Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-03-02

and come forth under all the improvements VI
their new situation, ready to conform to any rule
or sanction any excess. We had been led to
hope that our institutions would not only not
generate extravaganza, but discountenance all
attempts to impede the universal operation, in
all the branches of life, of these equalizing re-
suations under which we live. Unfortunately,
tins has not been realized. The tendency of
human nature is dispay-be it in literature, or
the less creditable but more fascinating occupa-
tons Of domestic intercourse. Where tempta-
ton IS remote, dissipation sometimes ceases to
prevail; and we extol the philosophy OF those
who owe TO accident, rather than resolution, the
virtue which they would seem thus to preserve.
But those who have passed through the labyrinths
Of fashion, und participated in its frivoties-
who have fourished in their day and generation
at Court like this. are prepared to acknowledge
the paramount influence of pleasure over all
graver demands. 1t entices all within the cir
Gle Of its embrace. Washington differs from the
metropolitan theatres of the world generally in
the single circumstance that its resources are
leas extensive. Surrounded b. the barren hills
OF Virginia and Maryland, and excluded from
all profitable commerce. without serious incon-
venienre, it is destined always to remain place
Of little Importance on the map OF the Union,
beyond that of its nationality. The wants Of
Is
as ridiculous, as those Of any other city of the
same character-not to mention magnitude or re-
sources.
When thrown upon this theatre of fashionable
life, we observe much to admire; but this admi-
ration is rather a debt due to Nature than its
tensible claimant The power Of beauty, and
the sprightliness of natural intellect, triumph
over the fnlies which disgrace and obscure them.
They add lustre to the embellishments ct art,
render more tolerable the caprices OF fashion,
and smooth over the prudish whims and sicken-
ing aectations which the present aye has brought
so much into vogue. The litentiousness Of the
! times has in no wise spared u.s. 1t has stolen in
| at an evil hour. and is now in complete posses
sion of all those strong holds of virtue. discre-
ton and prudence which have always protected
US, heretofore. against error or violation.
The MIXED character nf our society renders
highly important the exercise Of an active vigl
lance. on the part Of parents and guardians, over
the conduct Of those who act under their imi!e-
diate inspection. Should it so happen, as Is
sometimes the case, that they are incapable of
atforiing stimulus to literary exertion. they should
at least practice salutary restraint owe" the de-
pertinent of their wards, whose excuses, IT any,
are To be ascrbe,! to the want OF proper disci-
pine. The neglect of education in its substan
| udl UfdnCNSs, anu tnt NguttI
which bv their gaiety contribute to the pleasures
OF life. is pei haps nowhere more discernabie than
here b. 1t the dazzling efforts Of those vino
figure on the theatre of politi' a! action. Ut the
idea that we stand here in the relation OF ma
nv Janissaries about the palace of their sove
| reign. from whichever cause disc on ragement may
have proceeded, the good people of this District
have much to answer tor besides, 10 wh,cl no
such matter can b. pleaded. Those who are less
| Influenced bv tie freting amusements OF court,
add capable of enduring the hardships Of life.
soon go in pursuit Of more elevated occupations;
| while the softer sex, content even where they
most neglected, remain as victims to the impurI-
ties of protitless association. 1t becomes US.
therefore, to examine into our condition, supply
our demands, and do justice to ourselves and our
descendants. Whatever distance we may have
advanced already in the career Of folly. it must
be recollected that our steps may still be retrac
ed with honor and advantage.
! ''ris the first virtue vices to abhnr,
| And The AR, iSdnm 'n he fools no more "
| Uashin gtoi,. February 27.