Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-08-13
COMMUNICATED.
PERSONALITIES J, B. JOHNSON.


PERSONAL---VERY.. j. B. JOHNSON.
1t is generally presumed shat the object which
gives use to the discussion OF questions OF inter
est to mankind, is, to ascertain as nearly as can
be done by human experience, the manner IN
which such such questions comport with truth,
and 10 what extent the measure OF their use:
fulness can be brought to advance knowledge,
and subserve the true ends of life. This pur
pose is implied In the agitation Of all themes IN
relation to which difference of opinion exists;
and an interchange of views in regard to them,
should be conducted in purely philosophical
serse. Gentlemen always know how to dis
agree; and when engaged in written or oral
discussion, they never forget that their plans OF
reasoning, however different, have in prospect
the elimination Of truth, aud express themselves
in spirit which seduously ignores any ac-
quaintance with the personal qualities OF each
other; but all, who, now and then, take, part
in the discussion OF important topics, are not
OF this standard; and it gentleman ls con-
strained by occasion, or the duties of his posi-
ton, to meet in debate one who Is not by habit
or education, his equal be will, 10 all proba-
bity have his arguments and facts met, not by
profound reasoning and cogent inference, but
by vulgar inuendos and coarse personality, and,
as a consequence, will have, in more than one
instance, cause to regret the unpleasantness OF
such occurrences. ss..s Vic
The force, the bearing and the adaptabiity
of a question, and not the motives and charac-
ter of an opponent in debate, are the aim of
legitimate discussion; and the debator who
makes personality the burden Of his reply,
often reveals not only bad temper and scanty
intelligence, but leaves the question which he
presumes TO discuss, without adequate defence.
In this way personality invariably reeoils
upon him who uses it., and the one against
whom it is directed, should feel no
apprehension that either his good name, or
the force of the truth which he defends, will
receive army serious detriment from it, tor in
instances of personality, as in all other cases
where an opportunity for contrast is presented,
the line which separates the logician and gen
tleman from the pretender and vulgarian, will
be so we'll marked that the most obtuse can
not fail to see it. But, sometimes, the gross
ness of the personality, coupled with the occa
sion and place of its utterance, makes 1t lncum-
bent on the part of him who is the object OF it,
to treat it as his wisdom dictates Tor every
honorable man esteems his character, and will
use whatever power of mind or body, his Crea-
tor has given him to protect it from detraction,
and to defend it against asperson.
When man talks, it is usually conceded
that he speaks In order that others may hear
him. 1t is the tendency OF what be says, that
is alone of any Importance, and the question
of his being good or bad, is only to be discuss
ed when the inclination of his teaching leads to
evil. Hence the proprities OF polemlcal usage,
instruct the upright debator to feel that If he
cannot always speak in support of his subject
without the appearance OF arrogance, he can
at least, show to those who are 80 rude as to
indulge in personalities, that be does not pos
sess any of the qualifications which warrant
either their favor or affection. and if he can
not always defend himself without the charge
of egetism, he can at least refer to his own
claims without being personal to others, and
indicate that if he is not that estlmable charac-
ter whose fortunate qualities entltle him to
their appreciation, he does not assume anything
very eager for their good fellowship, and, that,
the potency or impotency OF the language OF
his debate, should not be met by o Hagrant
violation of the rules of honorable controversy.
TREASURE TRoVE. Some months since, a
gentleman named Toxell purchased some pro-
perty located on the Lafayette and Carlton
avenues Brooklyn. The price paid for this
real estate was $4,000. Not long since Mr..
Toxell determined TO demolish wooden struc-
ture that occupied one of the lots. In making
preparation tor this, he one day caused some
of the flooring of the upper building to be
taken up, and beneath this flooring he discov-
cred heaps of dust aud dirt that seemed to con-
tain particles OF metal filings. Upon inquiry
it Was discovered that this old building had
been for many years occupied by manutac-
turing jewelry establishment. The new owner
took some of the dust to an assay office in New
York, where 1t was discovered that the dust was
gold dust
We are Informed that the sum Of 81, 900 in
gold has already been taken from beneath the
floor. It is stated too, that the proprietor of the
]eWelry mandatory died few years since
bankrupt. a& as.a----
How TO ENTERTAIN GUESTS. Il pray you,
0 excellent wife, not to cumber yourself and
me to get rich dinner for this man or this
woman who has alighted at our gate, nor
bed chamber made ready at too great cost.
These things, if they are curious in, they can
get for a dollar at any village. L Il. ~.
But let the stranger see, if he will, in your
looks, in your accent and behavior, your heart
and earnestness, your thought and will, what
he cannot buy at any price at any village or
city, and which he may we'll travel fifty miles,
and dine sparsely, and sleep hard, in order to
behold. ~
Certainly. let the board be spread and the
bed be dressed for the traveller; and let en-
phasls OF hospitality be in these things, Hon
or to the house where the inte llect is awake,
the soni Worshlps truth and love; honor and
courtesy flow into all deeds-R. " Ensaer-
: SON.. ~ - T.. t ..s, rr.I...