Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-04-13
No. XIII.-TUEsDAY, APRIL IL, 1851.
D;e;to monstrari -Fersius.

DeU0 mOnSUhI - GSs"S'
The affectation Of being CONSPICUOUS, rsa sPe-
r;es of cacoethes visible in some people, who do
not themselves know how ridiculous they appear
IN the indulgence of this propensity. 1t is an
;nvariable mark of weak mind, and makes its
nossessor contemplate in the eyes Of sensible
men This broad cast condemnation at the on
.st will show that | do not intend to tread
more lightly as proceed.
man of sufficient mind and manners to sup
mort proper degree of dignity in himself, and
TO command the respect of others, never seeks
this unen, liable kind Of notoriety of which am
soeaking. True merit is always modest and
poobtrusiye-Gke charity it vaunteth not, IS not
nufad I'm. Itleaves II for others to find out its
Qualities. and would rather lie concealed, than
aaunt out in gaudy dress before the eyes of the
multitude-disito mOnstrari Not so with the
man ambitious of a display. Conscious OF hav-
mo no real qualifications to entitle hun to the
favor. affection or notice of those around him,
ne would fain by consequential airs, attract Obser-
va,;on. and draw upon him the attention OF the
nublic. 1t is very easy matter for some to as
sumo importance, and in the process OF time &C
tually 10 become impressed with the idea that
habit IS nature. The jibes and jeers OF those
who know the % jackdaw IN ITS borrowed
plumesr cannot convince such character OF the
estimation in which he is held. With strange
sort of infatuatiou, he will continue his course,
until he is Kissed or kicked out of society. Not
that | would insinuate that such result Is o.
ten observed in the fashionable circles with
whom by the by, our Hotchpot is great favor
ito. and for whose edihcation. Of course, our Ia
'bors are chiefly intended.) Oh no! In these CIR
cles our Pomposo's or Figurando's are, Tor The
most part. courted and caressed-favored and
Aattered. Their impudence receives The name
of smartness-their intolerable affectaton goes
down a. grace, and they are suffered to mtrude
where their company is any thing but agreeable.
With the commune cugus, however, the Pile
be,ans who are out of the atmosphere which floats
around the centre Of fashion, it is not so. Me-
rit is with them apt to find is proper level
They generally nail base coin to the counter,
and that which passes current In high life, re-
ceiyes the cross when it comes to circulate among
those who are said to move in a lower sphere!
"oft has it been my lot to mark,
A proud, conceited, talking spark"
and "a often has it been nv lot to despise him.
;There NAV be sort of malice mingled with the
Measure i experience, but certainly do feel
Measure in notifying his vanity-and the best
way to do that is, to treat him with silent con-
,smpt. His whole aim and object is to be the
=. observed of all observers''-digifo monstrari.
Refuse him that boon--bis crest falls, aud he
gradually dwindles down to his proper dlmen-
sions.
II is amusing to witness the various arts re-
sorted TO- in order to sustain the situation of "a
man of consequence" They all have their
hobbies'-In some the desire is manifested by
arts and tricks which give indication OF cum
n;ng hardly to be looked for IN people lacking
braias. Others cannot conceal their desperate
strvngs, and making virtue Of nee necessity fairly
brazen it out. Whether in the ball room or at
the soiree, flirting with beautiful girl, or hum
drumming with grave maToa' a1', s;,u, sa
and in all places, the restless spirit is at work
urging its victim to the preparation OIL thou
sand acts ridiculous in themselves, morhfylng to
his friends, and disagreeable to those among
sor d;stioction are as various as the means used
in .rrisng at 1.-THE ambition Of one leads him
to excel IN gallantry-it is the pride Of another
to flourish as gay deceiver-a third would gain