ETIQUETTE MADE EASY
MADE EASY
BY
NEW YORK
EDWARD J. CLODE
EDWARD J. CLODE
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All rights reserved
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Entered at Stationers’ Hall
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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PREFACE
THE POLITEST MAN ofwhom history has recordwas a Norwegian. A strangerin a town of Norwayasked a passing native theway to a certain address. The native raisedhis hat, bowed, and said:
“Sir, I am very sorry, but I do notknow.”
The stranger passed on. A few minuteslater, he heard the sound of some one runningbehind him. He faced about, andrecognized the native, who came, halted,and after a few deep breaths, said, whilebowing with uplifted hat:
“Sir, after leaving you, I met my brother-in-law,and I regret to tell you, Sir, that healso does not know.”
In spite of this story with its Norwegian[6]hero, first place is usually given to theFrench in matters of politeness. There isan old story that illustrates with remarkableprecision the national traits of French,English and German. This has to do withthe manner of lighting a cigar. TheFrenchman strikes a match, offers the flameto his companions, then makes a light forhimself. The Englishman lights his owncigar first, and then offers the match tohis companions. The German lights hisown cigar, then throws the match away.The brief recital contains something deeperthan mere humor in its analysis of nationalcharacteristics. The consideration of theFrenchman for others is indeed the essentialbasis for all true courtesy. Genuinepoliteness has its root always in a veryreal regard for the feelings of others.
The ancient proverb declares that cleanlinessis next to godliness. In fact, so faras concerns casual associations, cleanlinessis the more important. We have ordinarilynothing to do with the morals of those[7]whom we encounter for a few fugitivemoments, but the most fleeting companionshipwith a dirty person is offensive, while aperfect cleanliness is always pleasing in itseffect.
As a matter of fundamental courtesytoward others, we are required to keepourselves clean. Such cleanliness may beexcellent as a hygienic measure, but onemost eminent physician has d