Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-07-18
GROWING TIE WISES =

NOJ maNV years ago IL happened tHdt Y young
man from New York visited London. His faith
cr being connected wit several If the magnates
Of the British arisocracy, the young American
was introduced into the fashionable cir
cles of the metropolis, where in consequence
Of his very fine personal appearance, or that his
father was reported to be very rich, or that he
was a new figure on the stage, he attracted
much attention, and became the favorite of the
ladies'. This was not at all roshed by the Brit
ish beaux, but as no very lair preiext offered fUr
n rebuff, they were compelled to treat him civ
lily. Thus matters stood when the Hon. NJ. p.
aud lady made party TO accompany them to
their country seat in Cambridgeshre, and the
American was among the invited guests. M
merous were the devices to which these devo.
tees OF pleasure resorted in order to kill that old
fellow who will measure his hours, when lie
ought to know they are not wanted, and the in
genuity Of every one was taxed, to remember
or invent something novel.
The Yankees are proverbially ready of inven.
tion and the American did honor to his clarac-
ter as a man accustomed TO the freedom OF
thought. He was frank and gay and entered
into the sports and amusemen,s with that unaf-
feCted enjoyment which communicated part OF
his fresh feelings to the most worn out fashion
lists in 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 quizzed, had not the ladies'
won by his respectful cvities, and his con
slant attentions in the drawing room and saloon
always showed themselves his friends. But
combination was at last formed among trio o.
dandies, saunch patrons Of the Quarterly, tt
annihilate the American. They proposed to
vary the eternal waltzing and piping by the act
ing of charades and playing various games and
having interested one of those interchangeable la
dies who always carry their point in the scheme
it was voted to be the thing
After some charades had been disposed Of
one gentleman begged leave to propose the
game called Growing the Wsest." This is
played by selecting Judge Of the game, and
three persons, either ladies' or gentlemen, who
are TO contest for the crown by answering suc'
cessvcly the various questions which the res
of the party are at liberty to ask. The one who
is declared to have been the readiest and the
happiest in his answers receives the crown.
Our American, much against his inclination
was chosen among the three candidates. II,
was aware that his position, the society will
which he was mlngling, required of him thu
ability 10 sustain himself lie was treated will
distinguished attention by his hostess and gen
orally by the party, but this was a favor to thu
individual, for not one of the party understood
the character of Republicans, or appreciated tn
Republic. The three worthless had arrange
that their turn for him should fall in succession
and be the last. The first one, a perfect eXqu
site, and with an air of most inetlable condo
scenson, put the following question:
"lf understand rightly the government {
your country, you acknowledge no dis,inctio
of rank, consequently you can have no cour
standard for the manners of gentleman wi
you favor me with Information where your hes
school Of poliieness is to be found 2
For your benefit replied the American
smiling calmly, = would recommend the Fal
Of Niagara a contemplation Of that stupendol
wonder teaches humility to the proudest, an
human nothingness to the vanest 1t rebukt
the tri0er, and arouses the most stupid -
short, it turns men from their idols. and whe
we acknowledge that God only is Lord, we fe,
that men are our equals. A true Christian
always polite
There was murmur among the audicnc
but whether of applause or censure, the Anne
can could not determine, as he did not choos
to belray anxiety for the result by scrutiny
the faces which he he knew were bent on biz
The second nov proposed his question. t
affected to be great politician, was mustacho
and be.whiskered like diplomatist, which ST
ton he had been coveting. His voice "
bland, but his emphasis was very significant
Should visit the United States, what su
ject with which am conversant would most
terest your people and give me an opporiun
OF enjoying their conversation =
you must maintain as you do at prese
that monarchy is the wsest, the purest, t
best government which the skill of man e,
devised, and that democracy is utterly barb
Gus. My countrymen are proverbially fond
argument, and will meet you on all these gu,
tons, and, if you choose, will argue with you
the end of your life.'
The murmur was renewed, but still with
any decided expression of the feelings "
which his answer was received.
The third then arose from his seat, and "
an assured voice, which seemed to amour
certain triumph, said -
Il require your decision on delicate gu
ton, but the rules of the pastine warrant it,
also a candid answer. You have seen
American and English ladies': which are
farest!'
The young republican glanced round'the
Gle. 1t was bright with flashing eyes, and
sweet smiles which wreathed every lip mi
have won less determined patriot from his
legiance. He did not hesitate, though he b
ed low to the ladies' as he answered.
'The standard of female beauty il, bell,
allowed 10 be the power of exciting admira
and begetting love in our sex and consequ
", those ladies' who are most admired, and
loved and respected by the gentlemen, mus
the fairest. ] assert, now, confidently,
there is not a Nation on earth where woma
so truly beloved SO lenderly cherished, SO
spectfully treated. as in the Republic Of
J1nited States therefore the American la