Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-09-14
For the Spirit of the Age.

For the Spirit of the Age.
Mr.. EDITOR There are many young
men Of moderate circumstances in our
country, who are beset with the mania to
dress extravagantly; and the means they
possess is soon exhausted, reducing them
to the state of bankruptcy. Notwithstand-
ing the desperate condition of their pecu-
mary affairs, the propensity to dress fine
cllngs to them with unabated tenacity
and to crafty their ambition, they resort
to the expedient of purchasing gaudy
equipage on time. The credit system
which is SO literally extended by the mer-
chants to young men of moderate means,
is an additional stimulus that prompts them
20 attire themselves more gaudily than
they had previously done, as the want of
moncsyis 10 obstacleirJ Jshc Wy slprevesss
them droifi obtaining anything that their
vanity actuates them to purchase. And
when they are bedecked with gewgaws,
they must need frequent public assemblies
to show themselves; and they certainly act
as though they were assured they possessed
the requisite qualifications to create fa-
vorable impression upon the minds of the
people in general and the ladies in particu-
lar. They seek conspicuous positions in
company, that all, and especially the la
dies, may get glimpse OF their natural
charms exquisitely adorned, and see per-
sonages worthy of admiration all their
movements seeming to say, "behold, gen.
tlemen and ladies' don't you see that we
are attired in superfine French broad-cloth,
which is made in the latest style, that re-
Gently came all the way from Paris, the
city that models costume for nations and
people in general" ..
These dandies are so addicted to love
something foreign and far-fetched, that
they cannot bear the idea of wearing ap-
parel, the fashion of which has been mod
eled by American artist. They, however,
follow the ever-varying changes in the fash
ions with scrupulous exactness, laying aside
apparel that is little the worse of wear
because it is antiquated in its style; of
course they must be dressed capapie in the
latest vogue that has made its appearance:
So they continue alternately to lay aside
their equipage and purchase new, as the
fashions change, till they find themselves
hopelessly and inextricably involved. Du-
ring their short career of dazzling displays
of fine exterior in their personal appear
ance, they have made no effort to liquida-
date the accounts outstanding against them
for their gay plumage; and when called
upon for payment they are sensible of the
fact, that they are minus of money; and
that the claims against them far exceed the
worth of all their available effects. They,
debts they have contracted; but disappoint
their creditors, who, at this juncture, con-
clude to try the power of the law to force
money out of them ; but are soon con-
vinced that they can only realize very
small per cent on their claims. Having
arrived at crisis in their affairs, they seem
much distressed; but in many instances
the distress they apparently manifest fol
the losses that their creditors have sus
tanned, is really on account of the fears they
entertain, that they will not be able, in the
future, to make such grand displays of theil
personal adoTnments as heretofore. The
little property they possessed is gone, thei
credit ruined, and they have no friends
that will stand surety for them, even for
very small amount. Some of these simpl
hearted dupes of their own vanity, resor
to the bottle for comfort in their distresses
and others of the deluded mortals, flee tn
country, as the most speedy plan they ca
devise, to rid themselves of their troubles
Neither of these expedients is commends
!, Bile, it would be much better to engage i
. some honest pursuit, with determinatio
: to overcome difficulties. And if they ar
temperate and industrious, economical an
, persevering, honest and virtuous, they wi
. be apt to succeed in their efforts to retriev
their lost estates, and restore their tarnisf
: ed reputation. Does not vanity often lea
the young into extravaganza and idlenes
: which entail upon them many evils, tn;
y embarrass them, and disparage their cha
acter for honesty.
= Then, young men, if you would be su
% cessful in business, avoid all evil associ
= tons and the inebriating bowl, be indu
4 trious and economical, fear God and obe
/ his commandments. OLIO.
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