The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-05

possibly emerge from it short Of the northern
boundary Of Central America. That boundary
was mere matter of acceptance or refusal in
1847; but General Scott, as he says himself,
thought fit to refuse it. General Pierce is well
aware of that fact. And does he not know that
there is an increasing desire among the better
informed Mexicans for annexation! Look at it
as we may we are struck with the pertinency
| of the question: and we call upon the Washing
| ton organ to answer twill there be war?
| A PLEA FOR THE POLKA /, as a dying
man" said the pious Alexander Campbell-a
model of sanctity in his day in Argyleshire
and man who was shrewdly suspected of
secret communings with the Archangel Michael
-, as a dying man." said the old High
lander, in his last will and testament writ for
the instruction and guidance of his numberless
| kindred and mankind at large. whose follies he
had often times deplored in his lay pulpit,
as dying man, leave my testimony against
play actors, pictures, and dancing schools, as
they are the works of the fesh.' Alas! for the
scarce been laid in his grave when company
| Of stars achieved series of unparalleled
triumphs in Scotland-a Highlander attained
| brilliant fame as a painter-and the Jeanies
and Eflies of Glasgow, Perth, and Aud Reekie,
| eagerly embraced new variante in the national
| jig. Not however, that the veterans dying ad-
montion had been entirely committed to the
tbo IF ho Josh hod
vailed in the cities, the spirit was yet strong
on the moorland If the Mammonites " wor-
shipped Wilkie and the fiddle, there were sturdy
Scotsmen still in remote glens who stoutly
maintained that 'picturs" and dances were
an invention of the dell, to be put down at all
hazards. OF such. we imagine, were the ances-
tors of the worthy preachers and elders of the
Presbyterian Synod that has just assembled at
Buffalo.
Most faithfully have the sons preserved the
creed of their fathers. In charity perhaps for
the tender age Of art in this country they have
refrained from matchmaking the votaries of
the brush and the pencil but the defenceless
waltz, polka and redowa. have been ruthlessly
sacrificed. Christians may not dance, says the
learned body Of devout men. Not even the
harmless old fashioned quadrille has escaped.
Neither the monotony of the movements nor the
dullness Of the air is any excuse. Dancing as q
whole is accommodated. Sin say the Pres
byterian parsons-the spirit of Alexander Camp
bell inspiring their councils latent in every
movement of the feet. Crime lies hid in the
IN deur that Cellarius taught US, perdition
turks in the deur-temps, and chasseS-croiseS
cannot be expiated by life ofpenitence. You
may walk arm in arm with lady for any
distance and SO long as your feet move forward
some twelve to eighteen inches at time,
you are spotless as lamb; but once begin to
alter the process, to revolve in circle in steps
Of nine inches, with the same companion, and
your salvation is hopelessly destroyed So
with music. Massacre the Old Hundredth,
Devices or Luton, to your hearts content; nay
more, indulge, in jovial moments in Pm DER
young" or whistle, and I'll come toyyou,'
and other barbarous melodies of like stamp
and the most stiff-necked parson will not deny
you a place at the communion table but let it
once be known that you have allowed the
Bridal Polka, or the Gypsy Redowa, or the
Sturm March to be played within your thresh-
old, and thenceforth you are an outcast, Pa
rah, to be Stunned and hated by all right
minded Christians. The difference does not lie
in the time for that differs but little; nor in the
tune. for that does not admit of analysis ; nor
in the emotions suggested for the Scotch melo-
dy is obviously the most liable to objection on
this head. The only solid distinction is in the
fact that the one is suggestive of somnolency,
the other of harmless amusement.
To be serious for moment-if such matter
is susceptible of serious examination do
the Presbyterian parsons expect to gain by SO
foolish q step as an edict against healthy,
harmless recreation. which serves to employ
and amuse young people, and restrain one sex
from the drinking saloon, the other from scan
dal? To hope to check it is ridiculous, as their
own experience must prove. People will dance,
in spite as well of the parsons as of the very re-
fined young ladies at Washington and here,
who declare that they intend to give up the
practice in future. Men and women of a GER
tain age require an occupation in which they
can minge fully and enjoy each others society.
All cannot take part in a serious or a lively
conversation. Society is composed of dull as
well as intellectual people; to hold together it
requires cement that will adhere to both If
the Presby terians regard the polka as sinful,
will they suggest substitute? Until they do,
their proclamation Of the fact will only serve to
impair their own authority and undermine their
credit
THE ORGAN AND THE CONGRESS PRINTING
We are informed that movement is on foot for
the establishment Of another democratic organ
in Washington, with an eye upon the printing
of the next Congress- Is this movement, also,
by authority? or who pays the piper?
Marine Affairs