S8 MANNERS AND FASHION. 



rate. Simultaneously with the decline in the influence of 

 priesthoods, and in the fear of eternal torments — simulta- 

 neously with the mitigation of political tyranny, the growth 

 of popular power, and the amelioration of criminal codes ; 

 has taken place *vhat diminution of formalities and that 

 fading of distinctive marks, now so observable. Looking 

 at home, we may note that there is less attention to prece- 

 dence than there used to be. No one in our day ends an 

 interview with the phrase " your humble servant." The 

 employment of the word /S'^V, once general in social inter- 

 course, is at i^resent considered bad breeding ; and on the 

 occasions calling for them, it is held vulgar to .use the 

 words " Your Majesty," or " Your Royal Highness," more 

 than once in a conversation. People no longer formally drink 

 each other's healths ; and even the taking wine Avith each 

 other at dinner has ceased to be fashionable. The taking- 

 off of hats between gentlemen has been gradually falling 

 into disuse. Even when the hat is removed, it is no longer 

 swept out at arm's length, but is simply lifted. Hence the 

 remark made upon us by foreigners, that we take off our 

 hats less than any other nation in Europe — a remark that 

 should be coupled with the other, that we are the freest 

 nation in Europe. 



As already implied, this association of facts is not acci- 

 dental. These titles of address and modes of salutation, 

 bearing about them, as they all do, something of that ser- 

 vility which marks their origin, become distasteful in pro- 

 portion as men become more independent themselves, and 

 sympathise more with the independence of others. The 

 feeling w^hich makes the modern gentleman tell the labourer 

 standing bareheaded before him to put on his hat — the 

 feeling which gives us a dislike to those who cringe and 

 fawn — the feeling which makes us alike assert our own dig- 

 nity and respect that of others — the feeling which thus 

 leads us more and more to discountenance all forms and 



