It is obvious to many of a delicate Sensibility that our present Society is in a dreadful state of Decay in Manners, Politeness and simple Civility. The cultivation of Manners is thus not a Luxury but an urgent social and religious Necessity if we are to have a Civil Society rather than an unruly and selfish mob of Individualists.
To assist in this educational project I will be quoting, in the following days, a work of a Kinder and Gentler Age - the abridged edition of Etiquette : Rules & Usages of the Best Society (originally published Melbourne, Vic. : People's Publishing Co, 1886.) :
Preface
No one subject is of more importance to people generally than a knowledge of the rules, usages and ceremonies of good society, which are commonly expressed by the word "Etiquette." Its necessity is felt wherever men and women associate together, whether in the city, village, or country town, at home or abroad. To acquire a thorough knowledge of these matters, and to put that knowledge into practice with perfect ease and self-complacency, is what people call good breeding. To display an ignorance of them, is to subject the offender to the opprobrium of being ill-bred.
From Chapter I : Introductory
A knowledge of etiquette has been defined to be a knowledge of the rules of society at its best. These rules, the outgrowth of centuries of civilization, had their foundation in friendship and love of man for his fellow man - the vital principles of Christianity - and are most powerful agents for promoting peace, harmony and good-will among all people who are enjoying the blessings of more advanced civilized government. In all civilized countries the influence of the best society is of great importance to the welfare and prosperity of the nation, but in no country is the good influence of the most refined society more powerfully felt than in our own; "the land of the future, where mankind may plant, essay, and resolve all social problems." These rules make social intercourse more agreeable, and facilitate hospitalities when all members of society hold them as binding rules and faithfully regard their observance. They are to society what our laws are to the people as a political body, and to disregard them will give rise to constant misunderstandings, engender ill-will, and beget bad morals and bad manners.
Yours Sincerely,
Mild Colonial Boy, Esq.
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