SCHOOL-ROOM ETIQUETTE.
“Good manners are the shadows of virtues, if not virtues themselves.”
If teachers realized the inestimable amount of good they might accomplish by giving a little time and thought to the manners of their pupils, surely they would willingly give it. Those of their pupils who have no proper training at home would thus gain a knowledge which, in after life, would prove a blessing. And such a course acted upon by the teacher would be of great assistance to the parents of those who are well trained at home; for a large portion of a child’s time is spent in school, and under conditions that require such training.
Teachers must treat their scholars politely if they expect polite treatment from them.
Every teacher should see that no pupil is allowed to treat those of a lower station in life with disrespect.
It is a common occurrence for a teacher to speak with seeming disrespect of a pupil’s parents, blaming them for the pupil’s lack of interest in school, truancy, etc. Such a course is highly reprehensible in the teacher, and gains the pupil’s ill-will. It is better to assume that the parents would be displeased with anything wrong in the pupil, and to appeal to the pupil for his mother’s or father’s sake.
A teacher should never allow herself or himself to be addressed by pupils as “Teacher,” but as Miss or Mr. Smith.
If pupils would take pains to bid a teacher “good-morning” and “good-night,” they would appear well in so doing, and easily give pleasure to another.
The entire atmosphere of a school-room is dependent upon trifles. Where a teacher, by her own actions and in accordance with her requirements, insures kindness and politeness from all to all, she may feel almost sure of the success of her school.
Young misses ought to be addressed by the teacher as “Miss Julia,” “Miss Annie.” Young boys (too young to be addressed as Mr.) should be addressed as “Master Brown,” “Master Jones,” etc.
Teachers should use great discretion in reproving any unintentional rudeness, especially on the part of those ignorant from lack of home training. If such were reproved gently and privately, it would be more efficacious and just. No one should be allowed to appear to disadvantage from ignorance.
Selfishness, untruthfulness, slang, rowdyism, egotism, or any show of superiority should be corrected in the school-room.
Young teachers hardly realize with what fear and dread mothers intrust to them their carefully reared children, especially young ones.
CHAPTER X.
Official Etiquette.
“Good fashion rests on realty, and hates nothing so much as pretenders.”—Emerson.
All presentations to foreign courts are made through the national representatives, and from them is received all the information desired in reference to the necessary forms and ceremonies.
Kings and queens are addressed as “Your Majesty.” The Prince of Wales, the crown princes, and all other princes and princesses are addressed as “Your Royal Highness.”
The President’s “levees” at Washington are open to all, and are conducted very much as an ordinary “reception.” As one enters, an official announces him, and he proceeds directly to the president and his lady, and pays his respects.
The door of the White House may be said never to be closed, and any one who desires may call upon its occupants as upon those of any other dwelling. He may not, however, obtain a personal interview. This, to be secured, he must seek in the company of an official or intimate friend of the president, who will be able to judge of the claims for attention of a visitor.
No particular style of dress is required to make one’s appearance at the Republican Court.
No refreshments are expected to be offered at a presidential reception.
Custom does not require that the wife of the president of the United States should return official calls. Exception is made in the case of visiting Royalty. The wives of the foreign ambassadors should make the first call upon the wife of the vice-president, as should the wives of the cabinet officials. At a function given by officials of foreign governments at Washington, the wife of the secretary of state takes precedence over the wives of the foreign ambassadors.
CHAPTER XI.
Business Correspondence, Applications,
Etc.
Since custom is the principal magistrate of human life, let men by all means endeavor to obtain good customs.—Lord Bacon.