Mexico weekly ledger., 1879-12-25
Christianity i'm LeadviIIe
Correspondence of the Ledger.

eHtS OI Eastern Journals ABOUT the
wickedness and profanity of Lead
vile, but few have troubled them
selves about investigating the char
acter and standard of the moral pop
ulation Of the city.
Most any lgnoramus who is pos
sessed of an ordinary faculty of inn
agination, and can WELD this power
instead of truth, without any consci-
entious convictions, will have n,
trouble in framing an article of
"Arabian Nights" denomination. to
the extreme detriment of the city's
reputation, which will fall like soft
strains of gossip on the ear of the
uninformed and sensation-loving
reader Of the Eastern press.
But to produce an article of unbi-
ased, impartial opinion upon the
most. exalted society of the city re-
quires o familiarity with its workings,
close investigation into its past pro-
gress, some inward appreciation of
morality, and strict adherence to
truth.
L have been in constant attendance
at church services since my advent
into Leadville, and 1 am pleased with
the progress of the several denomina-
tions of the city which have organ
lied and built modest but ample
structures for public worship.
1t is not strange that the Catholics
should possess such an overwhelming
majority here in an American me-
tropolis.
The fact that there is a great many
public works here which combined
employ several thousand menials,
whose ranks sre composed almost
entirely of Irish, is sufficient to ac-
count for this distressing reality.
Another lamentable fact which has
come under my observation is that a
great many Protestants who were or
dinary worshipers at their homes
neglect the church, utterly abandon
all religious rites when they reach
Leadville, and adopt in it's stead a
social existence worse than Pagan.
While a Catholic is still a Catholic
and strict observer wherever he goes,
and no force of circumstances viii
change his principles or devotion.
To be Christian in Leadville is an
achievement herculean in its effect,
hence a denomination in this place
can sport a membership scarcely
equal to that of town in Missouri
one-tenth as large.
But if we speak of the devotion OF
the little band which assemblies
promptly each week, no Eastern con-
gregation will bear comparison.
IN my observations of church -goers
here l am interested to note theil
peculiarities. Dressed in less gorge
Gus attire, no one would suspicion
that the masculine representation
were more than ordinary farmers
But sun-burnt cheeks and brawny
features are no criterion. If we eli
gage them in conversation upon any
, subject, no matter of what lack O
, Importance, either ancient or mod
ern, foreign or local, we will be sur
prised to find so much shrewdnes
and sagacity disguised under sucl
rough and ungainly features. In
deed, the very best wit and intelli
gence from all parts of the world il
f represented in the modest church cir
Gle of Leadyille.
With due Difference to the sex anC
, respect for truth, however, mus
, declare that my impression of tn,
r tender ones who modify the action
y of the sterner sex before the alta
here has not been so favorable as
would have been pleased to remark
The ladies of Leadville, on an aver
' age, who are distinguished by thei
Christian piety, / must state. ar
p rather below mediocrity. Neithe
handsome, attractive, nor intelligent
q their appearance would indicate a
e once that they had been overburdene,
q with toll and anxiety.
n None but females of course natur
!. can stand the teverish excitement 9
a mining camp. Others of refine
n breeding who attempt it are sure t
r. suffer in consequence.
Pride and chaste manners do no
8 harmonize with mining trucks an
$ disappointments.
n The refined and Christian lady VIII
: reaches Leadville with buoyant hope
a and expectations wilt soon chang
that bright, sunny countenance 70
e one of chagrin, disgust and languol
q thus presenting to a stranger the az
" pearance Of dull, stupid companion
8 In my frequent attendance at nigt
O services / am very forcibly reminde
: of the experience of our Purita
a forefathers, who, instead of luggin
r. three hymn books, a baby, fan,
r faint bottle, a yarn sock for entraI
ping feas, and phial for containin
them, were obliged to carry rife /
$ and from church and fortify the
e place of worship with artiller
q mounted upon the rccf.
et We more unfortunately enjey PEI
A feet security while seated beneath til
v divine influence Of our minister's dil
: course, but during the dangerous IL
n terval between the house of worshi
e and our respective places of abod
.s it is necessary for each individual
n carry Il revolver, automatic actic
preferred, in order to repel the al
= noying fcot-pad, who otherwise woul
it certainly insist very forcibly that v
J. t'hold up our hands, perfcvm.nt
"a which is not pleasant to most NOR
il devotees.
/ In my criticism upon the condu
d of Leadyille congregation / ha,
%. but one fault to find, and that is tn
! ominors foot-patting in harmon
Il with the music, habit acquired
" frequent attendance at the dance hal
i. of the city. With this exception Il
A. conduct is most exemplary indeed
:. There 10 no talking, laughing or fir
e. alton engaged in during services, ar
\ at most any time during q serme
"a the noise of a pin falling to the fiot
d would be quite audible througho'
q the room.
wi 1t will seem strange Co, the read,
/ / that after hearing SO many sensation