Judith Martin Quotes
Freedom without rules doesn't work. And communities do not work unless they are regulated by etiquette.
Martin, Judith. Miss Manners Rescues Civilization. Crown Publishers, 1996.
There was a social custom amongst the wealthy women of early American society where if they were moving to a new town, they would present their cards to the established female residents, who would then visit the newcomer at her home. Dolley Madison, anxious to bring some social civilization to Washington, still a rough swamp area, went out of her way to visit all comers and the Cabinet (Department) wives then did the same. However, as the government and Washington grew, this became more and more difficult, and subsequent first ladies wanted more of their privacy and time devoted to family. As America grew in importance, more counties sent ambassadors to Washington, and their wives all expected to be visited and invited. See {620648} for more on the “obligations” of a first lady and cabinet wives.
Judith Martin, better known by the pen name Miss Manners, is an American columnist, author, and etiquette authority.
