Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-06-04
IN GRIEF.

If II were permitted 10 judge modern
social life by the critical utterances so
often heard, there would be reason to be-
iieve that The members Of polite society
carried with them i foot rule wherewith to
measure by their own individuality what
ever came under their inspection. The
critical spirit thus fostered deprives its
possessor Of simple unalloyed pleasure. 1t
does this in distorting the vision and mag
nifying flaws, and the Indulgence Of it does
not in the least degree benefit the critic nor
the one criticised. Sifted down. much Of
so-caIled criticism resolves itself into Il
question of ike or dislike, and there is not
apparent in the person expressing it any of
the capabilities or qualifications of q first
rate critic.
The habit of personal criticism grows by
what II feeds upon. Not only is the result
of The labor of an individual legitimate
food, but the d. IS, manners and foibles Of
others form abundant material for d carp
in" spirit, the freGuenrindulgenc of which
is followed Icy dissatisfaction with every
one and with everything. It has been truly
sad, Where everyone criticises, no one
produces, hence it IS rare that critics are
found among The workers.
The stage has always been favorite
field for the amateur critic. Whether it be
the play or the player, this class of
fheater gOerS do not seek amuse-
pent - they only are in search
of fuel to feed the fire that consumes
hl simple pleasure. Music, painting and
sculpture are but subjects for the dissect-
ing knife in their hands, diverted from its
philanthopic purpose TO causeless cutting.
Amateur critics invariably lack discrimina-
fion; having folded away the mantle of
charity they take no account in their
openly ayowed opinions OF the moral, re-
ligious, political, aesthetic. sensuous
sympathies and antipathies that play an in
cyi'able part in all lives and in every act.
Wit. a lack of discrimination there is also
that of far comparison; if some author,
artist or individual happens to be
4 fayorite this one is compared with others
and always to his or her advantage, and TO
the ,iiSparagement of others. Again, such
critics SET up standards of their own and al
though the leld of selection nay be ever so
contracted by what it furnishes everything
B Is judged The procrustean bed may be too
short, but on it everyone must lie, whether
ihe victim is stretched or MANNED.
Preliminary work upon which all correct
criticism is Dased, and is the careful ex-
animation and thorough understanding of
whatever is to be criticised. is disregarded
aud because there has been no sui. l0le pre-
paration for the work, il would be in better
taste if not IN better spirit, if there was
less airing Of crude opinion and less mani
Iestation OF a spirit to pick flaws. In order
10 be original or superior, it is not necessary
10 find fault or to point out imperfect.ons,
and Tor the individual himself it IS far bet
Ter TO search for pleasure in all things, how
ever amcnahie they may be TO harsh criti-
Cisla from the standpoint of an artist, than
10 turn the microscope upon the work or
the workers that may chance to come within
its range.
VivisectiOn may be tolerated in q science
devoted to ameiorating the lis Of mankind,
but whenever the knife becomes merely an
instrument for exhibiting the operator skill
or superior learning il is one of cruelty
only, 50 Is ii with those who are given TO
being hypercritical, they are seldom actu-
aled by desire to benefit the one criticised,
but rather TO display their own superiority.
After all it is well 10 remember ii is easier
10 destroy than to construct, and the icon
oclast has IT best an ungracious task if his
work stops at destruction.
tt is mucn the fashion 10 call our girls
''buds, " and when they are sweet and SIM
pie. content with the beauty nature gives
10 youth and innocency they are well
named. Lies morning is theirs and the
roseate tints Of dawn so gid any clouds
that may fieck tine morning sky as to render
even these objects of beauty rather than
subjects for apprehension Yet the young
girls path IS not all towery; it has its
thorns and ste often finds it somewhat laby-
rinthian, walking in IL uncertainty, not
knowing exactly whittier it tends, often
nec6ing. if not wishing for the
hand of a trusted guide or the presence of
some mentor. Happy is that young woman
who has both and who seeks the guidance
of the one and the wise counsel OF the other
It Is pleasant 10 praise, while it often
happens that words of truth are offending.
Neither is plain speaking always relished.
however muah it may be deserved or
whatever &c kind intention there may be in
the speaker 1t is, therefore, with hest
fancy that we approach subject that may
be unpalatable, and ask in advance our par
don for what is 10 follow.
Modern teaching does not in every in
stance favor the development in youth of
generation for persons OF maturer years,
but it is hoped that few plain words on
this subject VIII be appreciated for
the spirit prompting their utterance
and also for the lesson that is intended TO
be conveyed, as these columns are intended
10 benefit the girls quite as much as the
matrons.
The particular point toward which this
discourse is directed is 4 certain lack of re-
spect in the manner of too many young
girls to older women. This often arises no
doubt from want of care in the minor
courtesies of life, but whatever the cause it
always refecss unfavorably on the girl
A married lady was heard TO say not long