Smyrna times., 1859-09-29
THE PROGRESSIVE BACHELORS.

county, has presented Col. HENRY c. DOUGLASS.
of this town. in commemoration of his marriage
! and as token of respect, with handsome gift
he having been a worthy member of that re-
; spectacle Body. The present was made at the
Colonel's residence, on Monday evening, and
consists Of large and fnely-wrought Silver
, Pitcher-beauIifully carved, and having on its
front the following inscription:
"COL H. C. DOUGLASS,
, Z" From the Bachelors Association Of Kent Co.
"SEPT. 1852"
AT 8 o'clock, the Bachelors called as above,
meeting with warm reception from Col. D.,
when the presentation was made, in behalf Of
the Association, by NICHOLAS WATKINS, who
spoke as follows:
Col. DOUGLASS The gentlemen present on
this occasion, for whom | have the honor to
speak, may be esteemed as your personal friends,
and recognized as "Progressive Bachelors"
belonging to the Association of which you were
but recently a member-an Association with
objects of vast ilAport, the chief among them
being reformation OF the present social system
IN general, and an amelora ton oflhe Bachelors
condition in particular: condition we'll known
to be as Illuminating as il is unnatural, lonely
and deplorable. They, like barques, lying near
the craggy and rocky shore of an ocean, are
still in dismal and dangerous position, subject
to the wreck and ruin from which you have
made such a timely escape ; but, like all honest
asplrants to BENEDICTIAL jOys they have a
noble object in View-their motto is " ONWARD
they are " progressive and your example,
in forming matrimonial alliance, appears as a
hon f,tll Of kn,,r li,rbt
them, as they advance in age, to venture into
deep, but safe and bliS$fuI waters, where the
social atmosphere is pure-where tastes are
refined and the " old cabin home " is anima ted
! by the breath OF LOve-where the essentials
to cultivation and development of the health
ful influences that elevate the morals may ever
be found, and where a grand bewlldering
ecsacy of triumph will surely crown the pru.
dent, persevering efforts of the Bachelor. 1t is
true that, this example has deprived the Asso-
citation of a valuable member, aud that the loss
thus sustained is deeply felt by US, but we have
no regrets to express lii the premises. the goal
which you have reached being the goal of our
ambition. Our tOUdest hopes, our lUftiest aspi-
ratIous, are firmly bent in this direction; and,
feeling that you-walking the green earth
MAN, under the gracious smile of gentle Woman
and the approval of Heaven-are better and
happier by the change than you could have
hoped to be Progressive Bachelor, we are
encouraged to greater effort in the cause of
progress that peculiar progress which pro-
misses to gladden. our hearts, brighten our
homes, stimulate US 10 industry and enter rprisng
works, and deepen our interest in the public
veal. Already, obstacles to matrimony are
being removed" pappas " and mammas -
are dIscoursing on Economy---(olkS are learn
ing wlsdom-the Real of life Is supPlantlng the
ldeal--the inordnate love of show and other
nonsensical humbuggerles is waning before the
tide of public opinion, and, from site of we'll
grounded hope, we look forward, sir, with
blessed anticipation, to the day when we shall
be happy, even as you are happy, in the possess
sion Ola jeUeL which the worlds too poor to buy.
The position you occupy is an enviable one
and, representing the members of our Assoca-
ton, congratulate you upon the successful and
very pleasing issue Of your pilgrimage with
them, while, IN view of it, would ask the ac-
ceptance OF this marrlage-present (her humble
Uffering), as ali evidence OF the high regard they
have for you and yours and os a lasting tes-
timonial of their best wishes for your continued
prosperity and happiness.
Col. DOUGLASS replied:
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Bache-
lOrS' Association of Kent County lit is need
less for me TO say that language is inadequate
to express the ha appIness which swels my bosom
tonight; but permit me to offer you the cor
dial greetings of heart which must ever fond
ly cherish The remembrance of its connection
with the most glorious association of the age
The Bachelors Association Of DeLGWGre.
Our Association, gentlemen, IT may be al
lowed to include myself upon this occasion, and
for the last time, notwithstanding our avUwed
object, " the ameloration of the condition of
The Bachelor, and God knows the condition
is sad one, especially when bald pates (cast-
, ing glance at the Presidency begin 10 loom up,
and (turning to the first Vice Presidency faces
must be covered DER with hair to hide their
wrinkles was the subject Of liberal attack in its
inception, mostly however, believe by those
: who were born under an unlucky planet. But
our motto was "ONwARD AND UPWARD" regard
less of cold water sprnklIDgs, or the source
from whence they came, and you are here to-
night in commemoralion Of its first natural fruit
accept, then, gentlemen, this testimonial of
your high regard with feelings of pride and
pleasure, attestng. as it docs, the free and fall
= | approval of my action. | feel that this even
ing's pleasures can never grow dim. ln after
years, amid the cares and strife incident to this
life, this token, which shall have prominent
" place in my house, as it now has, and ever must
: have in my heart, shall continue to hold posi-
ton in my affections second only to the partner
of my bosom.
/. Allow me, gentlemen, to fondly hope, that at
: no distant period. | may have the proud sats-
: faction of congratulating each and all of you as
= = married men, being well satisfied that wise
: : selection will render you far happier than it is
: possible for man to be in the lonely state o
= Bacheordom-indeed, have the authority Of
= = the Book of Books for saying that I" it is no,
= good for man to be alone" From an expert
ence of thirty days,-a short time, it is true, bu
| am frank to say believe the past is but ar
earnest of The future,-I am thoroughly con
- vinced with Richter, that no man can eithel
live happily or die righteously without wife.
IN After the addresses, the company was invited
Sc to table, filled with refreshments, &C., admi
'n rably arranged, and there was feast of rea