[Sidenote: Reforming Manners]
Mr. Robertson found enough trouble on his hands when he took the
Allentown High School without giving any special attention to such
matters as politeness and good manners, generally.
His first assistant, Miss Sibley, finally overcome with disgust, fairly
demanded of him that he do something to improve conditions.
“These people are perfect boors. They have no more caution about the
commonest courtesies than street Arabs.” In fact many of them did roam
the streets with no home restraint.
Aroused from apathy, Mr. Robertson set his machinery into action. The
next morning he gave a long talk in the assembly period, mentioning
about twenty forms of courtesy which he insisted they must adopt.
“You must be careful to tip your hats, boys, when you meet ladies. Don’t
talk loud on the street. Don’t shove people about when you hasten
through a door,” etc.
Several whispered remarks showed how the talk was taken.
“What’s this he’s stuffing down us?” “Something’s come over him. He’ll
get better!” “We can’t take on all that gaff.” “I get all of that at
home that I want; shut him up!” Finally some one turned the laugh on the
affair, after getting permission to speak.
“People around here wouldn’t understand us if we tried to go through all
those motions. Can’t you tell us something easier?” Mr. Robertson
dropped the matter and began to watch for results thereafter. He saw
none except some crude mockeries of courteous behavior.