The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-12-13
Extravaganza In Living.

Scarcely week goes by, that we are not
called upon 10 record some sad calamity IN
social life, the result of extravaganza in liv-
ine. The evil is one of the vices of the
times. The old-fashioned system of living
within one's means, is repudiated-and high
rents ana magnificent furniture are the ordel
of the day. In the olden time moderation
and economy formed the basis on which 'he
young were disposed to act. But now, II is
far otherwise. The young man who thipks
of matrimony, must in the first place, DC
prepared TO rent house at four or five hum
dred dollars year, TO furnish it at cost ol
one or two thousand, and then live accord
insly. The consequence is that very lew
make the venture. They are dete'rfed oy
the prospect before them, and are infucee
10 hold back. Or, if they venture, how OIL
ten do they struggle on for year or two,
and then discover that they have made q
mis-step, and ard either compelled 10 re-
trench or involve themselves in ruin. Would
il not be well for some of the Reformers OF
the day 10 undertake the cure of this social
evil. 1t is one of truly serious character,
and its consequences are often deplorable.
Young ladies, too, are taught by the same
system, that of wild extravaganza, TO expect
impossibilites. There may lie half dozen
daughters living in good style under the pro-
lection of father, and each expects, on
marrying, 10 eclipse everything at home. A
young man, who is prudent and moderate,
is pronounced as narrow and mean, while a
spend thrift, OF braggart is too often regar-
ded as exactly the thing Late hours, large
parties, abundance of wine and other luxu-
ries, are now regarded as among the essen
tials of genteel society, and without them,
everything is voted commonplace and vul
gar The whole IS not only hollow and arti-
fetal, but il is demoralizing. II in the first
place, induces extravaganza; in lh hs second,
dissipation; in the third, neglect of business,
and in the end, utter ruin. The story has
been told again and again, but the vice still
exists. There is scarcely reader who can.
not point out some sad example in his imme.
diate neighborhood and among his most inli-
mate friends. Only a few days ago, dash
ing fashionable liz neigh5oring city, was
sold out by the sheriff The members of his
family had committed the error of the hour,
had advanced beyond their depth, lived
above their means, and hence the catastro-
phe, and this is no extraordinary case. The
folly of extravaganza may be seen on all
sides, and in individuals too, who find it diff
ficult 10 make both ends meet. Often the
husband is al fault-someiimes the wife, and
again both. False pride and desire TO ere.
ate sensation, bewilder and lead astray. 1t
is, TOO, so difficult 10 be modest and moder-
ale where others are inflated and excited
The penallv, however, is often fearful and
when some adversely is encountered and the
blow falls suddenly-how difficult it is 10
wrestle with misfortune Moderation is a
saving virtue, it should be practiced daily
and hourly: moderation, not only in speech
and in tone, but in temper, in prejudice and
in expenditure. Alas for the many who
have repented, in sackcloth and ashes, the
madness of another course. Aiasi for the
hundreds who are now hurrying on wildly
and blindly, and who by violence and ex-
travagance, are sowing the seeds of bitter
harvest. The day of reckoning may be at
hsnd.--Penn. Inquirer.