Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1884-03-06
Stumbled by Society.

Dodge City like every other city, con-
tains large number of young men who
do not mingle with society habitually
although their failure to do so is as un-
natural as it would be for ducks to avoid
water. A very large proportion of this
class, by their conversation, betray the
fact that they consider themselves abus-
ed or ignored by society.
The following choice sentences from
the pen of J. G. Holland are commend
ed to the careful personal of all such.
"Young men have all noticed how
easily some of their number get into
society, and how others remain out of
good social circles always. They are apt
to think that society has not discharged
its duties to them. Now all social du-
ties are reciprocal. Society as it is call
ed, is far more apt to pay its dues to the
individual than the individual to society.
Have you, young man, who are at home
whining over the fact that you cannot
get into society, done anything to give
you claim to social recognition2 Are
you able to make any returns for social
recognition and social privileges? Do
you know any thing? What kind of
coin do you propose to pay in the dis
charge Of the obligation which comes
upon you with social recognition? In
other words, as return for what you
wish society to do for you what can
you do for society This is the most
important question-more important to
you than to society. The question is,
whether you will be member of society
by rights, or by courtesy. If you have
so mean spirit as to be content to be
a beneficiary of society-to receive ia
vors and confer none-you have no
business in the society to which you
aspire. You are an exacting, conceit-
ed fellow.
You ask me what society would have
of you. Anything that you possess
which has value in society. Society is
not particular on this point. Can you
act IN charade? Can you dance? Can
you tell story we'll? Have you travel
ed, and have you pleasant faculty of
telling your adventures? Are you edu-
Gated and able to impart valuable ideas
and general information? Have you
vivacity in conversation? Can you sing.
Can you play whist, and are you willing
to assist those to pleasant evening
who are not able to stand through
party? Do you wear a good coat, and
can you bring good dress into the orna-
mental department of society? Are
you up to anything in the way Of pri-
yate theatricals? If you do not possess a
decent degree of sense can you talk de-
cent nonsense? Are you good beau
and are you willing to make yourself
useful in waiting on ladies on all occa-
sions? Have you a good set of teeth
which you are willing to show whenever
the wit of the company gets of good
thing? Are you true straightforward
manly fellow, with whose healthful and
interrupted nature it is good for So
ciety to come in contact? In short, do
you possess anything of any social val
ue2 If you do, and are willing to in part
it, society will yield itself to your touch?
If you have nothing, then society, as
such owes you nothing? Christian
philanthrophy may put its arm around
you, as lonely young man, about to
spoil for want of something, but it is very
sad and humilating for young man to
be brought to that. There are people
who devote themselves to nursing young
men, and doing them good. II they
invite you to tea, go by all means, and
try yonr hand. If, in the course Of the
evening, you can prove to them that
your company is desirable, you have
won point Don't be patronized.'