The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1876-03-16
Anoth, r one takes our place instead.

In the midst OF an essay on Immortality,
Emerson introduces, to illustrate the in
tense desire in thoughtful minds for sure
hope IN life to come, an anecdote which
is most impressive:
''There is profound melancholy at the
base of men of active and powerful talent,
seldom suspected. Many years ago there
were two mel in the United States Senate,
Doth of whom are now dead. / have seen
them both one of them personally knew.
Both were men of distinction, and took an
active part in the politics of their day and
generation. The were men of intellect, and
one of them, at a later period, gave frien%
this anecdote; He said that, when he ell
tered the Senate, he became in short time
intimate with one of his colleagues, and,
though attentive enough to the routine OF
public duty, they daily returned to each
other, and spent much time in conversation
on Immortality of the soul, and other intel.
lectual questions, and cared for,little else
When nay friend at last left Congress. they
parted, his colleague remaining there, and,
as their homes were widely distant from
each other, it chanced that he never met
him again, until, twenty-five years after
wards, they saw each other, through open
doors, at d distance, in crowded reception
at the Presidents house in Washington
Slowly they advanced towards each other
as they could, through the brilliant com
pany, and at lest met-ssid nothing, but
shook hands long and cordially. At las
his friend said, ANY light, AlbertT None,
replied Albert ANY light, Lewisl' None
replied he. They locked in each other
eyes silently, gave one more shake to the
hand he held, and thus parted for the las
time. Now l should say that the impulse
which drew these minds to this inquiry
through so many years was better affirma
tive evidence than their failure To find con.
firmation was negative"
The Washington correspondent of the
Cincinnati Gazette says that the British
Minister, Sir Edward Thornton, and his
family, set a most excellent example in the
matter Of dress to Washington society, thai
Americans, and especially American ladies,
would do well to recognize and initiate
The cloud" dressing of American women i.
the p1overb ot the world and the shame oi
American society and culture.
This correspondent relates that on brigh
day short time ago in Washington he wit
messed scene that illustrated the truth o.
these remarks. The matinee at the princi
pal theater was just pouring out its crowC
| made up largely of young ladies dressed il
all the agonies of the styles, to swell tn,
tide, when the English Minister and his two
daughters appeared upon a crossing which
led diagonally along the line of the iy,
hundred bedecked American women.
As if by common impulse the whole
crowd caught the sign, and all caught them
selves taking a good look at once. Sir Ed
ward Thornton is known to all in Washing
ton. He is striking figure, and he walk
and rides so often that every one recognize
| him. 1t was not his appearance, however
| that drew such sudden attention from tn
crowd of silks, lsces, feathers and jewelry
but the dress of the two daughters walkin,
| one on each side on him. There was tn
titled Minister of one of the greatest nation
of the earth, living in the largest mansion
of Washington, and giving now and ther
such entertainments as eclipse. all others 70
their elegance. His establishment is shrin
where ali fashion which can obtain admis
! sion worships But for all this here wer
| Sir Edward and his daughters out for
walk, and by chance passing in review be
fore hundreds of American women trlckeC
out in all that the fashion-plates prescribe
and being out for a walk, these high borI
young ladies were setting their America
cousins q lesson which should have pu
everyone of them to blush. The EHglisl
ladies had on heavy boots to begin with
20 heavy that it was entirely unnecessary t,
dodge around the damp spots In the avenu
crossing. Next, their arms were free, snC
not engaged in holding up the trailing
dresses IN which American female idiot
will persist in sweeping through the filth o
the streets. Their skirts not only did no
touch, but they were not so low that ever
step spattered them with concentrated nasti
ness. The skirts were plain and of plan
material. There was also an absence OF III
intricate humpingup, reenfigin, puIling
back and buBchIBg-Out, which distinguis
American ladies. But instead of all tbi
each wore plain, comfortable and deceD
walking-skirt. Each had on q substantis
cloak, but they were cut in style Of tw'
winters ago. The chances are that the Gu
was of three seasons since. At any rate
that was the prevailing opinion in one grou
of Americans that discussed the questio
with that eagernsss which its importanc
demanded.