River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-01-29
AnuscmentS.

plain of vice, want and crime, and the
three go hand in hand, either openly or
stealthily through nearly all civilized
society. Such is the history of the
world, and such is its condition to-day
And, can nothing be done to improve
itH Though slight the change, we think
there can.
And, among the first things we con
slider it important to provide suitable
amusements for both young and old
Did you ever think Of it? Did you
ever think of the vast importance of en-
gazing the attention Of the young in
such manner as to amuse, divert, OF
entertain, and thus avoid at once both
idleness and dissipation? We should
remember that this is the great secret
of success in cultivating proper tastes,
forming good habits, and confirming a
good code Of morals IN the young mind.
But how shall this be done? urely
not by prccept alone. Precept amounts
to little without example, and example
shoul d not lie confined TO aught but
the dark, sober realities of human life.
Fear is a poor Incentive to good acts,
and still poorer prevention against
bad ones. If you would lead, mould
and control the young mind (and all
minds should be young) you must first
amuse-then instruct.
Now let US see how. A group OF
children may he amused by rolling
stones from a high cliff. and it is per.
haps an innocent amusement. But
when there is a public thorough.fare at
the foot of the cliff, and the lives of
travellers would be in jeopardy by this
indulgence, it is no longer innocent
amusement, but positive sin. Thus it
is with quite too many practices in so
ciety which are called innocent, while
in their consequence they are vicious.
But amusements we must have; they
are essential to our very existence; en-
tertaiuments come next in order, may
be, and diversion is at length necessary.
Things that occupy US lightly and pleas
antly, amuse US. and things that were
once condemned as sins, are now con-
sidered innocent amusements, harmless
in themselves, and only made vicious
by improper use. Among these none
perhaps has received so much condem-
nation, and with SO little good result, as
card playing. What shall be done with
it? Good society must control it. But
never again drive it into cold barns,
dark cellars, or secret corners.
Next we must entertain. The young
mind must be brought in contact with
things agreeable, either in the private
parlor, or in pubic assemblies. To this
end concerts, public exhibitions, and
even well regulated theaters may be
necessary. Who doubts it?
And that which turns our thoughts
from the sober, if not somber aspect Of
life, and awakens in US livier interest
even sportive or ludicrous-such as
a humorous story, rich joke, or
laughable incident such, we cay, de
yert'.
This, then, is lhe moral lesson we
would draw: Whatever serves to kill
time, to lull the faculties, and to Danish
reflection, or, in short, amuse-what.
ever awakens reflection or gratifes FAM
cy, and thus en.ertains. or instructs, -
whatever is lively 10 its nature, though
sometimes seemingly tumultuous in its
effects, but yet liverts, these, we say
are legitimate amusements, and the par.
ent or guardian who fails to provide the
same for the young, comes far short Of
the exercise Of the privileges and most
sacred duties Of his station.
Not that we would run after every
foible or phantom, or indulge indis.
criminaicly in wit, wisdom or folly.
But We would have somelhing-pro.
vide something for the constant employ.
u .cnt Ct the faculties Of both the body
and mind Of the young. Failing to dis.
cover that which exactly meets our ap.
we must use what we have;
and make the best Of them. Taken as
a whole, We have 20 superiority oil
amdsemeuts, nor can we afford 10 hold
under ban any ono that, when properly