Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-03-30
No. XI.-WEDxEspAY, March so, 1881.

amabilis inssnia ct nentis gratissnus error"-iIoR
This motto may we'll be applied to the subject
of the following remarks, Tor surely there is hot
i more pleasing madness, or an error more CRATE
full to the mind, than cURIosrrY.-i never knew
a human being entirely exempt from Its influence,
and it IS predominant trait IN the character OF
the large mass of mankind-womankind, we all
know, IS ptoverbal for full share OF the quality.
Philosophers have halted at the question, wheth-
er man might not be appropriately, anu correctly
termed a cUrious animal.
When speak of curiosity, do not wish to be
understood as referring to very noble and hon
orable desire, which should be glad to see uni-
versally prevalent, of finding out the secrets of
nature, the depths Of knowledge-the heights OF
scisnce-nf discerning that which is calculated
TO benefit the human race, or enlarge the sphere
of mans usefulness aud happiness. My remarks
are intended to apply altogether to that species
Of curiosity. which prys into the business OF 9TH
ers-devours with greedy ear the tattle OF the tea
taOle, and stands in gaping wonder Tor twelve
limo hours TO see a vessel slide from her stocks
INTO the water. This last remark brings me at
once 10 our own doors. | speak of course, a5si
iapitIia. But seriously, | am now firmly con-
WINGED, that for sheer, downright curiosity, our
town stands without rival. Ii am the more con-
WINGED of this, since il has been confirmed by the
experience of a very intelligent lady OF my &C
unaintance, who assures me that there Is no
doubt whatever of tie fact. There is something
exceedingly adiCrous, and at the same time ana
noyioo. in The way which this amaJiiis !nsGnia is
exIihiIed. Upon the occasion already limited at
my friends of the Hotchpot and myself, enjoyed
a hearty laugh at the expense OF the town,
which was set agog and stood tiptoe whole
day. To see the hurry and bustle-the hills COW
cred with anxious CITIZENSHIP windows alive with
bright eyes. the house tops peopled-the dense
crowd collected, and waiting In silent pa
,;ence-all ,his to stranger ignorant OF what was
actually Going on. would have conveyed the idea,
that some great holiday had arrived, or that
some important event was to be celebrated. am
credibly informed that upon this same occasion,
there was talk of ringing the bells, and shutting
upthe shops-certani il is, there was total cesSa-
ton of Operations in the market In vain did our
pedayogues attempt to conhne their urchins-the
prison doors were unbarred, and the liberated cap
tives escaped. Every body went ito see the
launch. ), The crippled hobbed there-the blind
we're led the, e-the laborcr shOuldered his pick,
and iostled in the throng, the dandy, who had
lust tied his starched cravat, - Bellies and Beaux,
maids and matrOus," were alike seized with the
endemic, and fastened to CRAFTY their laudable
cuRIosrrY. need not say that after our laugh
,vas over. we fell to serious conversation upon
This singular propensity, that we had just been
studying in its full development. Here we had
seen several hundreds, perhaps thousands OF good
people. leaving their homes. neg Getting their own
pccnnations, and losing their tme-for what:
Was the sight to benefit them in one way or the
otbsr-Oh no! But for Curiosity for staring,
gaping. idle curiosity. So you will see church
thronssd, aud every eye stretched wide, if an
lnd,a2 is TO preach, from the same exciting cause
look upon the hab,tual indulgence of this sub
tie. iuuuisisive, CAD about spirit of curiosity, as
yery injurious. To say nothing about its effects
upon the habits and manners, 1t certainly gives
a trifing air to its possessor. cannot feel the
same respect for who is notorious for the quail
,ty, that l do for another who is destitute OF It.
besides, how many difficulties does it bring man