The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-06-13
For the Gale DOMAIN.
"A aczko4Eo

| LAACObdGLOAs
may seem impossible that anything new
should be offered upon subject which has en-,
gagged the tongues &. pens Of so many speakers
and writer's; but be that as il may, we are de,
sirous that itshould still continue to be con-
templated so long as the spirits so rife among
Affected polteness, timidity and modcsty
have been, and are now, perhaps, sufficiently
agitated, although false delicOcy is, notwith-
standing its PreyNlency,a very silly trait, and
not only so, but very injurious to the freedom
and happiness of society
But what we wish more particularly to no
tice, isuffected independence and coarscness
of mauners there is certain class of people
who, (it may be) Disguised with the spirit Just
referred to, affecting the opposite, seem desi-
rous of being considered as perfectly iAdjber-
emf the opinion of others, when at the same
time they manifest an inordnate desire to
elicit attention and remarks from those around
them, by the very act of apparent indifference
itself The only difference between this, and
the former class is, that their excessive love
ofnpprobation exhibits itself in different
manner, arising from different organization,
or turn of mind; and if it proceeds from no.
bier mind, it also savors more of arrogance
and presumption, and is for This reason much
more disgusting, for when man sets him
self up, above conforming TO the rules and
formalities of any society, he virtually says
that he is superior 10 that society; that their
manners and customs are all folly, and that
If they were sensible persons like himScifthey
would suffer themselves to he put under no
restraint with regard TO their appearance and
behavior before the world, Now who does
not see that this assumed superiority is calcu-
lated to excite feelings ofhatrcd and disgust
in the breast ofevery rational person. We do
not wish to be understood that one should CON
form precisely to ''mefeors Of fashion this
principle may be carried to excess and there
by become as ridiculous as the one Of which
we are treatingj but that their dress and appear
lnce should so far correspond TO that of sncie.
ty in general as not to particularly attract at
ention, which, if it do, will plainly indicate
he foolish motive by which such person is nc.
Luated.
This arrogance is not only disgusting Tut an .
absolute moral wrong, BY our creation we
are in possession Of certain social relations;
rom those relations arise social duties, MS
much binding upon us any other obligation;
hose are such as conduce TO the happiness of
he society in which we are placed Every
me must be aware how much pleasure is de-
lived from kind word, placid countenance,
md mild department; these suppose sympa-
by which this sort ofrccklcssness, of which we
ire speaking, utterly denies, consequently the
legree in which one contributes to the happi-
'ess of his fellow man depends in great
measure upon his general department.
Docs one wish TO initiate the cccentricities
II some celet rated character; One may be-
assured that such ccccntricitics never contrib.
lted TO true fame. Would not Murnt have
just as able general, if he had possessed
ieatness and care in dress and manner; and
'csidcs would have been much less pcrplcxi-
y to the Emperor
But how was it with the noblest of man.
ind; Him whom every American should be
roud to imitntc Washington raised his hat
nd bowed in passing his arm servants, saying
hat he did not wish to be outdonc by them in
olitencss.
If any one affect TO dcspise affablity let
UGH an one learn lesson of wisdom from this
'attcrn, this Darling of mankind