The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-05-17
A YANKEE AMONG THE ARIS-
t TOCRATS.

London. His father being connected
with several of the magnaies OF the
British aristocracy, the young American
was introduced to the fashionable Cir
cIes Of the metropolis, where, in conse-
1uence OF his very fine personal appear
ance, or that his father was reported to
be very rich, or that he was new fig
ure on the stage, he attracted much
attention, and became quite a favorite
of the ladies'. This was not at all rel
ished by the British beaux; but as no ve-
ry fair pretext offered as rebuff, they
were compelled to treat him civilly.--
Thus matters stood when the Hon. M.
P. and lady made a party to accompa-
ny them TO their country seat in Cam
bridgeshire, and the American was
among the invited guests. Numerous
were the devices to which these devo-
tees Of pleasure resorted in order to
xiii that old fellow who will measure
his hours when he ought to know they
are not wanted, and the ingenuity of
every one was taxed TO remember or
invent something novel.
The Yankees are proverbially ready
of invention, and the American did ho-
nor TO his character as man accustom-
ed 10 freedom of thought. He was
frank and gay, and entered into the
sports and amusements with that unaf-
fected enjoyment which communicated
part of his fresh feelings to The most
worn out fashionists of the party. His
good nature would have been sneered
at by some of the proud cavaliers, had
he not been such capital shot; and he
might have been quized, had not the la
dies, won by his respectful and pleas
ant civilities, land his constant attentions
in drawing rooms and saloons, always
showed themselves his friends. But
combination was at last formed among
trio of dandles. strong patrons OF the
Quarterly, to annihilate the American.
They proposed to vary the eternal
waltzing and piping by the acting Of
charades and playing at various games,
and having interested one of those in
defatigable ladies who always carry
their point in the scheme, it was voted
to be the thing.
After some few charades had been
disposed of,one gentleman begged leave
TO propose the game called crowning
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
successfully The variousquestions which
the rest of the party are at liberty TO
ask. The one who is declared to have
been the readiest and happiest in his
answers, receives the crown.
Our American, much against his in
clination, was chosen among the three
candidates. He was aware that his po-
sition in the society with which he was
mingliHg, required of him the ability to
sustain himself. He was, to be sure,
treated with distinguished attention by
his host and hostess, and generally by
the party; but this was favor to the
individual, ,and none of the company un-
derstood the character of republicans,
or appreciated the republic. The three
worthless had arranged that their turn
for him should fall in succession. and be
the last. The first one, perfect ex-
quisite, and with an air of most ineffable
condescention, put this question.
"lf ! understood rightly the govern
ment of your country, you acknowl-
edge no distinction ofrank, consequent
ly you can have no court standard for
the manners of a gentleman; will you
favor me with information where your
best school ofpoliteness is to be found?"
"For your benefit" replied the Am
erican, smiling calmly, 81 would rec
ommend the Falls of Niagara; a con-
temptation of that stupendous wonder
teaches humanity to the proudest, and
human nothingness to the vainest. 1t
rebukes the trifler, and arouses the
most stupid; in short; it turns men from
their idols; and when we acknowledge
that God only is Lord, we feel that men
are our equals. A true Christian is al
ways polite"
There was a murmur among the au-
dience, but whether Of applause or cen
sure, the American could not determine
as he did not choose to betray any anx-
ety for the result by scrutiny Of the
faces which he knew were bent on him.
The second now proposed his ques-
ton. He affected to be great politi-
can; was mustachioed and whiskered
like a dlpiomatist, which station he had
been coveting. His voice was bland,
but his emphasis was very significant.
'sShould visit the United States,
what subiect with which I am convers-