Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-03-20
GOssip.

I" A curious idea pretty generally that it is
not altogether right for people to indulge in
a little quiet gossip about the character, the
actions, or even the business Of their mel gh-
bors, as though we are not all fully entitled
to enjoy the right of free specify The mon
strosity of such an idea is so great as to ex-
cite contempt, so strong that language cannot
be found to express the virtuous indignation
that swells so many bosoms. A pretty idea,
truly! And yet it is a singular fact that an
idea has always prevailed; but the belief
has not been Of any great moment, inasmuch
as it is so rarely reduced to practice. Occa-
sionally some one will be sFstrangely eccen-
:, nc as eten tol.psauss - induI gennxsf .
little coy gossip about the private character
and affairs of people. 1t IS refreshing to
know that such rebukes do not have.a lasting
effect, and generally cause lutheg unlimber-
ing of the tongue as practical manifestation
of the most absolute independence The anti
gossip theory sounds very nice, but the idea
is simply perposterous that such plan could
be practically carried into effect. Why, the
wheels of society would'at once be 'scotched,
tea parties would be deprived Of their cream,
cub-rooms of their soothing cigars, and stores
Of their attractive popcorn; women would
sink into thier family circle, and men would
find themselves forced to be content to spend
their evenings at home. Not gossip, indeed !!
What an absurdity in this enlightened and
independent age!
Mrs. A. appears in costly garments; GER
tainIy Mrs. B. has rightto whisper to her
neighbor that she is ruinously extravagant,
and that her husband owes for them, and can
not pay his debts, though probably she only
snrmises such to be the fact. Mrs. G. gives
large party ofcourse Mrs D. did not wish
to be invited, and she declaims against such
entertainments from a sense Of duty, apd
not besause she was neglected. Mrs. Els
husband keeps his carriage and certainly
Mrs. Z. is privileged in circulating the fact
that her great-grandather worked for his
daily bread Mrs. |. has moved into new
house, thoughtess Of the fact that Mrs. j. is
con6ding to others a startling narration oil
the days when her needle was her only sup.
port. Mrs. K. wears that old-fashoned bon
net, which Mrs. l.. is confident is caused by
meanncss. Mrs NJ. has got that cloak, which
Mrs. N. is sure her grandmother wore. Blu
Mrs. q. made the discovery Of the season
Mrs. p. and her husband quarrel like cats ant
dogs; she passed their house and heard them
not knowing that the wife was in the best o
humor at the time, trying to get iavorit'
book from her husband. But we will no
continue the record Of those little eccentri
cities of society; enough is here stated fo
illustration. We feel bound to say that mel
are not in the slightest degree extcmpt from
the same pecuiarities Of the other sex. Their
is often this difference the ready words o
men sometimes directly undermine the credi
of neighbors, and weaken what otherwis
would stand firm and weather. business storm
Probably there are those who would con
, slider the above nothing better than SANDER Of
the part ofpersons INDUCING in such remark
They are mistaken; it is only skeleton @
ordinary gossip, frequently uttered to Will
away time, and not always with de
r liberate intention to do serious injury t
, others. Prehaps at times spice of env
may be at the bottom ofsome of the remark
But then it is so natural to gossip, that an
, attempt to restrain the custom mi ht be trea
, ted as an Infringement upon the manners an
, customs of society"