The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-01-03


it prevails. With the exception of a
very few who have the leisure to polish
the outside. the society in Slave States
is not cultivated and refined ~ it is in
the Free States. whore schools are &C.
cessible to all. The Census shows this
most conclusively. But it does more
than this. Upon those who have the
means of education it has very per-
ceptible effect. which even the casual
observer cannot fail to notice.
Perhaps the idea We wish to convey
will be best understood by giving
little scrap OF personal experience.
As We were recently passing through
Missouri on the cars, a couple Of we'll
dressed and rather intelligent looking
young ladies came aboard at one Of the
stations. Their general appearance
and the Difference shown them by ac-
quaintances, indicated unmistably that
they passed in the FIRST circles Of society
about their homes: and possessing
considerable share of good looks. they
were evidently popular wi:h the young
gentlemen of their acquaintance. several
OF whom were on the cars. Whether
tie length and heft Of pas purse had
any thing to do with the smiles Of the
young men. this deponent saith not; but
We think the personal attractions of the
ladies we're the moving cause" for the
attentions paid TO them by the other
sex.
Occupying seat in close proximity
to the ladies. We became quietly inter
ested in the group of which they were
the center. At irst the impression
produced was favorable and pleasing.
But how We we're startled presently BY
hsaling one of the ladies say:
10 Lord, no."
And presently the other exclaimed !:
30 Lordie !"
And such remarks and CALCULATIONS
were interspersed quite plentifully thro'
their conversation.
To say that this sudden development
shocked our sensibilitiss, but partially
conveys An idea Of the sensations ava.
kened in the mind. It was like dash
Of cold water on the system in . warn
summer day; and instinctively We fel
. kind of repulsion almost As sensibly
.. though We had been smitten by I
blow.
Reflections something like these pass
ed through our mind:
"How can it be possible for appar
emily educated and refined persons t
act and speak thus? What must b
the condition Of society where suci
language is tolerated and those who us
il courted and flsttered ?"
And it was but natural that the min,
should run on, in i's Investigations 70
m explanation Of this strange develop
ment.
We were unable to find . solution o
the problem. except in the inauenc,
which Slavery has upon communitie
and society at large where it exists. W.
had travelled in most Of the Free States
but had never. except among the mos
unre6ned. heard language used simila
to that We have quoted. Indeed, W,
feel safe in saying tina, such languag,
would not Be tolerated for moment il
any good society in the Free States.
Whether it resulted in the instance
we have recorded from association with
Slaves. or grew out of the barbarizins
nature Of the institution in general. w.
are not prepared to say: but the fac
was indispuabls-the lesson it taught
was one for serious and me!anchol,
contemplation.
Il is IN un.ioubted fact that the ten
dencies Of society in general where
Slavery exists Is towards barbarism.-
No one who will travel through tn.
Free States and the Slave States will
his eyes aud ears open can mistake ,hi.
fact.
True. there are . few Of the aristo.
Gratis families in the Slave States, who
live in considerable splendor and refine
msnt; bat The great mass of the people
are very far below the general mass ia
the Free States. And it is a truth, also.
that the rs6nemen, Of the wealthy is
too often superficial. II is all polish
and no heart.
Besides. the refined gentleman Of the
drawing room and parlor of social life.
10 TOO frequently the coarse libsr.ine
under other circumstances. No one
~ho has Seen the inside of SOuthero