CALL IT civility, call it congeniality, call it comity. Whatever the politically acceptable label, half of the House of Representatives, with spouses and children in tow, are headed for a "bipartisan retreat" in Hershey, Pa., this weekend.

The aim is to restore respect and to soothe strained relations between Democrats and Republicans in an off-campus affair that features a Nobel Peace Prize winner and an actor intoning the speeches of Abraham Lincoln.

Please hold the comments about "kiss and make up" and "sweetness and light" at the nation's chocolate capital. No magic potion can heal the partisan political wounds over impeachment. Some lawmakers openly rejected the invitation, claiming it belies the reality of deep divisions between the two parties. Hisses and boos from the floor responded to the plea for attendance from Democratic Whip David E. Bonior.

But the troubled atmosphere in the House is all the more reason for legislators to try to repair some bridges in a nonagenda setting. The impeachment battle is past; so is the polarizing rule of Newt Gingrich. New issues will demand a more cooperative approach.

The retreat is worth the effort for the minority Democrats, who seek greater committee representation, staff and budget. It's worth the effort for Republicans, with a slender 11-member majority that could use a bipartisan push for its legislation.

The new House speaker, J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois, stresses cooperation and compromise. He got bipartisan support for the first 10 bills introduced this session, and he's been meeting with Democratic leadership to heal some rifts. Mr. Hastert favors the retreat.

The proof of those gestures remains to be seen in hard decisions, rather than in weekend cocktail diplomacy. Partisan politics will continue to dominate Congress. But this credible attempt to improve the atmosphere of the House as it begins a new session deserves more than a Hershey "kiss off" from responsible members of Congress.