The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-05-08
Z" It is the Fashion. "


This the title of a little volume translated
from the German. of which ADELuEID Won
AUER is the author. 1t is one of the most
charming books of the times, and is admira-
BILE for its practical, wise, and beautiful mo-
raity. 1t is full Of the very best lessons for
old and young, and is devoid of all bigotry
and allcctation. A more natural and grace.
full work of its kind we never before read.
We earnestly commend it, especially to young
readers. They will find i'll it, conveyed
through an interesting narrative, the best nd.
vice and the purcst sentiments of virtue. 1t
is sincere, truthful, and just, full Of Sympa.
thy and love, and fired with feelings of pro-
PER pride and honor.
Such lessons It's this excellent volume
teaches are much needed in these days when
''fashion," more than. ever, suDordinateS
fearfully the interests and policy of social
life to the very great discomfort and diSad-
vantage OF hundreds of families. That all
must pay some degree OF respect to the de-
spotic ruler of the world is true. but ii would
be well If there wus a little more indepen-
dcnce of this power; if people would not at
| tempt more than they can properly do to
keep up with all the eNtravagant regulations
Of fashion; if they would not sacrifice their
peace of mind and their nieans and comfort
to follow them; If those who cannot give
their children fortunes would not allow
ia of fuSh the
neglect of the duties of practical and every
day life. to be LETT without means and with
out the talents to encounter the hard trials o.
life. This little book, blended with refined
taste and great intelligence, teaches this will
depth of feeling aud force Of language
which cannot fail to sink deep into the heart:
of its readers, especially those young hearts
which so readily receive impressions and sc
promptly respond to generous and gentle ex
postulations.
We are tempted to give al extract or two
The president of a bank, who has the con
sumption, is in great anxiety about his young
fannly-their support and their education
CHOW would my wife," said he, " even pay
"for the education Of the little ones out of d
"widow's pension, not to speak Of the great
"eXpense of living now-a-days:" And the
author offers the following reflections upon
| this text:
81 could scarcely conceal my surprise
! Did he really mean that his salary was his
| sole possession, and that he had absolutely
| nothing to leave his family? Then, what
madness to live fully up to his income, to &C.
custom his children to every luxury, and to
bring them up ignorant of any such thing as
| selfdenial! But is it selt-denial to veal
calico instead of silk?> TO give up this mad
carnival Of dissipation, ruinouS alike to
health and to the taste for quieter enjoyments,
and to content oneself with pleasures more
reasonable und more suitable for youth Is ii
disadvantage for a young girl to offer by her
simple, fresh attire, contrast to her bediz
Zened friends and companions? Does maid.
enhood need these costly ornaments? l.
not sparkling eye more beautiful than q
brilliant diamond; m innocent. happy smile
purer than the most precious pearl2 Does il
render young girl less charming if, amid
the superficial and conventional inter
course of society, She accidentally re-
veal treasure of higher sentiments an(
deeper feelings, which instinctiyely she
has strivcn to conceal from those who
could not appreciate them? Is it dis
grace to the little hand in its spotlcss glove i
at home it is active i'll preserving the gruc'
and beauty of home, in making small means
go further, or in providing for itself the plea
sures that young hearts enjoy so much
There is a strange contradiction in the fac
that so much is made of the elegance ant
comfort of home, when the very means ar,
neglected which would supply them even il
the lack of large fortunes. Why. on,
could count the girls who make or memo
their own clothes OF dresses. Knitting i
| totally abolished, and either a seryan
| or the harassed mother undertake.
| what formerly would have been the daugh
tcr's greatest pride. How can they find tint
for such homely occupations amid concerts
balls, suppers, aud all this fever of pleas
urey How can they succeed in crlltiyatine
q germ Of industry amid the rank growth Of
mental idleness? think even wealthy
parents are much to blame in permitting
their children's future happiness and posi-
ton to depend on the uncertain basis o.
riches, and in emitting to giye them nobiel
dcwry--onc that puts to shame mere gold
and silver, for it, ein do fur more; it can so
CUE content, But the father whose sole In