Volcano weekly ledger., 1857-02-28
Society in the Mines.

MEssRs. EDToRs:-ln treating this subject
we are forced to tread on delicate ground; /;
for whoever raises voice against vice must
expect to be assailed by the vicious. 1t is to
be regretted that our social condition requires
a public rebhke, but since such is the case let
it come boldly.
SelGshness seems to be one great obstacle
10 the way Of public advancement or social
reform People core to the mines for gain
to make money; aud they look on this as
an out-ofthe-way part Of the world, where it
is not necessary TO bring the manners and
customs of civilization. Men Of business,
as o general thing, are content to let the rest
of mankind plod on through the world as
best they may. No moral obligations prompt
them to lend helping hand TO advance the
general interests Of the community in which
they live. Young men throw off all restraint
and indulge in the various vices of the coun-
try unmindful of the principles they were
once taught and respected. But they are
not the only ones who sit at the gaming table
or who freely patronize the rum shop. No.
Look for yourselves and you will there find
men, having families to support, neglectng
their homes and those who have entrusted
their happiness to their keeping-squanderng
money which should be applied to better pur-
poses. Such habits lead to greater evils, and
the sooner man corrects himself of them
the better it is for his family and society
There are many families in the Mines and
consequently they can exert powerful in
fuence for good; and in fact there are certain
reforms which they alone can bring about
Are parents careful who associate with their
daughters? Are daughters careful with
whom they associate? Are wives particular
from whom they receive calls? We answer,
that if they were, there would not have been
one twentieth part Of the domestic troubles
that have been so common in our state. Ex-
cude from the family circle, gamblers, intem-
perate men and libertines; then you will have
commenced a great reform which will do
more to correct the habits Of men than all
other causes combined. But if unprincipled
and vicious persons are permitted to associate
with families, then expect that peace and
harmony mag give place to discord and con-
tenton; or even disgrace. Remember, it is
easier to lead the young from the path of
virtue than to reform the bad.
BE warned in time for your own good, as
velas for the good ofsociety and remove every
contaminating influence far away from the
sanctity of home; if men of doubtful charac-
ters can mingle in society unrebuked, they
gain no privilege by reforming
A few words in regard to education and l
will close.
Some children are sent to school, but
the majority of those who should 60 are
either kept at home or allowed to run wild
Many parents consider school to be merely
place to send children that they may be out
of the way. The schools are seldom visited
by parents or guardians and how can it be
expected that teacher or scholar can be
thoroughly interested in their respective Gu-
ties when parents take no interest in the mat
ter? In the school room, influences are
brought to bear on the mind of the pupil
which will 60 far in making up the character
of the man or woman; then how necessary il
is that parents should satisfy themselves that
none but correct principles are taught their
children. N.
Volcano, Feb. 26th. 1851.