Cairo evening times. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1865-1866, 1865-09-09
EVENING TIMES.
CAIRO, SATURDAY. SEPT. ., 1865.
SOCIETY IN CAIRO.

Remarks relative to- society, or rather the
want of society, IN Cairo, have frequently
fallen upon our ear, snd although we believe
it to be one of those things which will in time,
correct ITSELF yet we feel induced to offer few
words in regard to it, believing the subject to
be one of vital interest.
1t is notorious fact, that there is, so to
speak, no society in Cairo-that our citizens
meet less, socially, than do those perhaps of
any other city in the Union. The consequence
is, that tie acquaintance of our young people
amongst those whom they should be able to
number among their friends, is very limited
Our young men, not having a general or ordi-
nary acquaintance with the lady portion of
community, in the absence of interest which
their company would create, have no place to
resort to but saloons, billiard rooms, &c. in
order to crafty that feeling and desire for re-
creation and amusement which is natural and
innate in every human breast. This state of
things is felt by the young ladies of Cairo fully
as much as by the gentlemen. Were society
different both sexes would be benefited. With
out the soothing, restraining influence of
woman it cannot be expected that our young
men will form habits so essential to fit them
for the responsible position of husbands. By
this we do not mean to be understood as i'm
plying that the young men of Cairo have ac-
quired or are acquiring habits of dissipation
and vice, as such is not the case. But we do
contend that were the rules of society here
less punctilious, and more intimate acquaint-
anca cultivated between the sexes, much that
now goes to make up the private record of our
young men would give place to that which
would be more pleasing to them and better
stand the scrutiny and criticism of the world.
To the lady portion of community the effect
would be equally advantageous. The society
of young men of approved habits and charac-
ter is to woman a source from which much in-
formation may be elected, and the appetite for
relief from the monotonous routine of her duties,
appeased.
The reason for the absence OF the usual system
ofgoverning society, in this city, is probably
owing to great extent, to the unsettled state
has been steadily and rapidly increasing.
Many good and valuable members of society
have settled here, and, perhaps, quite a number
ofthe opposite character. Many too, have come
here, temporarily, to take advantage of the op-
portunties presented for realizing additions to
their exchequers, with the intention OF leaving
when the inducements which led them hither
were exhausted Time, more than usual in
other cities, was required in order to form ac-
quantanccs either suitable advantageous.
But that condition of things has passed. Those
who are now here nearly all intend to remain,
and the reserve heretofore demonstrated
should be dispensed with.
The people of Cairo, as Il class, are;. whole
souled, unseltsh, warm-hearted, generous COM
munty. As an evidence Of the fact one needs
but to start out with a subscription paper for
a charitable or worthy object, and more money
can be raised in shorter space of time than
in any city in the Union of equal population
and capital. 1t is therefore but meet and
proper that they should all become acquainted
IN other than business way. The hand of
fellowship should he extended and efforts made
to elevate society and increase the social inter
est of those resident amongst us. Let us give
the evidence to such as we desire to associate
with, that we wish to cultivate more intim-
ate friendship with them, and notify them that
our g latch string is out" Let organize
pic-nics, social gatherings, and moral charac-
ter be the standard by which our associates
shall be selected; then will our young men
grow up in: the possession Of nobler attributes
and our young ladies with stronger minds and
more enlarged ideas of life and its surround.
ingS.