The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-10-11
Parental Partially.
by GRAY DARE.

How very frequently does parents
Partially for a child exist. All, read
er, perhaps you are able to bear testi-
mony, and have witnessed the untold
suferings endured by al unfortunate
son or daughter, because Of this pre-
ference. Did it not strike you how il
liberal and unnatural this must be q
For shame, that parents should ever
be guilty of such unsound Judgment;
yet too often does it happen.
, Openly, some parents have the au-
dacity to display this preference, car
ing little whether their darts penetrate
the already stricken heart of their un-
favored one; not counting the conse-
guences of such unreasonable acts
never taking into consideration the
thought that they are bat putting an
Unreasonable distance between their
child and them.
Less than a quarter of century ago,
Hamilton Sidney and ibis family ar
rived from an adjacent State, and set
tied in New Orleans. Mr.. Sidney in
terested himself in the cotton trade,
and, although the possessor of a very
porose disposition, fortune smiled and
favored ilim-he prospered-and be-
came wealthy and discreet merchant.
But to his family-God's first blessing
to this man and wife had been daugh-
ter, one, who in her infancy wore the
counterfeit likeness of her mother-the
dimpled cheeks and chin all so like her
own, and as she grew wayy ringlets
hung in clusters about her head. Her
father claimed her sparkling eyes
their Shade were nearer his than ever.
They loved their daughter, dotted on
her, gave her priceless trinkets, hu-
mored her in all her ways, and as little
Annie passed her summers, made her
feel and know that she was a little
Qneen-let all obey. God again re-
warded them a son was next, but He
that giveth also taketh. He claimed
His own, and early winged the little
soul to a Heavenly home. Then came
another daughter-Emma-in her ba-
byhood not unlike their first, and as
they older grew were companions for
each other, always together-happy
within themselves, enjoying the merry,
careless childhood of their life. Years
sped; with them came a change. -
Both were sent to reputed seminary
within the city. Annie Sidney was
soon the favorite of her. class. Her
lively imagination and quick percep-
ton rendered her progress in study a
matter of easy pleasure; her teachers
proudly held her as a model of their
institute. Beloved by all, no game
was complete without her presence /;
her little, Inexperienced nature, speak
ing fearlessly at-all times, had gained
her many friends. i.
By unanimous voice pretty Annie
was chosen May Queen on the occasion
of this annual festival, and she, proud
of this distinction, showered love and
friendship in return upon one and all.
Emma was less favorite. Inherit
ing the same sullen disposition as her
father, she frequently displayed her
share of seIf-will and temper, demand
ing her own way in all things, or she
| would refuse to lend assistance to their
pleasures, SO the younger pupils were
not disposed to take any particular in
terest in her.
Annie-well advance in her teens
thought it proper to exert herself in
her sisters behalf, and at times would
reprove her, advising her to be more
agreeable, but taunt and hate were too
deeply rooted in her nature to be re-
moved by kindness. Annie's efforts
were Intellectual. Mr.. and Mrs. Sidney
had of late assumed a decided prefer
ence for Emma. Annie, humored and
INDUCED in early childhood, had fire.
quently asserted and maintained her
own will and could not be induced to
change her purpose. This conduct in
variably called forth a reprimand from
her family, but brought up to fear nc
one their chidings had little effect upon
her. This, therefore, led to and
strengthened the Partially. Emma.