Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-03-13
o-u.t-r.a-g.e.o.u-s state of Morals.

-G-O-u-5 0tdC6 Oh 10OldiS
We have been thinking for some time
Of giving lecture on the orful state of mo-
rails that predominates IN our midst We,
were more fully convinced of the necessity.
Of such lecture, from reading short par
agraph, headed "Rowdyism," that appear
ed in one of our town,papers, several weeks
since. And now that we have determined
10 draw ouT cat-o'-nine- tails over the bare
back of public and private morals, and lac
crate the public opinion which unblushing
ly to!erates the terrible state o:thiugs which
we shall presently depict, we desire that
no individual shall be personally offended
because we are animated by a crushing
sense OF the responsibility that rests On our
shoulders, as watchmen on the walls Of
public sentiment, and a praiseworthy hope
Of coloring the reputation Of our town after
the fashion of the ace of spades.
No one can imagine, but those Of nice
nervous sensibiity like ourselves, the cha
grin and modification we experienced not
long since, on being an eye witness to
scene, doubtless which is Of frequent oc-
currence in our midst. The queen ofnight
was riding in majestic grandeur DER her
ETHEREAL highway, ecl'psing in her mild
and gorgeous brilliancy, the pale twinkling
pfthe myriad Of stars that bespangled the
heavens. The balmy zephyrs of spring
were chanting bliihe requiem ~ r, old
hoary winter, and the b. fo,est o.,,.
'na, VIC ''os'S :, the departing season had
'o''so OF ..neir foliage, waved in gentle u
"-.son to the opening voice that bespeaks
the blushing violet and sweet.scen.ed rose
into blooming existence. And as if to
mock this sublime scenery, and make the
very cheeks of the "man in the moon
crimson with shame, we observed winding
around the plank walk over Gospel hill, a
gentle maiden Of sweet sixteen, her blush
Ing beauty out-vieiug sculptured marble or
+ ma'lsolemic brass, and the wild romance OF
her soul bursting from her jetty eyes; with
her hand in that of beaidless youth, whose
arm was tightly drawn around her waist,
and his peary teeth biting her ruby lips
he ever and anon pouring forth the deep
passion his soul. And what is the worst
OF 1t, this twain 'pass for respectable. -
+ We wonder if their mothers knew they
were out? Now who can contemplate this
state OF morals, without shudaer, Boob !
But this is not all. We passed Oh, the
gentle moon still lending her borrowed
light to guide our leet-when we came in
the vicinity Of a respectable private resi-
cence." Here we beheld a scene that beg
gars description, and makes the blood run
coldly through our veins. Halfdozen boys
were standing in front of the second story
windows. most bosterously and vocilerous-
ly believing out that song which has won
the affections Of SO many romantic school,
mlsses-"Twas ten o'clock one moonlight
night" and the aforesaid misses now aud
then peered around the curtains, and Drop
ped some token to attest their approval o.
this ro'cdyish innovation upon the estab-
lished rules and regulations Of Boarding
Schools. Is not this state Of morals orful ia
cogitate? Boo-oo.
Nor is this all. We followed on our
stroliing inclination, in wild amazement at
these wonderful developments, when;pass-
ing near the graveyard, we beheld anoth.
er squad. We expected some outrageous
violation of the peace and quiet of our city,
nor were we disappointed. A voice blated
out--s'preparc 10 pucker, and forthwith one
dozen OF mouths were in an attitude 10 dis
turb the sweet repose Of this quiet village
. by indulging in that mcst detestable of all
{ mmoralities-wHIsTL,NG. 1t is to be no.
ped that mothers and fathers will see to il
that their sons do not grow up in this mos,
vulgar and injurious practice. Its demon.
alizng-exceedingy so.
So disguised with the immoraities we had
witnessed, we sought our vlrtuous couch
to dream Of hobgoblins and ruined children
We arose in the morning Refreshed
t The world Of sunshine, laughing MON,
Came forth, & 10 her shades drove reluctant night
S The sun poured down his reyiying ray.
upon all nature, and the matin carol of ter
thousand scngsters attested their sense o.
gratitude TO the great author of life. W.
0 continued our strolling, meditating wha
: Plan could be devised to check the orfu
] tide Of immortality that is sweeping, like {
bosom of destruction over our town. Fill
ed with such holy thoughts, our surprise
may be imagined when on casing enc o
those prison houses Of modest, bIushint
beauty and sparkling wlt-femaIe semina
ries-we saw young man disgrace himse
, and family by kissing his hand to pair O
mild blue eyes, which, unconscious of tht
mischief they were doing continued to gaze
,, upon the bright joyous face of nature
!, basking in the genial warmth of a spring.
time sun. Ought such state of things to
exist in a civilized community? Father.
and mothers, wha, is to become of YOU,