stock, but, if you take my advice, you will eschew both. A roll of figured silk or satin, perpendicularly stuck, like a piece of engine-hose, between the throat and waistcoat, is certainly less elegant than a smooth surface of a spotless linen. Stand by the cravat, Stanhope it is an ancient and honorable article of attire. Although good manners have nothing to do with ladies' stockings, I must ask you to induce Mrs. S. to select, as the most beautiful covering for a neat or ugly foot, the whitest stockings and low slippers with narrow ribbons crossed over the instep and tied around the ankles. Believe me, human ingenuity has never invented any thing half so exquisite in dress, since Eve turned tailoress. But good manners have something to do with bare necks and arms. As true politeness is the art of pleasing others by external deference to their tastes and wishes, it is abominable for ladies to offend the eye with the sight of cutaneous roughness, redness, eruptions. scrawny arms and long necks. Bracelets will not mend the matter, and following the fashion is a poor consolation for making a display of defects which were better hidden. I speak plainly, but not half so plainly as some fashionable females display their anatomical disorders. But enough of this. I know your taste, and am perfectly confident that at parties you will eschew all huge breast-pins, striped pantaloons, fancy-colored gloves, figured handkerchiefs and red vests. Here, then, I drop the subject of dress. When you are ushered into the entry-hall of your host's habitation, if you happen to meet any of your friends, who have strolled out thither to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the crowded parlor, do not take pains to look like a Gorgon horror and turn their glance of recognition to stone. Of course the books on etiquette will tell you to make your first addresses, after your entrance, to the lady of the house. Accordingly, some young disciple in artificial politeness, takes it for granted that he must compose his features to rigidity, frown down every attempt to recognize him and prowl about with an air, which says,—"I know what's proper,"-until he finds the hostess; then he dissolves away into rippling smiles and is ready to make himself agreeable for the rest of the evening. This is, of course, ill-manners. A cheerful look and a glance of recognition are vastly becoming, as one joins a circle of friends and acquaintances. No formal bows or conversation should be entered into, before the hostess has received the oblation of the newcomer's respects. But to look like a fiend and act like a puppet, is a costly way of accomplishing the object in view. If the party is crowded, you will be obliged to slip by the hostess with a bare exchange of salutations; but rather take the hint from her than make a movement of your own. If she glances inquiringly behind you, you may be sure of a new comer, and pass on. Or if she gives some other sign of readiness to release you, accept it instantly. But avoid leaving her by herself in the middle of the room, like a statue of Patience. Juvenile gentlemen are frequently apt to let the lady of the house know that they regard her as a mere cumbrance, by swaggering up to her, and passing her with an air of impatience, to join those whom they are really anxious to see. The hostess ought to be made to feel, that her guests reckon her as at least as important a personage as any one in the room: no matter what may be their own unexpressed opinion on that point. EDITOR'S TABLE. We are sorry to be obliged to cut off so abruptly our master in politeness. We offer all the amends in our power. We present articles this month from distinguished gentlemen: among others the noted pioneer of American Deaf-Mute Charities-the Rev. THOMAS H. GALLAUDET; also from Rev. WALTER CLARKE, Rev. Dr. KIP and others. AMERICAN LITERARY MAGAZINE. VOL. III. NOVEMBER, 1848. No. 5. CHIEF JUSTICE SPENCER. Ir sometimes happens that a man of moderate powers is, by some fortunate accident, elevated to an important station; and not less frequently perhaps, that men of acknowledged abilities and accomplishments are never called forth from the walks of private life. In either case the task of the biographer is a constrained and difficult one. It is hard for a conscientious and generous man to tell the story of an individual, who holds a high place of which he is not worthy, and it is no less difficult for any man to do justice to the capacities of a great mind, that has always acted within a limited sphere, and never been quickened by the sense of public trust and responsibility. But where eminent intellectual and moral qualities exist, in connection with circumstances most favorable to their development and exercise -in other words, where a truly great man is found occupying an honorable and responsible post, devising and executing for the public weal, with the wisdom and energy of a master mindthere the office of the biographer becomes at once easy and pleasant; for he has no occasion to tax the faith of the reader for any thing in respect to the character of the man, which is not amply proved by the story of his life. In presenting to our readers a brief sketch of the late Chief Justice Spencer, we feel that we have this double advantage of having to deal not only with a great man, but a great man who for many years filled a wide |