The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-05-18


cause.
California Correspondence of the Chic Star
State of society--EscfinenRcn
casion--sunsaay schoOIs--Temper-
ance--Vicc protected byLaW--GnEn-
bling.
San Francisco, March %, 1858.
FRIEND HALL:-To unveil the face of society
in California so that our readers at distance
look upon it, in fair ight, is my present purpose.
True it presents strange mixture. Something
very bad. Nach that is excellent in high degree.
Some may pause to learn what is the true state of
society here. Others, it would seem, from The
rush to our Shores are Indifferent as to our merits
and dement's. It is well to give true represen-
taton of any matter affecting the future interests of
individuals who are inclined to take step SO i'm
portant III 1t of emigratiug.
am inclined 10 think Society Us it is forming
here is not the least among the blessings of this
Western Stnr. Here are the elements Of refine
mens of education and morality. In what do they
consist? OF refinement. Who are here! In
the business department there are many high min
ded men, whose moral worth is known and appre-
cated and whose influence is exerted 10 The right
channel; and branching from this, many of them
have their families permanently located here and
| as they are surrounded with high advantages aud
are possessed of fortunes, and have brought with
them the influence of early culture and refinement
and remembrance of the Altar Fires of relig-
ious homes, they are giving tone to Society in its
organization which will ultimately triumphoye the
moral desoIaton that has marked the first settle
mens of this State. Whatever may constitute ev-
licences of stability arising from this source, is pos
sessed to an extent seldom known in a newly set
| tied country.
! Of Eiucatfon-you may ba surprised to learn
that there are Select Schools, Acadamies for
! Young Ladies, and well regulated system OF
Free Schools. uthis city. The French and Span
ish Languages are taught, and Music sweet, lends
its charm to make the :. finish - full and complete.
| The Public Schools are numerously attended, even
crowded and give promise of usefulness that have
marked their organization in older States.
Sunday Schools are hourshing in ten churches
1 and great interest is taken in their success In a
word the whole of Christi i,nity and Science is here
in full tide, sweeping away ignorance and Spanish
stupidity and Incidence. creating void wide
| fame for the American character. ~ zs.els
The Temperance reform is being carried into
the citadel of the enemy. There are several di
visions of the i" Sons - numbering several hun
dred and Tee Total Society of extensive mem
4 bership. These several societies not inactive
but hold weekly meetings, appointing committees
circulating petitions, having planted themselves OF
the principles of the Name Liquor Law, they are
lAboring manfuy for early triumph Of those
! cherished principles.
| In presenting the dark side ofthe picture it vii
be reudily perceived what material the various SO
ceties have TO operate on. The field is large an,
the harvest is ripe inviting the hand of the reaper
There is something peculiar here it is difficult
define that peculiarly SO that those who are at ,
distance can understand it. Evils aggravating il
the extreme, do exist, and they not in the dark
not driven from the light of day but the prom:
nence given them makes the more important
Tho evil that abridges the happiness and well bein,
Of society, the one most deplorable of all others, il
the most difficult to destroy. The infamy and dis
grace, to any people who tolerate it, have beei
justly inflicted by the common consent Of man
kind !; and yet our authorities have thrown arount
it the arm of protection and fostering care. Th
evil operates widely and sorey with our peoI le-
1t is not confined to the class of evil doers who hay,
no character win lose, but by means of wealtl
derived from the pursuit; these s'victims of vice
move in the richest attire and appear in The stree
riding 10 splendid carriages and on horse back ex
Guiding vrtuous ladies' from the luxury of an occa
sional cArriage ride, rather than be numbered
among the degraded of their sex. The evil exist.
on scale seldom witnessed in any city of its size
| Many of the finest houses occupied by th.
loathsome class of moral putraetion living in '.grea
style" paying enormous rents and high wages tc
servants. Another type of the evil at which re-
reformatury efforts are properly directed arise:
from the unlawful manner some gentlemen keer
house-even some who have families at home. Il
is to be hoped that the instances are not runner.
GUS where such temporary arrangements exist.
Gambling is managed on magnificent SCALE
Perhaps its like was never known all things con.
sidered. 1t is doing it's fatal work in manner
that will bring about its cure; however the
thorities abridging the number of games that
is thought to infict the greatest injury upon theil
cerdunt subjects. We look forward to the time
when these hauuts will be cleared from public view
at least. More anou, yours,
L. S. E.
For the Ohio Star.
| Portage Co. Bible Society.
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