The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-03-11
WHAT IT TEACHES.

The astute editor of the New York
World has made the profound discovery
that Gin all the long indictments which the
"people Of this country have to bring
"against this administration, there is no
"sterner count than this, that it has de-
moralized the social life of the Capital of
"the American Republic, by putting into
sits foremost positions ,oomen, who to
"gratify their vulgar passions for dia-
"monds," &c. Really, it is quite refresh
ing to learn, from so reliable source, that
the weakness of one fascinating woman,
in whose veins flowed the blue blood of
Kentucky, and whom so irreproachable
man as the distinguished Geo. II. Pendle-
ton, of Ohio, gave away at the altar, should
have so materially aided in demoralizing
Washington society. Can it be possible
that Mr.. Pendleton, Mr. Blackburn and
the whole. Zine of Democratic winers and
diners. who never refused an invitation to
thrust their legs under the Belknap ma
hogany, could have shared in associations
vulgarized by so unusual a passion? If
the proposition be true, as stated by the
World, that a passion for diamonds is a
mark of vulgarty, it is time, in all con-
science, to ask what class of women can
claim to be refined, since the diamond
weakness pervades all classes of society?
But why restrict the charge of vulgarity
to the love of diamonds only? The pas
sion for dress, for equipage, for plate, for
costly furniture, for every luxury in which
the wealthy indulge, is by the same reason
ing open to similar charge. The World
is too sweeping in its denunciation. The
vulgarity does not consist in the love of
things that are beautiful ard costly, but in
the weak and vain attempt of the poor to
crafty the indulgences and habits Of the
rich. This was the vanity that proved the
downfall of the weak Secretary and his
fascinating wife, and that threatens others
with the same social ambitions. This text
suggests prolific theme for the domestic
economist. The whole trowser- wearing
posterity of the original female sinner raise
their self righteous hands in holy horror at
the weak extravagances of women, to which
manual as well as oral expression, the fall
of an elring woman a. Washington gives
happy opportunity. The vain displays Of
modern fashionable society, not only at
Washington, but the country over, find
countenance and encouragement in whom
pray? In men, even strong minded su-
perior men, who furnish ambitious wives
the means wherewith to eclipse in social
show and display well-hated society rivals.
The sin rests not with women alone
Worth's latest and most ravishing toilette,
as it gides through the gilded saloons of
some favorite of fortune, even if borne on
plebeian shoulders, excites just as much
weak pride in the heart of the man who
paid for it, as envy in female bosoms draped
in less costly stuffs. The fact is, men de-
precate and encourage social display in the
same breath. They denounce extravaganza
in general, but encourage it in every par
ticular in which it reflects favorably upon
themselves. The philosopher and moralist
have ample field for enterprise in the evil
tendencies of modern society, but both
sexes are equally involved. Adam was
coward when he threw his sin on the
woman. This is one redeeming feature
even in Belknap's case, since he refused to
dishonor his wife's memory by throwing on
her the burden of his guilt.