Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-06-20
GROWING THE wIsEsT.

GROWING THE WISEST.
Not many years ago it happened that you"s
man from New York visited London ms ,utl'e
being connected with several OF the maghates
the British aristoctacy, the young American wa
introduced into the fashionable circles OF the me
tronolis where i'm consequence OF his very line per
sonal nnpeorance or that his father was reported
TO be very rich, or that he was new figure on tht
stare. he attracted much attention, and became the
favorite of the ladies'. This was not at all iellshet
by the British beaux but as no very fair preteX
offered for q rebuff, they were compelled to trea
him civy Thus matters stood when the Hon
nj. p. and lady made party to accompany tliell 10
their country seat in Canbrdgeslire, ana the "a
mericun among the invited guests NUMEROUS
were the devices TO which these devotees Oh peas
ure resorted in order to kill that old iellow VINO VIII
measure his hours when he ought to know they are
not wanted. and the ingenuity of every one was
tnxeA to remember or invent something novel;
The Yankees are proverbialy ready of inven.
ton. and the American did honor to his character
as man accustomed TO the freedom Of thought
He was frank and gay, and entered into the sports
and amusements with that unaffected enjoyment
which communicated part Of his fresh feelings to
the most worn out fashionists in the party. His
good nature would have been sneercd at by come
of the proud cavaliers, had he moi been such cap
ital shot, and he might have been quzzed, had moi
the ladies, won by his respectful cviIites, and his
constant attentions in the drawing room and saloon
dIWuyS showed themselves MS lIeHuS' DUL u COu
blnation was at last formed among trio Of dan
dies, saunch Patrons of the Quarterly, to annh
late the American They proposed to vary the e.
ternal waltzing and piping, by the acting Of char
AIDES and playing various games, and having inter
ested one of those interchangeable ladies' 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 call
ed Growing the Wisest." This is played by Sc
Letting Judge of the game, and three persons, ell
Their ladies or gentlemen, who are to contest for the
crown by answering successfully the various ques-
tons which the rest of the party at liberty to
ask. The one who is declared 10 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. lie was aware
that his position society with which he was ming
ling, required of him the ability 10 sustain himself
lie was treated with distinguished attention by his
host and hostess, and generally by the party, but
this vas favor to the individual, for not one of the
company understood 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. a per-
feet exquisite and with an air of most neiable
descension, put the following question:
eff understand rightly the government of your
country you acknowledge no distinctions of rank,
consequently you can have no court standard for
tRe manners OF gentleman will you favor me
with information where your best school of polite
ness is to be found?"
For your benefit, replied the American, smil-
ing calmly would recommend the Falls of Nj
agara; contemplation of that stupendous wonder
teaches humility TO the proudest, and human moth
lngness to the vainest. 1t rebukes the trifer 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 always potc'
Ihere was murmur among the audience, but
whether OF applause or censure the American could
not determine, as he did not choose TO betray any
anxiety for the result by q scrutiny of the faces
which he knew were bent on him.
The second now proposed his question. He al
fected to be great politician, musachoed and
be-whiskered like diplomatst, which station he
had been coveting. His voice was bland, but his
emphasis was very significant
"Should visit the United States what subject
with which am eonversant would most interest
your people and give Inc an opportunity Of enjoying
their Conversations"
8" You must maintain as you do at present, that
monarchy is the wsest, the purest, the best govern
ment which the skill of man ever devised, and that
democracy is utterly barbarous. My countrymen
are proverbiay' fond of argument and will meet
you on all these questions, and if you choose, will
argue with you to the end of your life"
The murmur was renewed, but still without any
decided expression of the feelings with which his
answer received
The third then arose from his scat and with an
assured voice, which seemed 10 announce certain
triumph, sajd:-
81 require your decision on a delicate question
but the rules Of the pastime warrant it, and also
candid answer. You have seen the American and
English ladies which are the fairest ?"
The young republican glanced round the circle.
It YVES bright with flashing eyes, and the sweet
smiles which Wreftuod every lin mi pht have won