The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-01-13
socnry IN Nsw Yo.x-BAtIs. Parties, &C.

SocnrY IN New Yoax-BALLs, PARTIES, &C
One Of the most interesting characteristics of
society in the metropolis of the western world,
is the custom existing among the young men
and women of giving entertainments,n the form
OF balls, parties, and social meetings, of various
kinds, in the winter; and in summer of giving
target excursions, fishing parties, sailing parties,
and many other amusement of the same nature.
10 no other city in the world, do we believe
these social entertainments are INDUCED in to
such an extent as they are in New York. The
supper ten," or the aristocracy and wealthy
classes give their musical soI<es, their reunions,
and their parties; but they are marked with
a GOODNESS and frigidity which is never seen at
the balls and entertainments of the classes of
New York society 10 which we refer. Whilst
the one is marked with stiff, cold formality-
whilst each person attending them depends upon
his starched up dignity, and considers it de-
rogatory to the same to indulge in any fami-
liarity, to participate too eagerly in the plea
sures Of the evening-the balls and parties we
speak Of are directly the contrary All is life.
animation, and vivacity. The hearty and JOY
Gus laugh is heard over the apartment; the dance
is maintained to a late hour, and Joy and glad
ness prevail throughout the entertainment.
Ifthere is difference in this respect, there is
a greater difference in the personal beauty of the
ladies who attend them. In this respect, the
balls of New York can challenge comparison
with the entertainments given by the aris-
tocracy. 1t needs but one visit to one Of
those balls, or other social gatherings In
the winter season, or to one of the fish
ing, or picnic excursions in the summer,
g., &hax
tobacco, cotton and rice Of the pest quality, We
in face, features and form.
The frequency with which these entertain
ments are given, is another point worthy OF re-
mark. Our table is encountered with tickets Of
invitation to them, and we should think on an
average that there are not less than three given
every night, from the first of November to the
first of April. After that month, there is gene
rally lull, or calm, which is availed of to
prepare for the summer season, when amuse-
rents of another kind, but on much the same
principle, are INDUCED in till winter again comes
round.
This is Characteristic of New York, which
we think has been sadly overlooked; and we mean
hereafter to devote more attention to it than we
have heretofore done. Descriptions of those balls,
graphically, but truthfully written, would, In our
belief, be very interesting department of city
intelligence and, in order to provide it for our
readers, we have made arrangemen.sfor reporting
them very often, and shall accordingly despatch
some of our corps of reporters on ball reporting
missions, during the remainder of this winter.
with directions to treat the matter in scientific,
philosophic, and graphic style.
The same amusements are INDUCED in by the
people of Paris and other continental cities; but
in the beauty Of the women, in the elegance of
their manners, or in their accomplishments they
cannot be compared to those given in New York
The same remark can truly be made as regards
the men. In fact, it is our opinion, founded on
observation, that that portion Of New York So
ciety who indulge in these entertainments, do
credit to New York, and would do so to any city
and embrace the handsomest women and the
finest men to be seen together in any part of the
world.