Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-02-08
Our Society Letter.
ROCKVILLE. Feb. 4lh 1873

ROCKVILLE, Feb 4ih, 1878.
Mr. Editor All me What dsconsolate
situation have my modest, unobtrusive letters
imprisoned NE in. II is sad, indeed, 10 have
everybody talking about one without having
concerted bores writing TO one. Some pre-
ten'lous youth, under The advice of vanity,
which has become the regning queen of his
affections, has strutted into the columns Of
your paper, and, displaying himself in all the
coxcombry of school-boyish composition, hopes
TO create sensation. He does create-a sensa-
lion, for never before, not even since have
been writing, have your readers witnessed
such gauGv display. That poor letter was
dressed with more colors than could be dis
solved from the rain bow; and his fancy
roamed through fairy land and the "Halls of
EGlis," gathering decorations to embellish it.
The only genuine taste he has displayed is in
selecting for the predominant color a bright
green.
He depicts with delight the ravshing en-
chanlments that gather nd the mite society
and pound parties, and dwells with more than
religious fervor upon ''prayer and other sacred
amusements." Doubtless such things are very
en- tertaiuing to valentine and all others
who consider them dmusementS, but to those
who consider prayer as something more serious,
there is not quite so much sociabe enjoyment
in it. admit that these assemblages are very
NhJpi oplS III bhSiI anu diC uioO
TO those who participate in them, but yet they
are not literally social entertainments, ard
when "Valentne" is driven to such illustra-
tions as these to refute my criticism Rock
vile society it is virtual acknow ledgment that
am correct will not follow him over The
plains of the West hunting ont-lawed buffalo,
amid the branches of the deadly Upas
tree, nor yet to the top of the Cocoanut tree
where an animal smaller than the buffalo loves
to perch.
He is thankfu! that our towns free from
the social dissipation of the citSs But ah,
'Valentine," there is dissipation proceeding
from that "Whiskey straight" which you
say Rockvillians love to drink more deadly
than social dissipation. Poor boy, you are
young. Discretion has not yet perched upon
your brow. Imagining you can write letters
for newspaper and drinking whskey are two
Of the follies of youth. | fear you have
welded both if so, secure divorce at
once, and improve your time by going to
school. Your infant thoughts are yet IN their
swaddling clothes, and they need age and inn
provement before they can walk alone along
the slippery columns of newspaper. You
are better suited for the nursery, where toys
and picture books will occupy your tine and
delight your fancy. If you will only promise
to stay there and be a good boy and never
again mortfy your mamma by such babyish
pranks 10 The newspaper, will buy you
penny whistle right new from the "Halls of
Eblis, !" and you can then puff out your little
jaws and do all the btowing you want to.
II | should be mistaken in your age, and
you should be older than your composition
indicates, beg pardon for all have said and
will make amends by sending YOU valen-
tine. 1t is The first poetry | ever tried to write,
so don't be severe in your criticism upon the
rhythm.
TO VALENTINE:
Such dreary Jokes so sadly dull,
Through a well mans mind meier crept sir
They can only he the sickly smile
Of consumption or dyspepsia.
60 take journey for your health,
On land or by the "Alan line,"
And when you've cured them come again,
You dear old comic valentine"
LENA