as if he had some share in the home. Otherwise, on leaving the table the napkin should remain on the left side of the plate, discarded, without any attempt at folding.