The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-08-17

In great city there is little exhibition of
that neighborly friendship and intimacy SO
| observable In small towns. A new arrival in
the midst Of a village circle at once becomes
the topic for all gossip, and a minute analysis
Of the qualities Of the stranger is the special
prerogahve of the rural Grundies. If we'll
hammered and soclable, he speedily assumes
the position Of recognized neighbor and friend
In cities the case Is quite different. You may
live in No. 300 for decade of years in utter
ignorance concerning the inmates of No. 302,
from whom you are separated by a two-inch
wall.
You may be in mental darkness as to the
style of furniture prevalent in No. 29s, until,
on some spring morning, you see it lifted into
furniture cars, and 29S relapses into dust and
stiffness for fortnight. The swift current OF
an unfordable river could draw no more GER
tain line of division between you and the
opposite neighbors than is afforded by the
painfully symmetrical cobble-stones. The very
brick walls frown on all approaches, and
solemnly rebuke attempts at the cultivation
of their Enclosures. So you are compelled to
withdraw into your own shell, with the con-
solatory privilege Of making observations
taken from interstlces in your parlor cur
tales, from between skilfully arranged blinds,
at odd hours of the day and night.
A practical female can commonly give a
shrewd guess at the articles which will enter
into the composition of the dinners of all hel
nearest neighbors. The inner life Of back
buildings, with all its delicate minutia, is lait
open " view and criticism. The whole
, vicinage is warmed into an exposure Of its
, individualities by the early breath of spring
Provokingly impenetrable shutters are throw
open, affording occasional glimpses of til,
mysterious room which has awakened so mucl
curiosity during the long winter days.
The invalid whose pale face you have seer
now and then at the opposite window goe'
out into the warm sunshine, and you detect
slight fiush on her wasted cheek as It feel
the kisses Of the soft and playful breeze. As
the days grow very long and very hot, the
claims of your neighbors for attention become
more resistless and urgent. The music
teacher across the way combines with the
mosquitoes and sluggish atmosphere to MAKE
your nights utterly restless and miserable
The families OF small children which you have
observed clustering around the front dooi
during the afternoon and twilight hours art
simultaneously oppressed, and unable to go tC
sleep, and their concerted vocal efforts arr
distracting to the last degree.
The hot air has soured the temper of thu
big dog in the next yard, and he INDUCES il
an unceasing series of excited and thrilling
responses to imaginary barks of defiance from
CANNES in distant quarters of the city, or il
the moon. He soliloquizes in low grOans anC
growls, and you hear him scratching up flow
ers and upsetting tubs, till distorted sleeI
comes upon you.
There are certain creatures who make II
point to investigate the secrets of their neigh
bors' lives, characters, fortunes, and pedigrees
The nearest grocer or apothecary is inveigleC
into furnishing scraps Of information; no ston,
is left unturned which might, by chance, let il
a ray Of light on their antecedents and futur
prospects. This stock of intelligence is re
tailed in whispers and suggestions TO othe
neighboTs Occasionally an effort at friendli
ness and cultivation is essayed, spasmodi
and abrupt call IL made, or card left, AM
the neighbors draw back into mods and per
sonal observations and mutual criticisms.