Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-08-15
Our Educated Young Men.

AOGA6 10OL-
The Rev. DR.. Hooper, man who has
seen his three score and ten years, and who
has his life long been connected with the Uni
v~ersities and Colleges of this and other States
gave it as his opinion, that threc-fourths
OF the young men who graduate at our Cole
ges are partially if not entirely ruined by in
toxicationl This is a sad and thrilling state
ment coming from so responsible a source,
and ought to strike the public mind with suf-
fcient force to lead to thought and consider
ate action.
The truthfulness of the remark ofDr. Hoop
er must meet the attestation Of every scru-
tInizing observer. 1t is not true that so large
a proportion become degraded sots and inc
briates; nor does DIR. II. say as much-but
that some are partially" and others CENTRE
ly ruined' by the use of strong drink. Let
him that doubts, pause a moment and emu
merate the young men of his acquaintance
who have graduated at our Colleges within
the last ten or twenty years. Let him fol-
low them as they have emerged from those
classic walls, and engaged in the busy pur-
suits OF life. How many have already fall
len into d~runkard's graves-how many have
become suicides-how many have been cut
down b the hand of violence in drunken broils
n OF those who are yet on the stage Of ac-
ton, how many bear the mark of the beast
on their countenances, as though branded
for his sure and certain prey And others
still, who though considered yet moderate
and innocent" in their i~ndulgencies. are
causing the deepest anxiety among their best
friends, about their future fate.
ol 1T is a melancholy sight to see the no
bier part of our nature yield to the baser.-
We cannot look with indifference ON the up
roofing of the hearts tenderest and diyinest
affections in any one; but when the crush of
affection is followed by the fall Of a lofty in
tellect that should have proclaimed correct
tive truth to the world, then we feel doubly
sad, and would speak a word to stay this
heart and head ruin that is rushing upon
the world.
Active young men are frequently the first
to take a step ruin-ward. A proud ambition
and a fiery brain are quick to receive an evil
stimulus. Those who are the quickest in
their sympathies and the kindest of hearts
are frequentlythe first to fall the ruined dupes
Of society. 1t is a glad sight to see a fond.
hearted and hopeful young man in the ioy
and strength of his youth, treading lightly
over care and difficulties, and displaeing them
with buoyant spirits and manly efforts butt
la sad sight to see that same you lg man run
with all his weight of intellect and fondness
of heart, gaily and merrily into the giIied
paths that lead to certain destruction.
To the educated young men Of our nation
We would say, be menl There is more sat
i~sfaction Of heart in being good and great
than in throwing your friends and society
into occasional SPANS by your brilliancy ant
eccentricities. The fast young man is a dan
ger to himself and society. Nervous anC
unsettled brains are not what the world
wants. The present condition of society de
mands a heavier and frmer character of in
Observation-Disclosures intellect, that will no
6eJostled out ofplace by society, but willjostl,
society into place. Be, then, moulders Of so
cisty. he world looks up to you with I
great amount of reverence and trust 1t be
holds your strength and puts confidence il
your manhood VIII you betray that con
f~dence,. or use amiss the powers placed il
your hands?