Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1873-03-29
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smbutp 9Smeritan.
Il. R. mAssER, d..
z. WlLVERT. Luitors'
ExrRAvAeANcE AND trs CoNsEoUE,
sUNBuRY, MARolt 20, 1873.

Capital forms that centre, from which the
evil radiates in every direction, and perme-
atcs all classes of society throughout the
country, carrying with it its consequences,
crime and shame. We are not an excep-
ton. Although land of freedom and the
home of the oppressed of all nations, with
laws embodying the principles ofcharityand
liberality which constitute those of the di-
vine--a government esteemed by the liberal
of all nations as a model--yet we have
our centrc OF extravaganza in our National
Capital which promises to outdo Paris
and Vienna in this destructive evil.
Many are ignorant of what constitutes
life in Washington, aud when they
hear about Congressman, Senators and
Others receiving high salaries, their con-
clusiou is that an accumulation of means
must follow, and they are much aston
ishcd TO find, in many instances, that those
in high places suddenly become bankrupt.
From bankruptcy To crime is the usual
gaming with The hope Of retrieving their
ruined fortunes, and to the plfering ofthe na-
tional treasury. Extravaganza is invaria-
bly, the primary cause. Costly apparel,
expensive dinners--costing thousands of
dollars parties, some Of which have cost
the whole salary Of Congressman for one
evenings entertainmeut-consu life in
Washington. Senator Hamilton Of Mary
land in n enoocI, phovs rIno rlv thot 1ur
ing Washing.on's administration, and the
early days ofour governmental it cost as much
to live in the national capital as it does at
present, and yet our national officers lived
and thrived on much lower salaries, and he
ascribes the demands of our law makers to
the extravaganza of the present day. lie
spoke as follows in opposition to the rails
ing Of salaries
1T is said that the cost of iiying is greater
now than during the administration of Washing.
ton. Why, sir, neither is really true. | assert,
aud history and statistics will vindicatc the
truth of my assertion, that at that time two
thirds Of the article, CONSUMED by the people
were higher in price than they are now. Then
all your fabrics were higher, cloths, woolens,
cottons, aud all things of thSt sort were higher
than they are now. Tea, coffee, sugar, molas-
-rs salt, &c, were higher than they are now.
Therefore | say the assertion on which this pro-
position is based Is not truc in point of fact
While rents generally were much lower then
than now, rents were higher then than they alc
now in this city; in fact, there were no houses
to rent here. There were none of the convencu-
0cs, much less the luXures of life here ut that
time. There was no place then for families and
for the social enjOyments that now attend the re-
sidence of members and families here at this
time.
At that time, and since, the great staples,
corn, wheat, and pork varied III price at times
higher, and at other times lower than now. Not
Nithstandug the variations in price You never
changed the salaries until late ycals. ] say
then, in fact and in truth, things are not higher
to-day than they were when these salaries were
liked. The Whole matter may be summed up in
a few words. 1t is not the price but our manner
of living that has changed. Our frugal and
economical ancestors bought less, made it 30
further than we do. In Illustration, where they
bought one hat We buy half IL dozen. Instead of
one dress as then, as lnany as twenty may now
he required. There Is the great evil of the dav.
1t is fashion. Fashion is both versatile and sell
fish beyond all account. Vain frivOliCy and
good taste unfortunately vie with each other in
being the vctares Of fashion, and We all know
that fashion is made by deliberate methods, that
matrred knowledge of human nature, and with
fixed plans to make the most of it. II is eytrar-
GJG'.ee. The simplicity and frugaity of the past
10 swallowed up in the osteutatiou and cXtrava-
gaucc of the present"
But extravaganza does not exist only in
Washington. The evil is spreading all
over the land like pes:ilence. ltis branch
ing out from the centre in every direction,
and the effects are felt in every community.
We daily sec men and women jeOpardizing
character and fortune in the pursuit of the
frivoltipS of tha prnvo,,r da lVo not;,,o -
in our streets, in the homes of families, at
public entertainments, and in our churches.
Everywhere, TO excel in fashionable extra
Vagauce, seems to be the determined pur-
pose of everybody, and tie results frc-
quently lead to general prostitution of cha
racter. Twenty years ago such prostitu-
ton was seldom heard of and the avenues
10 wealth were just as free as they are at
present. We are all living too fast, and far
beyond our means. The question natural
ly presents itself why'do we do so? Sim
ply because fashionable society imperative
ly demands it, and as this element controls
the world over, the larger portion of lis are
led by ii. Whatever the character of its
influence II is felt throughout the cominu-
ty, and nothing but the most extraordinary
courage can resist il. The inability Of the
many to resist its eXactions, explains the
large number who prostitute character to
comply with its demands. Were society
differently organized, many good man
Ind woman would TO day be saved from
tho mseries Of poverty, and worse, the
prostitution Of character, and in many in
stances ofperson. Christian simplicity and
a higher standard Of morality would save
us from all this. How many men and wo
men contract debts which they can never
pay because society demands a certain
slyle OF recognition. Ofcourse rather than
be ignored, any sacrifice Of money. and il
many cases, Of virtue is made. This is The
solution Of half the monetary troubles oflht
country and its molal degradation. Where
is the remedy for this? We answer le
the leaders Of society in town and city Sc
the example of economy, not only in tn,