Rensselaer Union, Volume 6, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1874 — Manners at Croquet. [ARTICLE]

Manners at Croquet.

There is no spot where well-bred people are apt to approach so near to illbreeding as on the croquet-ground. The cause of the trouble must inhere in the game—which yet appears to be of the most simple and refined order—for other out-door sports fail to irritate the feelings or irritate the feelings or ruffle the temper as this does. It is as if some tiny imp of discord pervaded the field, devoting himself to the task of drawing to the surface whatever is contrary in the disof the players. We have seen girls go almost into hysterics and young men become sullen or disputatious over a party “ croquet” or a wicket doubtfully run. The game intended solely for amusement becomes the source of disagreement and wrangling, spoiling all pleasure for the peace-loving as well ae for the contentious. The origin of most croquet disputes lies in th<3 diverse understanding of the rules. Nearly as many manuals are published as there are games played, and rarely is a match arranged where the players have all learned of the same au. thority; lienee the difference of opinionThe sole way to avoid dissensions is to select the best book on the subject and make its decisions final on mooted points. It does not matter if a different authority be used on every ground (though for those playing much together it is more satisfactory to have the same), provided it is regarded as an authority before a match be begun. But it does matter very much that persons meeting for pleasure should so conduct themselves as not only to banish pleasure, but to lose their friends’ and their own respect.—Scribner's Monthly for July, —The Church Congress to be held in New York city in ,October, will be made up of all who choose to attend of the clergy, including all orders, Bishops, priests and deacons, and of the laity/including all conditions. It will govern itself by few rules of order. Papers will be read by clergymen and laymen upon all questions of real interest in the church as cannot or ought not to be discussed in the several conventions. The debates will be free alike to all; the only credential will be ability to make the Congress listen. Applause and audible disapprobation will be permitted. It will be a fair, open combat of ideas, and in no case will any debate terminate in a vote. It will be in the interest of no party or faction. The Ritualist will be fully heard, and the Low Churchman and the High Churchman and the Broad Churchman.