Workmen's advocate. (New Haven, Conn.) 1883-1891, 1889-02-09
LETTERS TO THE PEOPLE.
SOCIETY.

SOCIETY,
The association of men in commune
ties, whether in village or city, is really
the foundation for the word society; but
it must be understood in quite differ
ent sense by the people. Society is that
portion of men and women who happen,
either by birth or by a trick of fortune
fortune is most accommodating world,
to be placed in possession of wealth. A
number of such individuals form what
is termed society Nothing could be
more carefully selected than this body;
the entrance is strictly guarded by the
Cerebu of fashion, You may be adorned
with the virtue of angels, but unless the
mark of approval from this world is
upon your forehead, the outer darkness
is yours.
How to gain an entrance, you say?
Easy enough, my boy! Do you see that
podgy old fellow over there? You do?
Well, that man twenty years ago was
running a "cheap jack" store on the
Bowery; he dabbled in stock. One day
he got chance. He made millions, but
ruined the man who loaned him dollar
when he first arrived at Castle Garden.
Now society is at his feet,
Stealing, you say?
Sh-h-h-sOciety never uses that word
except to those of their set of whom
they say, Il told you so, or of those
poor beggars who snatch loaf to feed
their children when starving.
Brains, beauty virtue, morality nothing
gains an established footing but power.
Now, politician, for instance--if he is
tirst-class hand at lying, he is fine
diplomat; if by any hocus pOcus he can
twist the law, or is rich enough to buy
the Senate, and so evict farmers from
their land under the plea Of faulty titles,
prior grants, or any other cause, he is
shrewd business man.
A clergyman who reviles socialism,
denounCes the turbulent Masses"
launches anathemas at the Glow" truth
speaking portion of the press, why, he is
simply 'lovely,",
An old rogue, robber, debauch6, dis
eased by his ibertinism, if rich, is a
good catch to the mammas of society,
who willingly regard him as a divine
messenger, to whom they bring their
schoolgirl daughters, and expose their
necks and shoulders to intiame his pas
sions, praying the while he may favor
them with a smile. How many pure,
vlrtuous girls are thus doomed to life
of misery in order to preserve position,
to the reputation of all physical law,
and by crushing the most holy feelings
of woman.
The open sesame is the dollar. Get
this, and your entrance is easy. You
may have robbed coaches in California,
run faro bank in "Frisco," been the
owner of sweating shop in New York.
but money will cause every door in the
world to open to you as noiselessly as if
you were 'tO the manner born" But
marry well, that is, sell yourself; the
woman will not object to your age or
your weakness, or your coarse speech.
You are simply good bank account.
Society will arrange another rendez-
VouS where the young wives of old men
can meet and see their young friends.
Never mention anything belonging to
your own wOrld-forget that; if an old
shopmate who went West years ago
meets you on the street and puts out his
hand, freeze him; that is, be blind. do
not see him. Dress well-never mind
the bills; owe your tailor; whisper To
HIM about your rich uncle; if you ever
get i'll tight place, 90 West for few
months Give ont that you are in bad
health, or gone to Europe. If you happen
to be able to touch any ready cash take it
with you; that is not stealing; Won
specialized, that is all In a word. al
ways remember that society is devotee
always ready TO sell body and soul to
power, NENrrcrC