LESSON 8.

Purpose.—To specify some particulars of street manners.

Method.—Item read with or without comment.

The Lesson.

No polite person will indulge in loud or boisterous conduct on the street. Loud talk or laughter is very ill-mannered. Only a quiet demeanor is allowable, and one who indulges in any other is guilty of rudeness. A complaint often made against pupils is that they are inclined to be rude and selfish in not giving those whom they meet their due share of the walk in passing. Oftentimes boys in their play are so heedless as to jostle against those passing on the sidewalk. This is selfish and rude. If it happens accidentally, suitable apologies should be made.

Questions.—In what tone of voice should one speak in the street? What does loud laughter in the street indicate? What demeanor is allowable? What fault is found with the manners of pupils on the street? What are your own observations in the matter? What are your criticisms?

Suggestions for Further Instruction.

In going to a place of amusement or entertainment it is not polite to performers or audience to arrive late. Arrive in season, take your seat quietly, and remain quiet and attentive throughout the whole entertainment. If there is any delay before the entertainment begins, the time should not be spent in loud laughing or talking. Nothing should be done to attract attention. Eating candy, nuts, or anything else at a place of entertainment is not in good form.

Too much cannot be said against talking or whispering or moving about when an entertainment is in progress. It shows either a lack of knowledge as to what is proper, or a disregard of propriety. It is also a rudeness to the performers, and a great source of annoyance to those who wish to listen. If the entertainment does not prove interesting, it is still the part of a lady or gentleman to remain through it all and to give respectful attention. It is very impolite to leave the place before the entertainment is concluded, in order to avoid passing out with the crowd.

Loud and long continued applause is impolite. It is proper to show pleasure if the entertainment pleases, but it must be done without boisterousness.

Rapping on the floor with canes, stamping of feet, whistling, etc., are insults, and if continued should receive the attention of a policeman.

It is a sign of good breeding to be in church before the service begins. If unavoidably late, enter very quietly, between parts of the service. Never whisper or laugh in church. It is irreverent and ill-bred. Never look around when people enter. Never be guilty of rudeness or boisterousness in a church, whether on Sunday or other days. Always show a proper respect for the place.

In your own church be polite to strangers. If it seems to be your place to do so, show them to a seat. Let no peculiarity of dress or manner on the part of strangers keep you from showing them any civility in church. In attending a church not your own be respectful in your conduct. Do not show curiosity nor ridicule observances that may seem peculiar.

Reminders.

In giving these to the pupils seek to arouse discussion.

1. When walking on the sidewalk, if you meet a person, keep to the right of the walk.

2. It is polite to recognize friends and acquaintances on the street. It is a custom of gentlemen to take off their hats when friends are met. They should take off their hats to gentlemen as well as to ladies. Both boys and girls should show special respect to any old person they may meet. The salutation should always be in a pleasant and friendly tone of voice. The face should show respect to acquaintances, and cordiality to friends. The name should be added to the salutation, as “Good-morning, Mr. A.” Never give the salutation as if it were a question. Never greet any one by “Halloa.”

3. If a gentleman is walking or driving with a lady acquaintance, he should take off his hat to any lady whom she recognizes.

4. When a lady accidentally drops anything in the street, any gentleman near, whether an acquaintance or not, should pick it up and hand it to her. The lady should not fail to acknowledge the courtesy. As the gentleman passes on, he should touch his hat to the lady. This civility of picking up things or assisting in any way should be shown to elderly and infirm people by girls as well as by boys.

5. It is impolite to turn and look at people after they have passed. It is rude to stare at them if peculiar in dress or manner. Special care should be taken not to stare at the deformed or unfortunate. Put yourself in their places and think how you would like to be treated.

6. It is considered impolite for people to gather in groups or crowds on the sidewalk and to obstruct the way. If two people meet who wish to converse with each other, one should turn and walk in the direction in which the other is going. It is not considered proper to stop for conversation on the street.

7. It is not the custom of well-bred people to chew gum, nor to eat fruit, nuts, or anything else, on the street.

8. One of the rudest things a boy or girl can do is to call out to a teacher or other person on the street. It is only the most ill-bred who will do it. The law can punish for it.

9. If a stranger inquires the way, take great pains to direct him, even if it requires some effort.

10. When in street cars or steam cars, if seats are lacking, it is the rule that gentlemen give up their seats to ladies. Ladies should not fail to thank gentlemen for this kindness.

Whenever any attention is shown a lady, such as opening or closing a window, taking bundles from the racks, etc., the lady should politely acknowledge it, and the gentleman should touch his hat as he turns away.

No one should occupy more room than is necessary, if by so doing others are deprived of a seat.