The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-01-12
EAMIL GOVERNMENT

~ MIL ~ VERW ENI.
we remember many years ago, when
caoTSe young, meeting the REV DR. BEN
-gSGrTN Holt RICE at one of the Virginia
watering places, and the old gentleman
yves always talking about the Importance
cnf Fapaaly Government; it seemed to be
"a hobby with him. We did not think
much about it at the time, but have often
Thought of it since. 1t lies at the very
root
That is what is the matter with our
american society; there is no order in
tshe family. Our children grow up with
'natsany proper idea of obedience and re-
Bpect for authority. There is a very
prevalent notion in America that one
person ought not to be restrained by an
other. A boy at fifteen is supposed to
be competent judge whether he shall
Gse tobacco; at all events if he chooses
TO do it, he is let alone The idea of
making him behave never occurs. So as
TO gong out alter night; if he is inter
aered with, there is a rebellion He be-
ateVes himself, consequently, a man at 16,
and apes all the vices of young men
calls his father (about 40 years of age)
Il the old man." Of course he is mothers
darling, and if the father fires up some
aines at his impertinence, she intercedes,
Oh, let Augustus alone; boys will be
boys" Augustus has probably touched
oft pack Of fire-crackers under his teach
'er's chair, and mumbled that he would
x slap him over" if he said anything to
mis- father about it.
In cities they judge what places of
amusement they shall attend, and how
often. Take drink when it suits them.
Garry pistol.
Young girls claim the right to say
whether they shall dress according to
their own ideas of propriety, or after
their mothers views. They decide what
they shall study, and how long to stay at
school. They learn to sew or not as
seems best to their judgment. They de-
termine the question whether they shall
dance the round dances or not. Not one
parent in twenty dare utter the word,
VETO.
They determine where they shall go to
church.
They decide how many dresses they
must have for the season.
They claim that the parlor, which in
Virginia used to be the family "sitting-
room" belongs to them and their beaux,
and must be cleared after tea.
They will not remain in the room with
the old people.
At parties no married women are
wanted unless they dance.
Young ladies and gentlemen go to the
theatre, and from the theatre to the res
taurant to get hot oysters and wine.
Small boys in short pants will kick the
door down if you lock it, and tell them
nt is too wet to go out.
They will tackle you in minute on
the street if you antagonist them.
Well: what sort Of grown-up people
are you going to make out of them2 If
children will not defer to their parents,
and do not like their society and CONVEX
satioD, what sort Of CITIZENS will they
maker If the young maiden does not
value the opinion Of her mother about
the propriety or improperly of her ac-
tions, will she bow to the admonition of
the Church when she has taken on the
vows of religion2 By no means; the
Church must let her alone if it wants to
keep her, because she intimates plainly
that she will 60 somewhere else where
they are not 50 stupid.