Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-07-05
Billiards and Whist.

The last number Of the Now York ~.
dependent contains an article upon For.
bidden Amusemonts. from which we
quote:
We start them, with the admission that
these pastmes are in themselves innocent
and excellent. Take. for instance, tho
game Of billiards. This is almost uni.
yer,ally condemed by Christians; and yet
Il is ono of the best games that has ever
been Invented. There is Just enough OK.
element In II to make |, interesting and
not so much as 10 tax tho nerves unduly.
II gives us exercise without violent ex.
ertion; il trains the muscles to steadiness
aud precision Of movement, and it deyel-
lopcs to some extent the mathematical
faculties. II We discard, il know Of moth
ing that can take its place. . ~
Cards are designed to answer q different
purpose. They furnish to those who are
worn out with labor n pleasant relaxation.
A Clergyman, who is distinguished pro-
fessor in one of our colleges, aud man
not indeed inclined TO looseness iu his
opiuions, gave his testimony on this sub
ject not long ago in my hearing, substan.
TALLY in these words: There was time
he said, 'when felt that the best thing |
could possibly do for an hour in the eve.
ming was to play whist. l was too tired
after the labors of the day to read or study
TO listen to reading or Co sit still and think
would not do, for either Involved an intel
lcctual activity which il was necessary that
| should avoid was too weak physlcslly
to attempt any athletic sport, and it be-
came serious question how | should
spend the time. A friend, in much the
same condition Of health, was boarding
with me, aud VIC cast about US for suitable
amusement.
First we tried chess but that was too
hard work. Then we played checkers for
few evenings; but the possibilities of
tho game were soon exhausted, and we
concluded at last that whist was just the
thing we wanted. Itrcquired no intense
mental application; there was just enough
excitement 10 II to Keep US wide awake,
aud it permitted desultory chat, which
would be far better for US than any con-
yersaiion upon profounder topics. This
testimony is yarously confirmed by per.
nV"o "hoNV opportunities OF OUscfNutlOU
have been ample, and whose Christian
character can not be questioned There
can be no doubt that among the quiet fire
side recrcatious this game is one Of tho
very best .....
With regard 10 dancing, can do no bet
than to quote tho words of Dr. Claiming.
We may not agree with this eminent di
vine in.his theological views but no one
can doubt the pure aud lofty morality Of
his doctrine aud his life. This exercise
ho says, is among tho most hoalihfu.
The body, nswell rs the mind, feels It's
gladcnlng innucn No amusement seems
moro TO have foundation Ia our nature,
" n
II Is desired that dancing should become
TOO common among us to be made tho
object Of special preparation, as In the ball,
that members Of tho same family, whom
confined by uniavorablc weather, should
recur to IL for exercise aud oxhilerationi
that branches Of the same family should
onllven In this way their occasional meet.
ings; that IL should GIL up an hour IN all
tho asscmblagcs for relaxation in which
the young form part na -