The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-12-15
For The Cecil Wing
No Friendship Without Interest.
NO. I.

We promised, Mr.. Editor, forthcom-
ing communication on "No Friendship
without Interest - which promise we now
attempt to fulfill. And whether we shall
be able to sustain the position taken is yet
TO be decided by the understanding and
judgment of your intelligent readers.
We would wish the critic to keep hands
of, until we have finished, then we will will
ingly hear him, aloof from all prejudices.
Taking for our basis MIR. Webser's first
definition of Friendship; and also his first
decision of the term Interest: with these
points conceded we will endcavor to adj
duce facts, to substantiate our sentiments,
and proved our opinions.
AvARIcIoUs FRIENDSHIP we first notice,
because we hold 1t has nighlier intlu-
ence upon the thoughts and actions of man.
kind than any of the other classifcatlons
which we intend making and referring to
hereafter.
So apparent is this all controlling evil,
that no one is ignorant of its power to
move and sway the minds Of its votaries.
All grades, ranks and conditions of men,
by their daily actions acknowledge the
power this tickle god, and bow humbly
at his gorgeous shrine. Not unirequently
have we known professors Of piety to
desecrate the Sabbath regardless Of the no.
ly mandate OF the Decalogue, Remember
the Sabbath day to keep 1t holy) shame
iessly tralfickng for gain with the man of
wealth as though it were not day set
apart Tor the observance of sacred things.
Yet their love of mammon is but a fair
show of the feelings OF the masses, with
but comparatively few exceptions.
Where are the ephemeral friends once
the guests Of the hospitable aad honored
h st, then the posscssor of wealth: now
laden with onerous adversely! Their
friendship is severed. And the individual
reduced to Indulgence, finds to his sorrow
that many old friends who were willing
to partake of his festivals, now pass him
in silent contempt. And but for the SYM
pathies Of few whose friendship flows
from other fountains save the baneiul head,
(wealth,) the person stripped Of his riches
must either sink down beneath the waves,
and be forgotten, or else stem the stormy
current of opposition by interchangeable zeal
and herculean strength. Who that has
undergone such change: but has felt the
cold whitening frown OF his creditor who
formerly welcomed his coming with pleas
ing smiles, and extended to him the feigned
hand Of genuine friendship? Now he
turns from HIM as an odious insignificant
object or else receives him with marked
indifference. Why is it yon beautiful
nymph, the heroine of the vale, the queen
OF the ount-possessing every artless &C
complishment and endowed by Heaven
with enviable talents, attracts not the at
tentiun ofthe faithless sycophant, or re-
ceives not the eulogy of the insolent
would-be nobleman. Why is it, Rumor
does not make her an heircss, which set
ties all questions We would ask; why is
it that the honest mechanic; gaining his
living by honorable industry, is excluded
fromthe social circle OF the self styled pairi.
eian2
In worth, talents, and sterling integrity,
he is far superior 10 the coXcomb who
sports on borrowed capital, or he who lives
a life of incidence, pamppred by inherited
wealth Nevertheless they hold para
mount grade in the eyes of the ry6ned and
tastidious to him who is daily proving
himself a benefactor TO mankind; but the
mechanic or industrious youth who, as we
have said has every desirable trait of char
acter, must be kept at a distance by res
pectable people.
The deep concern recently awakened
by The California Fever; which has in
duced many an individual to leave home
and friends to seek for Gold in the foreign
mines, are but striking illustrations OF our
subject. 1t proves the fact, that no priva-
ton however great; no danger however
fearful; no ties however strong, but
can be undergone, met, or rlven, by this
potent charm. This hankering after gold,
has induced some to migrate thither whom
we favorably knew: and as we witnessed
the parting between relatives dear, the
rapid rising fountain of grief seemed to be
assuaged, and give place to VIVID smiles,
when ever and anon, their thoughts would
carry them into futurity. Their joyous
countenance would almost convince us
they really imagined themselves already
in the "diggins.''
The Constitution of this consolidated
Republic prohibits the Chief Executive
from retaining as keepsakes presents from
Foreign Rulers. The trainers of that grand
instrument had a iealous owe IN tbe. nres