Litchfield enquirer., 1831-05-05

1 vents this evil !; and it has been urged as an ] argument in favor of the practice, that. in this way many of the poor are supplied with comfortable clothing. But this argus ment does not appear to me satisfactory. If the custom were abolished, would not the poor be as well provided for as they are now? Would not those who give so freely to supply what is only an imaginary want. be as ready to supply real wants2 If the rich did not have to spend money for mour- ming apparel for themselves, they would have more to give away. Besides, it is on-; ly the Oery poor who receive this assistance to the cOmtortGbIe poor it is not proffared and persons of this class are consequently l much the greatest sufferers from the bad custom.
 It is urged that, as clothing ofsome kind must be worn, they may as we'll buy black as any other. think not. A full suit of mourning apparel costs more than the gar- ments usually worn by the poor. Besides. the purchase of an entire suit for every member of a family at once, inaerfpres ye- ry much with their economical arrange ments, and the old garments which are laid aside are certainly less valuable the next year.
 There is another objection to this cus- tom. of much greater weight and that is tho dissipation cf thought which it occasions. If ever there is time when family should be silent and thoughtful, it is when death is there. This is time for inc be-: reaved, and tho friends of the bereaved, to commune with their own hearts and with God. It does appear to mo peculiarly un- suitable and unwelcome to intrhde on those sacred hours in such trifiiug manner.
 know not when or where the custom of wearing mourning apparel originated, but it seems as if it must have been devised by the author of all evil, expressly to weaken the influence of that most powerful of preachers-death. This effect is produes ed, not so much on the individuals nearest concerned, as on those connected with them. For instance, if a child is taken from large family, the mother, perhaps, in the anguish of her spirit, takes no uoticc of the busy preparations which are going on; but the other members of the family, and especially the children, have their at~ tention very much diverted from the seris ous aud important subjects which would at such time naturally occupy their mines. The evil is still greater among the other relatives. Could you look in upon their families, you would behold in each scene of hurry and confusion--evcty house con- verted into workshop, and all hands bn- consistent 2-is it right2
 A further argument in favor of this eus- tom is, that it serves 10 keep alive in the hearts of survivors the memory of the de- parted. True mourhers need no such me- mento@-false ones do not wish it. It is un- doubtedly desirable to have some badge. by which the mourner shall be distinguisi- ed. It appears to me that all the useful ends of mourning apparel might be attain- ed by laying aside our ornaments, and put- ting on some simple badge. such as band of black crape on the arm, or round the hat and bonnet. This would be liable tG none of the objections which exist against the present custom. 1t is not deemed im- proper or unfecling for a gentleman 10 wear his usual apparel, with the simple ad- ditiOn of a weed on the hat. This is suf- ficient to designate him as mourner and l why should not the same be proper for la. dies4
 It has been said, that the practice of wearing mourning apparel has favorable influence on the manners, and consequent
 ly on the minds of the people. It may
 be SO. But 1.-the time which is encroached
 upon to prepare this apparel was spent in endeavoring to draw improvement from the afliction, and the money which is spent was given to somc nobler object. would it not be mdrc effectual way of elevating the minds and manners of society," s. J. l Boston, March 22d, 1881.
 A1asing Aceideat.-An amusing acci. dent lately took place in a village not a hundred miles o6.-Two negroes employ cd by farmer, were sent to the barn to work, where they found d large Steel Trap; which had been set sometime previous for rats. Not knowing the use of the trap, they began to examine it: Whats he for? Cuff! ]" asked Sambo. .' Don't know, only habe got teet all round--gness helm patent curry comb, from he looks," said Cuff" Golly, gosh I guess not" ,ex- claimed Sambo, "see how like de debbls he bite, cause you call i'm wrong name.'' The trap unfortunately springing at the in- stant, and nearly severing of two of poor Sambo's fingers.
 A;ssries of Collt eting.-The customer complains that you call with your bills too ofien-4-that you let them run on till nothing can be recollected about them. and old manuscripts must be hunted up to refresh