The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-05-08
FOR THE STAR.
Mr.. Editor,


much importance, Us any other in our Ian
gunge, and, when used correctly, is alto
gcther the most pleasant one in use 1t
is however, a marvellous pcrversion and
an objectionable abuse of the true mean
ing of the word, to use il in the way some
do, even if it is written in aahcks; as much
as to say-we say one thing and mean a
mother. have frequently seen an article
in newspaper, headed "another reform"
and on reading the article, nave been dis
agrceabiy surprised to find it was merely
and unjust, alias Jackson removal from
office. ] have sometimes also seen an ar
ticlc headed :" to reform the agc"-and af-
ter having, with greedy eyes, devourcd
the paragraph, have been disgusted with
ascertaining, that it was merely ridicu-
lous putting of the doctrine Of pctticont
preacher ofinfdclity. In one instance, ]
saw another REFORM" the amount of
which, was gentlcman's advertisement,
stating that he had been reformed Out of
Office, and removed to Bristol jaol und
| thought, that among all orthcse modern
modes of reform, this, though certainly
very bad, was the least injurious in its
consequences.
But to return to the word-In my opin-
ion, Mr.. Editor, this word Is too frequent
Iy sed in its bad and corrupt sense, and
too seldom used in its good sense. lfone
half of the talent, ink and paper, that is
now bestowed on this word in its silly
sense, was devoted TO rcft nation in its
true sense, the condition Of society would
be much better, and those who now scrib-
bic and waste their time to no good pur-
pose, would be tho means Of doing much
good. Ifinstcad of writing scurrilous par
agraphs against those who favor, or those
who oppose tho administration ;-if in
stead Of bestowing the cpithets Of liar,
scoundrel, sc. on all political opponents !;
If instaad of Transforming, (not reform
ing) the publick journals into story sheets
and records Of every triiling action, silly
or unimportant accident, in the
conduct Of great men, those who display
talent in writing, would become observers,
and seriously set themselves about reform
ing the age and improveing the state Of
society ! am sure that much less injury
would be done, and much more good ac-
complished.
have often wondered that among so
many good writer's, who always seem an
bilious enough to appear in print, so little
attention should be paid to ,mprovcing the
manners Of socicty-so many of the cr-
rors ofcommon life overlooked and SO
little ofrcform recommended in this de-
parmcnt. In society, good manners
should always be cncouragcd-modest
merit should always be favored, and blus-
tering and ignorant confidence, should al
ways be frowned upon. But is it so' no:
the reverse is the fact-Men aimed not
to accomplish themselves to enter society.
you see person ofmodcst department,
let his talents be ever 30 great, he seldom
is much noticed in Society, you must, like
the worthless fellow in the Spectator, throw
aside your modesty, instead ofyour igno-
rance you must make yourself acquain
ted with every body's business, but your
own you must talk with perfect case, Oh
all the topics Of your neighbors business
and conduct you must criticisc judicious
ly on every new dress that appears, every
new bonnet that " worn ; you must al
ways be ready to talk Of your ncighbors
you must be full charged with SANDER and
praise, ready to use either, as best suits
The mood and situation Of the company
you arc in To these important occom-