Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-10-15

CHEERFULNEss A gentleman who recently retur-
ned from trip to England and France, remarked to
us day two ago, that he was torclbly impressed
with the cheerful and buoyant aspect OF the rural
population of the two countries-not only the pro-
prietors but the laborers-the more so as at home,
in the United States and with many advantages with
regard to wages and comforts sense OF anxiety and
care is too generally apparent In other words, the
people of France especially, seem determined to
make the most of their circumstances and to laugh
at the little of fe while this side of the At
antc the struggle for position and fortune is so un-
firing that the masses do not allow themselves
sufficient leisure for ordinary recreation and reaxa
ton There is doubtless something in this. The
American people, considering their many advanta-
ges are not sufficiently cheerful. They do not ade-
quately appreciate all the blessings they enjoy, and
are so thoroughly devoted to business pursuits DIVA
rious kinds that they scarcely afford themselves su
cient opportunity to eat their meals, or indulge IN
those little social festivities and courtesies that
admirably calculated to swceten the ways of life.
There few indeed, who attend sufficiently to
the bright things of this world, and the many enjoy
ments, simple yet heartouchng, that are calculated
to move the feelings to strengthen the affections,
and to impart additional interest to every day
istence. The multitude thoroughly devoted to
the ways of TOLL the EN- Oyer well as the employ
ed. The latter, it may be, cannot fully help them
selves, and the former have not sufficient of
appreciation. They exact every day and every hour
and are unwilling to permit any interruption to the
almost perpetual round of labor. And this goes on
from year year, until both parties incapacita
Nay, many of the aged and the tottering may
be in this country, steadily pursuing their dar
ling game of gain, and this when in possession of
large fortunes The folly, the madness, the suicide
of such course are uncomfortable. And yet, any
who will pay attention to the subject who will
look carefully the bills of mortality will discov
er almost daily, that rich man has Overtasked
his physical powers, and absolutely worked himself
to death. To attain an independence is, of course
very desirable But after having attained it, to
tinue on in the path of care, labor, anxiety,
and exhaustion seems to us inconsistent not to say
culpabe. There is for all things, and that
for reasonable enjoyment should not be neglected
dsregarded. 1t is well, moreover to be cheerful
whenever may Why should we complain I'M
necessarily? Why should VIC fancy ills and evils
that do not exist? Why should seem moody and
sad, when the world is basking in sunshine?
The true philosophy is to bear the trials and vi
cissitudes to which all are less LIABLE with
much patience and fortitude possible, well
to manifest a sense of due appreciation to Pro-
violence for the full enjoyment of the may bless
sings that poured upon us with so lavish hand.
Cheerfulness, moreover should be encouraged and
cultivated on all occasions. Many a one has been
made miserable, nay, has been driven insane by a
contrary curse. None exempt from anxiety,
from care, from sorrow, and from anguish. These
are all incident to mans imperfect and fallen condi
ton. But there a thousand well-springs of hope
to the human breast, and there are few who may
not discover and enjoy source of true pleasure.
The folly is in closing our eyes to these, in miscon
ceivng neglecting the little 6eses of life the
religious and family festivals the neighborly recipro
Cities the outdoor amusements and recreations,