The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-10-29
NEW YORK HERALD.
New York, sunday, October go, Is4s.


RTs or MoRALITY.-We live in moral ege-a We.
nv moral age. That il unquestionsbe. But there
are peculiariues about this morality which are
somewhat amusing. II is very ccnvenient and
obligng morality. Unlike the sraaced puritani-
cal garment which was once very fashionable IN
lis day, that which now prevails in the piously gen
teel circles, possesses comfortable looseness, and
sits as easily as dressing gown The fashionable
code OF morals very rigidy denounces the vulgar
vices of profane swearing, indulgence in gin-apd.
bitters before dinner. and picking pockets. But
the plan1er of banks and honest tradesmen-faith-
lessuess to soema honorable obi ystons-q uiet,
respectable prohgacy OF all kinds, receive the
judgment OF charity, and are amply atoned tor by
regular attendance in :" the sanctuary" and hand.
some donations in aid of the propagation OF the
Gospel in foreign parts But there cannot, perhaps,
be afforded better illustration OF the real charac-
ter of that morality with which the great mass Of
that portion Of society, who arrogate to themselves
the exclusive right and title to be regarded as the
virtuous-the pure-the pious-the "salt of the
earh"-seek TO cover their hypocrisy, leprosy and
roitenness, than that which is furnished by the re-
ceptlon given TO a species of literature which has
recently been imported amongst US from the French
Capital.
materials from the lowest and viles hsuns Of
profilgacy and crime, Eugene Sue is not the least
distinguished He has made the most of his chosen
held; and in The Mysteries of Paris" introduces
his readers to very extensive circle of the thieves,
harots, and assassns of that remarkable city. The
-habts-conduc;, and character of
these classes are described with great fidelity. In
trigue-illch ove-robbery-murder these are
the chief inoredients IF fhis evcitinr nnval and
they are worked up with the spirit and power OF a
master The warmth OF the coloring--the inf an
matory nature OF The details-the whole tone and
character Of the novel, render it infinitely more
dangerous than any Of the WI tings of the wicked
drama lists or noveiists-such as Fielding, Lewis,
or F4rquhar, whose works have been honored with
place in the Iader Erpurg atorius of the "rigidly
righteous" Yetwe fad this novel printed and pub
lished by pious publishers-sold by pious book
seers-puffed by pious editors, Ii re the Rev. David
Hale-and sreedy devoured by thousands of plous
ladies and gentlemen of all ages and conditions,
and degrees in goodness. You fad it on drawing
room tables--in company with the best evangelical
sermon and the Rev. Dr. Wainwnf hts elegan, ed-
ton OF the Book of Common Prayer. You are sure
TO see il in the boudoir Ct the fashionable lady
who collects money to save the ssuls Of the
HtNGI idtlS III dttSiA-
dance at the genteel Loathly concert for prayer in
the basement OF the Rev. Dr.. Poundtext's church,
Very pous papers who were violently agitated with
virtuous indignation at the truthful revelation of
some of the "MyseIes OF New York" in the " He
raid" the other day, experience very fferent emo.
tioIs as they sit composedy by the cheerful even.
ing fire, and in the presence OF their pous progeny,
yield themselves willing auditors Of Eugene Sue,
L. Al. = L Il
make up the stories Of Partisan prostitutes and
thieves
Now contrast with the reception of this Partisan
novel, the whining, bowling deprecations, with
which the very sa classes are accustomed to at
tack every honest, faithful exposition of the state
and progress of the society Of which they form
portion. Let but a common case at one OF the
civil courts, involving an instructive and warning
exhibition OF the consequences Of the violation OF
those laws OF morality on which Inc very security
of society ina state of peace and order depends, be
reported in the Herald and you hear loud out
cry OF horrible! indecent! OH good gracious, how
improper ~ from the same pous circles, in which
the very moral and pure pages Of Eugene Sue are
now circulating with perfect freedom
We do not at present enter on any examination
of the merits, or demerits of such publications as
the mysteries OF fhrls, or OF the ln1iences Tor
good or evil which their circulation universally is
likely TO exercise, This subject is obviously Of no
small interest and importance and we may soon re-
TO it. But our object just now is TO expose the
hypocrisy and Inconsistency of those who purchase
and read such works, whilst at the same time they
IDEAL damnalion round the land" on such conduc-
tors OF the public press possess the courage and
correct sense of the duIes of their position, which
enable them TO be indeed truthful chronicles OF the
age-faihfu painters of the manners errors, vices,
and follies of their time.