Social Life Part 74

The address of Protestant Episcopal and Roman Catholic Bishops is precisely the same. Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church are addressed as the "Reverend Bishop ----, D.D."

Cabinet Members--Addressed as: "Honorable," usually contracted to "Hon.," as: Hon. James Johnson, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.

Cardinal (Roman Catholic) is addressed in writing, and spoken of as: "His Eminence ----, Cardinal (Bishop, Priest, or Deacon, according to rank) of the Holy Roman Church," spoken to as, "Your Grace."

Chief Justice--Addressed as: "Hon. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States."

Chief Justice's Wife--Addressed as: "Mrs. Chief Justice ----," by virtue of a social custom that is largely observed. This custom does not extend to daughters.

Clergymen--Addressed as: "The Rev. ----," spoken to as, "Mr. ----." If a doctor of divinity, addressed as, "---- ----, D.D.," or "The Reverend ----, D.D.," and spoken to or of as, "Dr. ----."

College Degrees.--All recipients of regular or honorary degrees should be addressed by name followed by abbreviation of degree: A.B., A.M., Ph.D., M.D., D.D., as "---- ----, A.B."

Congress, members of--Addressed: "Hon. ----, M.C."

Esquire.--Justice of the peace, as well as some grades of lawyers, are addressed in writing and spoken of as "----, Esq." Any gentleman may be so addressed, but "Mr." is preferable.

Government--Official communications from--Always begin "Sir."

Governor.--May be addressed as "His Excellency the Governor of ----."

Spoken to, "Your Excellency." See, also, other forms given before.

Governor's wife is by courtesy addressed, "Mrs. Governor ----." This usage does not apply to daughters.

Judges--Addressed by courtesy with the t.i.tle, "Honorable," contracted to "Hon.," and the name of the office usually follows, as: "Hon. ----, U.S. Senate."

Legislature, members of.--Address as, "Hon. ----," followed by name of office.

Mayor.--"The Hon. Mr. ----, Mayor of ----."

Minister, American--Addressed as: "Hon. ----, American (or U.S.) Minister to France."

Munic.i.p.al Councils, members of.--Courtesy grants the t.i.tle "Honorable."

Officers of Army and Navy.--Addressed by name, followed by t.i.tle of highest rank attained, and, if in command of a military division, naval squadron or station, or on retired list, by a signification of the fact, as: "---- ----, Major General U.S.A., Commanding Military Division of the Atlantic;" "---- ----, Rear Admiral U.S.N., Commanding European Squadron;" "---- ----, General U.S.A., Retired."

President.--Addressed as "His Excellency the President of the United States." Spoken to as, "Your Excellency."

President's Wife.--Addressed by courtesy, "Mrs. President ----." Usage does not apply to daughters.

FORMS FOR LETTERS

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Lord Chesterfield says in those inimitable letters to his son, that "style is the dress of thoughts, and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coa.r.s.e and vulgar, they will appear to as much disadvantage as your person, though ever so well proportioned, would if dressed in rags, dirt and tatters."

So true is this that graceful commonplaces, either spoken or written, are far more apt to produce a pleasing impression than weightier matter awkwardly uttered, or uncouthly expressed. Hence, the length and familiarity of the friendly epistle should never be carried into the short, concisely worded business letter, while the social note, though brief, should differ greatly in its gracefully turned phrases from the formal note of acceptance, regret, application, or introduction.

The following forms are to be looked upon, not as copies, but chiefly as suggestions that may be used to solve some doubtful point.

Social and Friendly Letters.

These are less subject to rule than any other cla.s.s, and the models here given are simply to show how flowing and easy the style may be between friend and friend, or how gracious and instructive from parent to child. In the friendly letter great freedom of detail is allowable, especially among near relatives. "You do not tell me half enough,"

writes H.H. from Europe. "I even want to know if the front gate is off its hinges." But do not render a friendly letter so long as to tax the patience of the reader. "Samivel Veller" discovered one of the secrets of letter-writing when he made that famous love letter of his short, "so she vill vish there vos more of it." Neither railing, nor fretfulness, nor too great egotism, is wise in letter-writing, for written words have a sad fashion of outlasting the mood in which they were penned, nay, even the hand that penned them.

Letters of Introduction.

These are left unsealed, that the bearer may be permitted to read the contents. They are brief, so that if read in the presence of the person introduced, the slight embarra.s.sment may be shortened as much as possible. They usually contain a reference to the occupation or character of the individual in order that some slight clue may be given to the recipient in beginning a conversation, and usually conclude with some pleasant, complimentary phrase.

One simple form would be:

EVANSTON, January 1, 189-.

MY DEAR MISS KIMBERLIN:

This letter will introduce to you my friend, Mr. Otis Van Orin, a member of the Corps of Civil Engineers, to be located near your home for several months during a partial survey of the new railroad. May I not be a.s.sured that you will extend to him some of the hospitalities of your delightful home, thus being to him that "friend at court" so desirable to the stranger in a strange land? Trusting that this will be the case, I am,

Very sincerely yours,

CHARLES H. CALCRAFT.

Another, from a mother introducing her daughter to an old friend, would read:

WATERBURY, Conn., March 10, 189-.

DEAR FRANCES:

My daughter Madge will present this letter in person, as she is about to enter school in your town for a several years'

course of study. Under these circ.u.mstances, and in memory of our own lifelong friendship, may I not ask that you will help her to forget some of the sorrow of this, the first parting her happy, young life has known? Trusting that you will do this for the sake of auld lang syne,

I am, as ever, your friend,

MARGARET M. BLATCHFORD.

MRS. FRANCES H. PAGE, Portland, Me.

A still briefer form would be:

BALTIMORE, Md., November 20, 189-.

DEAR DENTON:

My friend, Louis Ross, will present this note. Any kindness you may show him will confer a favor upon