the world where a so-called "friendly
correspondence" is or can be carried on between young men and young
women with, or without, any particular object in view, even here it is
well to be careful. Girls are sometimes a little too confidential, and
all men are not gentlemen, outward polish notwithstanding. A
friendship too easily won or too fully expressed is not always prized,
and while manly men are supposed never to boast of the number of their
correspondents, yet club-room walls, could they speak, would stamp
many a man as less than a gentleman.

Titles.

The proper use of titles forms an important item in letter-writing.
The slightest hesitancy on this point shows a lack of culture on the
part of the writer that lowers him at once in the eyes of the
recipient.

The ordinary social titles used are simple and familiar. These are:
Mrs., Madam, Miss, for women; Mr., Esq., Messrs., Sir, for men, and
Master for boys.

Of course, in writing to an acquaintance, while the outer address
retains all its formality, the commencement will be whatever is
warranted by the degree of friendship between the parties.

Domestic Titles.

By the constitution of the United States it is provided that no titles
of nobility shall be granted by the government. Neither shall a person
holding a governmental office accept any title from any king, prince
or foreign state, except express permission be given by Congress. The
President of the United States and the Governor of Massachusetts are
the only citizens possessing as officials a title by legislative act.
This title is the same: "Excellency." Governors of other states are
given this title by courtesy only. However, this title may be omitted
at discretion, and indeed the simpler form given is far more suited to
our Republican simplicity of manners.

The following list will be found a complete guide in the use of all
honorary titles sanctioned by custom in the United States:

Ambassadors, Foreign, to the United States, are addressed officially
by the titles recognized in their own countries, and if they have no
title, as "Mr. ----," followed by title of office. United States
ambassadors to foreign countries, officially as "Mr. ----" or "Hon.
----," followed by title of office. There are but four ambassadors
sent out by the United States, the ministers to Russia and England
having been but lately invested with that title.

The Hon. John Jones, United States Ambassador to the Unit