Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1859-01-29
G02G35; UIilgT3CAg'BDo
For The Register.
A Suggestion.

What is the Eleventh Commandment
BY common consent the answer is "Let
every body mind his own business" If
| lrespsss at all upon it, it shall be from
misguided zeal to good. The suggestion
that may be made in these lines has been
pressing upon my mind for nearly twp
years, and | have thought proper to reveal
1t through your columns, conscious that
if executed properly il would be externally
beneficial. In Shepherdstown may be
found large number of young men. larg-
er perhaps than is usual in proportion 10
the population Young men distinguish
ed as body for generosity Of character,
around it are many others who are in
social relation identified with it. Among
these NAV be found apprentices, clerk',
and employees of various grades and oc-
cupations, the most of whom have been
deprived by poverty, or other Influences.
of educational advantage. Many of them
are employed in families where no faclll
ties are afforded them for the pursuits Of
useful information, or if afforded, clrcum
stances forbid their acceptance. No prop
er volumes are placed within their reach.
No accommodations for evening read
ing are provided, and thus these interest.
ing young men are deprived of all lite
rary advantage. say "inleresting young
men" because they are to become the
''bone and sinew" of your community
the future pillars of your county.
Every body Of common sense knows
that Young men are social beings, and
yearn for mutual companionship aud in
telcourse. Your cold maids" are tramp
ing continually manufacturing yarns, or
doing something worse, undermining char
acler and reputation, with OF course few
honorable exceptions. You know all rules
have exceptions. Young men like each
others society also, ant they rcW haUe
II. Were suitable place provided bv
Your philanrhroplc residents IT would be-
come the resort of many who may night.
lv be found in the drinking saloons Of
your town. How many Of your young
men meet nightly a, the tavern from so.
cial necessity ?-rhal is, it is he only
place which they can find for conversa-
non. and intercourse. The suggestion
which the writer desires to make is tina,
Public Library or Young Mems Read-
ing Room lie pro ded for their accom-
mediation, and they be saved from lgno-
rance, dissipation, and perhaps crime.
Crime takes It's first step in idle gossip
or tavern revery.
In our large cities and towns the mem-
bcrs OF the various churches form them
selves into Young Mems Christian AS
socialion" having for their object the NOR
al and intellectual good of young men.
They rescue many such, and throw around
them Safeguards by providing room,
furnished with well chosen library. ap-
propri4ie periodicals, and papeEs-Ellg-
lous, scientific
Why NAV we not have Public libra.
ry in ShepherdsIown ? 1t possesses the
means and liberal spirit. if am not en-
tirely mistaken as to the character Of the
citizens. suitable room could be leas-
ed and furnished by proper effort, and
small library secured by private donation
liable works, periodicals and papers could
he amply provided by subscription, pub
llsher's generosity and private gift. A
large and varied collection Of such literary
material is received by your citizens which
after perusal, could be secured for such a
noble purpose. Unde, proper restriction
and supervision young men might there
spend their idle hours, specially their
evenings-in redeeming the ,ime,-cul.
tivating virtuous association and good hab-
its,-and storing their minds with gems
Of knowledge TO give them beauty and
polish in every avoca,ion Of life. With
such facilities afforded them, they would
gladly and gratefully embrace the golden
opportunity to acquire useful information,
destined TO give them usef 'lness. inhu'
ence, and perhaps eminence. Bar room
entertainment is contagious, and their fu-
lure lives " i'll reveal the extent OF the
moral pesiileuce.
Should the ministry Of your town, or
any Of It's residents express their endorse
ment of my views by acting upon the
suggestion made they may be accomplish
ing work which will pay them well
here and herealler;-lsying The foundation
of the supeysructure morally lovely.
propose should the suggestion be carried
gu, 10 contribute from my library ten VOL
umes as one Of those who shall give il a
commencement. Many gentlemen of
your community would aid it largely in
/ this particular. STELLA.