LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 532, 2 March 1889, Page 8

LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION.

F|pHE reckless and irresponsible way in which JL people write notes of introduction is rapidly throwing distrust on the whole system of making people acquainted, says the San Francisco Argonaut. The man who gives a letter of introduction has not only drawn upon his credit, so to say, in his friend's feeling of kindness toward him, but he has become responsible for the man he presents. Many persons are inclined to assume that they can only be held responsible for the strict wording of their note, as if the recipient could half receive the acquaintance they only half indorse. The truth is, that the fact of having presented a man at all is in itself a claim which they have no right to press without being assured that the character of the person for whom they stand will bear out the natural inferences to be drawn from the fact that he has been given a written and formal indorsement. Of course, at the bottom of this evil lies not a disposition to impose on a friend, but a lack of courage to refuse a favour to another when such a favour would be looked upon as a personal reflection. An eccentric old gentleman^ who wa exceedingly scrupulous in regard to this matter, always couched his refusal to give a latter of introduction in the words : ' I am very sorry not to be able to oblige you, but I am convinced that you and the friend to whom you ask a letter would not be compatible. 1 The phrase was ambiguous, but it served as well as another. The refusal was the main thing, and that the gentleman— being a gentleman - always insisted upon when he felt that the acquaintanceship he was asked to bring about would not be agreeable to the recipient of the letter of introduction as well as to the bearer. The matter has been often touched upon ; but, so far from the evil decreasing, it seems rather to be growing. People are endeavouring to balance their moral laxness in this case by lessening the weight of presentation notes, and the time seems to be not far distant when convenient and necessary credentials will have no weight whatever. The only thing that can be done is to impress upoa individuals the need of establishing for themselves the reputation oi being so particular that their notes of introduction shall be absolute guarantees.