The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1888-12-05
Hawaiian Society.

| MR.. EDITOR: L noticed the interesting
correspondence between and One
of the Fellows" and if your space will
permit [ would like to take hand in the
controversy. This social question which
they find some difficulty in settling is
one which has baftied the skill of some
OF the brightest and cleverest of men,
and probably will never be satisfactorily
settled this side of the millennium, SO
they must not be discouraged if they find
no solution to the problem. Indeed were
they to do so, they would earn the graft
tude OF the whole human race.
There is no doubt that much can be
said on both sides of this question and
possibly something done, but that will
be when mankind in general lend their
aid; no one single person can accomplish
it. Mr.. rs argument seems to me to
be fair, reasonable, and just, and the
high moral standard which he has set
for himself, and which he expects others
TO follow, certainly does him credit and
we'll it would be for all if they would fol-
low his example. But while I agree
that his promises are sound, still know
that society is itself to blame for MANY
OF the moral wrecks which are SO fire.
quently seen.
L will give an illustration. A young
man arrives here, and intends to re-
main. He is honest, and of good moral
character, and possibly has a gentleman
ly appearance. Now if his conduct re-
mains correct, he will soon get an invi-
tatlon to some of the social gatherings.
but how IS he received? This depends
If poor and obscure little notice will be
taken OF him by any one. The hostess
may possibly greet him kindly. then
leave him to his own resources. which
usually at that moment seem to amount
to nothing. The rest of the COMPANY
seem to ignore his presence entirely:
they are so utterly interested in their
own pleasure and their old friends that
they find no time to devote a moment TO |
strangers. 1t does not seem to occur to !
them that he has any call upon their |
sympathy or attention. They have ali |
the social pleasures of home, friends. |
and happiness, and forget to think of |
others. The young man, feeling him
sell thus ignored, soon finds an opportu-
nifty TO leave the room and takes himsalf |
TO the verauda, where he makes another
faint effort to be sOciable, but to no pur
pose. No one asks him if he is eniov.
ing himself, or if they can introduce him
to anyone, or takes any interest in him
whatever. Then he will probably slim
away, feeling abashed, heart sick and
more lonely than ever.
This occurs again, and perhaps again !:
then he goes no more; he feels society
has no use for him, so he finds more
congenlal company, though less respect
able, and sinks never perhaps to rise
again. God help him. This is no fancy
picture, but is one drawn from life and |
there are only too MANY
instances that could be mentioned
where young men have been driven
rom society simply because they were
Door. "0Ao
Again, society sets up tribunal to trv .
ONE person on hearsay evidence and
eturn verdict--ostracism He is ostra-
Used for some fancied wrong or error.
I matters not whether he is Innocent or
'ullty, he is left to sink or swim. They
are nothing. Many more instances !
ould be given, but these are sufficient
show that little prevention is better
han great deal of cure. And although
othlng can be done to save those that
re utterly lost, something may be done
save others from falling.
OBSERVER.