Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-09-27
From the Poushkeepsio cssksa.
DISTINCTIONS.

y =
n, cessary compact Of intelligent beings,
met for mutual benefit npon the broad ground
OF EQUALITY, those petty distinctions founded
on tie posse ssion Of wealth, or other extrane-
ous appendages of shssse ter appear ridiculous
and amusing. In this Country, where the
boast of equality y upon every up, there ara
more distinctions ia society than in any other
country in the world and there are grades
Of aristocracy, 10 each of which there Is n are
of exclusiveness manifested than among the
nobility aud gentry OF any Kingdom in Eu-
rope. There arc distinctions IN society which
should always exist, on the pcrpetuity ot
which sound morality greatly depends
They consist in the ,arions phases exhibited
by virtue aud vice aud the more vicious u
member of the compact becomes, broadcr
and more decided should The viitrous draw
tie line of distinction, which should never
be passed except on an erraDd of mercy by
the latter to reclaim the former. This 10
d stnction of character, depending upon the
violation of each, not on any fortutous Cit
culnstsnces, and consequently is Legitimate
distinction. But to see men building their
structure @! superiority upon the sandy and
uncertain foundation of riches, upon the ianie
Of some distinguished progenitor, or upon
the more foolish aud ridiculous idea that one
employ is more genteel than another, ex-
cites the smile Of mingled pry and eontempt
upon tho lips Of the sensible. Yet We daily
meet with those aho assume superiority on
THESE grounds, and it is 10 this prac!ies, ark
sing from the error OF the judgment, or the
absolutely want of common sense, that we
may ascrlbe nine tcnths oftlc evils with which
the harmony of society is disturbed.
Several years since, we made journey to
thriving village in neighboring county,
and while tarrylng at the house of friend,
raw practical illustration Of the above re-
marks. A social party had gathered on tho
occasion of the return Of another birtl-day of
one Of our hicnd's daughters, aud II wax
really a congregation Of pretty aud cheerful
faces. During the evening cotillion was
proposed, aud couples Immediately formed
upon the floor. From retired corner ca,n0
neatly dressed young man, with an inteli-
gcnt countcnance and pleasing address, and
invited gay butterfly girl, who seemed dis
posed to iiirt with everybody, Ia join in the
dance. She scarcely Jeigned recognition,
and coldly refused. The young man bit bis
lips, while the flush OF offended pride mouni-
ed To lbs cheeks, and passing TO the opposite
side of the roon found his hand acceptable
to pretty, modest miss, and in a moment
more they were moving in the dance.
"Who was tina, young man ?" asked mer-
chants cIe,k, addressing the coqnctte hrst
mentioned.
lie is Oh impudcnt puppy" responded
the iral one, curling her pretty lip hangliiI,;
."he Is nothing but u mechanic, und ] wonder
at his presumption in asking me To dance"
"'rwus presumption indeed, and extraordi-
narily and sbockngly imperlite," responded
the clerk, iucking in the ruiilcs OF his dlckey.
and throwing one leg over the other IN an
important attitude. Il wonder that Dir. -
was not more select in choosing the members
of this ere party. But SO it is society hero
is gitlln' as bad as Bosting and other indura-
ceous places, where gentlemen are continu-
ally perforated with these ere internal me-
chanics. You done right, miss, awfully right,
in scorning to accept sch like company"
! $50 says Miss Ann--dont you Ann ?" said
The indignant coguette, addressing her but
terhy companion.
ayes, you did, Hetty-and I'll be hanged
If I'd dance with one Of them are mechanics,
if pcver did. But do look! as sure as eggs,
the impairment fellow is dancing with Judge
BIS philippine. think she ought to
he ashamed Of herself, for slch q disgrace ~
! open company"
.She's as,oundingly foolish" said the clerk
! shifting his legs importantly. "But come,
I ,
! "WtlI all my heart" said Miss Hctty,
aud they both simultaneously sprang to tho
: Door.
n We listened to this colloquy with superla-
I tive contempt for the uttorers, and having for
n,rd an opinion Of their characters, from the
index Just given, resolved to discover that of
the young man. We ascertained that hs
was a coach maker, respectfully connected, Of
industrious habits, possessed OF mind far
above the ordinary standard, and withal we'll
cultivated. lie viewed society as q man
of sense ought, and presumed that equality
shoInd or ought TO exist within the circle VI
n social party. Courtesy prompted him to
offer his hand TO tho naughty coquette, and
the refusal wounded his fine feelings. But
they were healed by the frank and courteous
address Of the daughter OF Judge B., and in
truth, motive moro exalted than Werc cour.
Itcsy actuated them both. They were be-
trothcd, but the gossips had not yet heard the
secret. While leading the modest Emma to
the cotillion ring, he looked with proper cou-
tempt upon the naughty Hester NJ, tho
misguided daughter Of broken the rchsnt.--
She drew a line Of distinction between her
self and the honest mechanic. while he also
traced a demarcation Hers was drawn BY
an erroneous judgment, his by correct princl-
pies. The sequel is brief. Tho mechanic
became soon the son.in. Jaw Of Judge B. emi.
gratedAo Indiana, and at the last election IN
that state, was chosen 4 mcmber Of the popu-
lar branch of its legislature.
After seasons of Irritation and coqucfry,
flester NJ became tho wife Of the "engm-
eing" young clerk, who, carrying his eScln.
sive principles into his business relation: ana
endcavoring to ape his wealthy neighoors,
was soon nun bered with a list of bsnkrup's
and now gains but a scsnty pittsnce IN the
metropolis as a third rate clork. There are
distinction in society, but they are too often
! u ------.... -.< axrinx Ia. lauenl.