Frosts Laws and By-Laws of American Society | Page 8

your house must be introduced to all callers, who
are bound to continue the acquaintance as long as the friend is your
guest. So, if when calling upon a friend, you are introduced to a visitor,
you are bound to extend all courtesies and attentions which you would
desire paid to your visitors in similar circumstances.
Introductions, given at a party to a stranger visiting in a city, must be
followed by recognition as long as the visit continues.
If, when walking with one friend, you should meet another, it is not
necessary to introduce them; indeed, you should not do so without
special reason for it. Never, even after an introduction, start a long
conversation, unless all continue the walk in the same direction.

Should you, when walking with a friend, meet a lady who desires to
speak to you, your friend must stop with you, yet an introduction under
such circumstances does not exact any future recognition.
Sisters, brothers or other relatives may always be introduced to friends
when met casually.
If friends meet at public places of amusement and are accompanied by
strangers, introductions are not required by etiquette, and if made do
not oblige any future acquaintance.
It is not necessary to have an introduction in order to pay your respects
to the President of the United States, excepting that of the master of
ceremonies at the receptions. He will receive your card and present you.
For a private interview it is better to be introduced by a Senator or a
member of the House of Representatives.
In visiting foreign courts, introductions are more a matter of ceremony
than in this country. If you wish to obtain an introduction to the
Emperor of France, you must address your request to the Grand
Chamberlain, which may be done personally or by letter.
Your statement that you are an American citizen, and a reference to the
American Consul will procure you an interview. Punctuality to the hour
appointed for the interview is essential, and ladies present themselves
in full dress; gentlemen in a dress suit of black, white vest, gloves and
neck-tie.
The ceremony of presentation will be explained before you are
presented.
In the English court, the ladies must be presented by a lady; gentlemen
by a gentleman. Strangers must have credentials from the Consul
before they can be introduced.
If at a dinner, a ball, or upon any occasion you are introduced, at a
friend's house, to one with whom you are not on good terms, though it
be your bitterest enemy, etiquette requires you to salute him or her
courteously, and make no sign of resentment whilst under your friend's
roof.
If you are introduced as a petitioner to any one in authority, that
introduction does not authorize you in claiming an acquaintance
afterwards.
Never introduce persons who may be related to you, without calling
their full name. It is done very often, even amongst well-bred people,

from thoughtfulness, as, "Mrs. James, allow me to introduce my cousin
Frank; Frank, Mrs. James," and poor Mrs. James is left entirely
ignorant of cousin Frank's name. The proper way is to name the
relationship and also the surname of the relative. If you introduce a
brother or sister even, marriage may have changed the name of one.
You should say: "Mrs. James, allow me to introduce to you my sister,
Miss Curtis; Miss Curtis, Mrs. James."
If you are introduced to the relative of a friend, etiquette requires you to
consider that relative an acquaintance, unless there is some special
reason to the contrary.
It is best to avoid introductions in a public conveyance, as few people
like to have their names called out in such places. If such introductions
are made, however, it should be done as quietly as possible.
To introduce to a friend a person who is in any way objectionable, is an
insult which fully justifies a withdrawal of friendship.
A gentleman should always raise his hat, if introduced in the street, to
either lady or gentleman.
If introducing a foreigner or a gentleman in this country, whose
position gives him an honorary title, always give the title. Thus, if a
member of Congress, meeting a German baron at your house, you
introduce them, you say: "Mr. Somers, allow me to introduce to you
my friend, the Baron von Schmidt; Baron von Schmidt, the Honorable
Mr. Somers."
LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION.
LETTERS of introduction should never be given, except to persons
well known to the person introducing them, and addressed to those only
who have a long-standing friendship for the writer. Amongst persons
but slightly acquainted, such letters are not only foolish but positively
dangerous, as you may thus give your countenance to those who will
take advantage of your carelessness to bring you into mortifying,