The weekly Columbian. [volume] (Columbia, Tuolumne Co., Cal.) 1856-1???, 1856-12-13
Department of Young Men.

1t is peculiarly prominent characteristic of
the American people to adjudge the character,
nay, the absolute intelligence of young man
from his exterior demeanor Obviously then it
is consideration of no small Importance that
some care at least should be taken to cultivate
those external actions by which we are more or
less to be considered men of dissipated habits or
OF intelligence, dignity and refinement.
The heart may possess all those fine feelings
that animate the soul of action, and the Uranium
too. may be amply stored with every element
OF science, OF the arts. and education necessary
to perform our part well in life, and though the
affections may pliantly Irvine around objects
worthy of them, and the head dictate most ju-
dicously its method OF application. nay. the in
tellectual requirements may be great, and the
heart pulsate with every enobling aspiration,
and still if there be a lack of that external pol
ish, those intrinsic requirements of good heart,
that actuates the brain in the execution of the
practical measures indispeasably connected with
the every day transactions Of life will compare
lively dwindle, and he whose soul remains in
tact by the refining virtues Of good taste in
outer department is wanting in one great ele-
ment OF success.
In California we are not TOO APP 10 devote
much of our attention to our gesticulation when
we are associated with our compeers, and con-
sequently harsh appearance not in consonance
with the natural inclinatons. or the man is as
sumed which If nurtured into habit will prove
obnoxious, when fate DEGREES our utilization
with those refined circles over which we occa-
sionally love to ruminate. The study of flow
ing and graceful language here, too. should
monopolize some attention. Tor in conjunction
with an appropriate gesture, She great requisite
is bland and manly address IN order to secure
the attention of an intalllg gent auditory.
It is not our intention Mr.. Editor, to give
rules Of address to the many highly accomplish
ed young men that transiently sojourn here for
the acquisition OF the glittering metal, but We
are forced from observation to remark that
there is proneneas to a laxity of conduct, here
not practiced in our primitive homes and that
while it is not criminal offense punishable by
| the laws the time is fast approximating when
society will repudiate and benefit an uRseemng
| address, aud foster those only who study to
please by glowing adhesion to that manly
phraseoogy always indicative of the intelleetu-
al vigor, the manly attributes and the exquisite
taste of the refined gentleman and the ripe
scholar
We do not wish to be understood as advoca-
ting the assumption Of long-taced clerical as
pect and formula of language corresponding
with that appearance, but on the contrary II
vivaciOus converse is admissible, and ought to
be more extensively incucated 10 chasten that
pharisaical lethargy in conversation not in
keeping with the spirit Of our age and institu
tons.
We are of opinion that sprightliness in our
whole demeanor is more characteristic of Cali
fornians than of the inhabitants Of any other
State of the Confederacy and in fact more ad
missible. Bat that We have deviated from the
correct standard of elevated conversation to
levity that almost approaches vulgarity Is
proposition that no one possesses the temerity
to eontroyert.
The introduction of frivolous questions which
demand only corresponding fimsy language,
to discuss should be discouraged by oil who
wish to avoid the inculcation of habitual leyity,
and who desire the adoption of a high-minded.
dignified address, compatible with enlightened
Americans. loUNG Sol.
The author Of the above article would prove
a much more effective writer, if be thought less
of language and more Of bis subject. The prin-
cples treated upon by Young Sol are certainly
worthy of consideration.