Rensselaer Republican, Volume 28, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1895 — ETIQUETTE OF A POSTAL CARD. [ARTICLE]

ETIQUETTE OF A POSTAL CARD.

Uses and Abuses of,This Convenient ~BIt of Pasteboard. ,-1 (- . The ethics of a postal card may be formulated in one rule: “N£ver write anything upon a postal card which you would not think it'prudent or dignified ■to proclaim from the house,top.” . Some people—particular people—never use postal cards at'all. This seems too extreme. They are often very convenient and quite proper if correctly used. . Beyond the address no name, should 4ver be writtep out upon them. They should begin with the customary “Dear —anybody’ ’ and, end without “Yours truly” or “Affectionately,’’’"being sign: ed only with initials. The date and address serve to further identify the sender, who is presumed to be on such Intimate social or business relations ■with' the party addressed as to justify the use of aposfal cacti. For while postals serve for a hasty or formal message,,. or supply the need of cheap communication in simple business arrangements, it is not considered courteous or punctiliously polite to use” them in one, man or woman, to whom you wish to show'respect. If any doubt arises in the mind as to the propriety of sending a postal, It is well to give one’s self the benefit of the doubt and write a note. Postals are useful to mail while on a journey. Posted at different places, they announce the safe arrival of the traveler at points where he has scarca ly-time to. write notes. Used hastily, they are useful to announce a I'ette? or give assent to a previously discussed arrangement. Details of family matters or personal affairs show ignorance and bad breeding. As an example of a way in which a postal card should, not be used may be quoted oiie sefit by fl grief-stricken sister to a cousin In a distant city: _ _ “Dearest Kate —W,q have just returned from laying dear brother Harry iff ■the grave. As the weaklier is so unpleasant, it made us feel more unhappy to come away and leave him with the rain beating down upon him. Your loving cousin, HARRIET SMITH.” Now, Harriet doubtless felt all she expressed. But was a postal card the proper place jo write her sentiments?Harper’s Bazar.