Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-05-21

HsNP0SS III
game called Growing the Wisest.' This is
played by selecting a Judge Of the game, and
three persons, either ladies or gentlemen, who
are to contest for the crown BY answering sue.
cessiyely the various questions which the rest of
the party are TT liberty to ask. The one who is
declared to have been the readiest and happiest
IN his ans wers receives the crown.
Our American, much against his inclination,
was chosen among the three candidates. He was
aware that his position, the society with which he
was mingling, required Of him the ability to sus-
tain himself. He was to be sure treated with
distinguished attention by his host and hostess,
aud generally by the party, but this was a favor
to the individual. and not one Of the company
IN derstood the character Of Republicans or sp.
preclated the Republic. The three worthless had
arranged that their turn for him should fall in
succession and be the last. The first one, a per-.
feet exquisite, and with an air Of most ineffable
condescension put his question.
"If understand rightly the government Of
your country. you acknowledge no distinction of
rank, consequently you can have nc. court stand.
ard for the manners of a gentleman; will you ia
vor me with Information where your best school
of politeness is to be foundl'
F your benefit" replied the American,
smiling calmly, 81 would recommend the Falls
of Niagara contemplation of that stupenduus
wonder teaches humility to the proudest, and
human nothiugness to the vainest. 1t rebukes
the trIfler and arouses the most stupid; in short,
it turns men from their Idols; and when we &C.
knowledge that God only is Lord, we feel that
men are our equals. A true christian is always
polite.
There was a murmur among the audience, but
whether applause or censure the American could
n-k Il 1911
anxiety for the result by a scrutiny Of the faces
which he knew were bent on him.
The second now proposed his question. He
and whiskered like a diplOmatist, which station,
he had been coveting. His voice was bland, but
his emphasis was very significant.
=" Should | visit the United States. what sub
ject with which am cOnversant would most iD-
terest your people, and give me an opportunity
Of enjoying their conversational"
"YOu must maintain, as you do at present,
that a monarchy is the wisest. the purest, the
best government, which the skill of man ever
devised. and that a democracy is utterly barba-
rous. NV countrymen are proverbiallv fond Of
argument. aud will meet you on both these ques.
lions, and, if you choose, argue with you TO the
end Of your life"
The murmur was renewed, but still without
any decided expression of the feeling with which
his answer had been received.
The third then rose from his seat, and with an
assured voice, which seemed TO announce a Ger.
tain triumph, said,
" require your decision. on delicate ques.
ton. but the rules of the pastime warrant it. and
also a candid answer. You have Seen the Anne.
rican and the English ladies'; which are the fair
est"
The young republican glanced around the cir,
Gle. 1t was bright with flashing eyes, and the
s"'et Smiles which wreathed many a lovely lip.
might have won a less determined patriot from
his allegiance. Ue- did not h.s;.-.' i---
bowed low to the ladies as he answered.;
Is The standard of female beauty is, | believe,
allowed to be the power of exciting admiration
aud love in our sex; consequently those ladies who
are most admired. aud beloved, and respected bv
the gentlemen, must be the fairest. Now, | as
sert confidently, that there is not a nation on
earth. where woman is SO truly beloved, so ten.
derly cherished, so respectfully treated, as in the
republic of the United States; therefore, the
American ladies are the fairest. But" and he
again bowed low, 6 if the ladies before whom l
have now the honor Of expressing my opinion,
were in my country, we should think them Ame-
~ricans."
The applause was enthusiastic; after the mirth
had subsidized so as to allow the Judge to be heard,
he directed the crown to the Yankee.