Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-12-05
OLYMPIA, w. I. Nov. 2Sth, 1868.

OLYMPIA, w. I. Nov. 2Sth, 1868.
EDirOR STANDARD: Dear Sir: l have
heard several omong my acquaintance sx-
press their opinions in regard to certain let.
ter which appeared in your last issue over tho
signature Of Sophia-opinions that in almost
every case were different from those which l
entertain For instance. ono was free to ex-
press the conviction that " Sophia" was cast
ing slurs at Liberal" Zone Of your former
corespondents) and that it stood him in hand
to come out in very severe article upon all
/" blue stockings" giving Sophia in particular
such another dressing as he gave I" Betsy
Jane" Another thought that it would b.
better for him to appear in short card over
his own proper signature, washing his hands
Of the whole thing. and declining to take
any further notice Of anonymous scriblng as
he was pleased 10 term it. And still third
person whose age and great experience enti-
ties his opinions to the profoundrst respect.
said that "he could smell the f'otatoe through
the pie, and az (" the weather grumbled
when the thunder rumbled.' Liberal ought to
pass them all over in silent contempt-Betsy
Jane. Maria and Sophia" 1'r-ae'
Now as l do not believe in what ore COM
monty considered severe articles, nor see any
objection to anonymous writing, particularly
in the discussion Of topics when the matter
offered is of the main importance shall 60
ahead in my own manner, leaving the gentle
reader to fix what signature he or she may
choose at the bottom.
Having soothed my spirits with the opera
of La Somnambula and many 8, lpctions from
Beethoven and Handel. have taken up the
pen with such kindly feelings towards tho
whole world, that am sure no ink of mine
will leave a black spot in the thoughts Of
either your correspondents or readers. Music
hath charmes to quicken the impulses of the
mind and heart, as well as those Of the heels,
and I should count myself dull student,
indeed, were insensible to the Intoxicating
harmony Of the soul-music which flows from
"Sophia's "pen so smoothly. Assoon would
I mistake the saving Of a COMMON fiddler,
for the efforts Of genuine violinist, 40 would
confound the natural, fluent, flowing, deep.
clear, and feminine style Of "Sopllia. |" with
the stiff, pcdantic. masculine writing Of that
great coarse fellow who imagined that he
could either hide the 1'otatoe from the old
man or deceive his readers by donning
the petticoats Of Betsy Jane" iig Ilosi
soit qxi NAL y pense. and shame /. cay
on those persons who see any thing wrong
in the delicate and ingenious encomiums
which " Sophia has seen ct to pass upon
music and the drama Though must say.
however much admire the higher depart
ments Of the drama, that could never con-
sent to its entire substitution for the dance,
al source Of amusement, unless all OF the
young ladies should devote themselves ex.
clusively to the former, in which case 1
should be under the strongest kind Of COM
pulsion to follow, as the drama with, were
certainly to be preferred to the dance without
them. Those little charades, are certainly
excellent things in their way, and nay do well
enough for the first attempt of an amateur
troupe, but I would suggest the early substitu-
ton Of the opera a. being much better adapted
to the development of the finer qualities Of
both the intellect and heart. These perform
ances. in connection with good singing
school in the place, am confident would
soon develop an amount Of musical talent
hereabouts the existence of which has hith-
erto been unsupported. Imerely throw out
this suggestion now, in tho hope that It may
be more fully discussed in future either by
the dramatic corps At their regular meetings
cr through the medium Of the press, and ]
would be particularly pleased TO- hear $50
phia's" views upon the subject. which must
always be both entertaining and Instructive,
let the matter discussed be what it will. It
will need but little percussion from such fair
lips, to induce me to render whatever humble