Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-01-07


SOLICITORS to appear at ease or to please
than il he had been talking to the mis-
tress of humble cottage. He seemed
to be one whose demeanor would be
the same whether he were in the pres
ence of the rich or the poor, the pow
erful or the weak. He possessed re-
markable individuality, which quietly,
unobtrusively Influenced all who be-
came acquainted with him to regard
him with respect. He neither wor-
shipped the great nor treated the ignor-
ant with condescenison. He was sim
ply a thorough man and philosopher.
1t was natural that the proud Miss
Chaworth should feel piqued because
he did not behave according to her de-
sire, and yet she could not help admir-
ing him. Physically he was a fine
specimen. He was thick set, broad
shouldered and athletic. Ruddy and
rugged in countenance, possessing bold
and striking features, he was vigorous
ly masculine. At the same time he had
a refined and chivalrous air. His
clothes were respectable but plain,
and the work of a country tailor was
too evident in them. The critical OBJ
servation Of Miss Chaworth satisfied
her that the young man was unused to
society, and yet although he was ignor-
ant of the minutiB of etiquette it was
evident that so fine was his intelligence
and SO true his taste that he had in
tuitively mastered the theory of good
manners, and only needed practice in
polished social circles to become a fin
ished gentleman.
After conversing with the doctor on
various subjects for few minutes
Helen felt mischievous desire to say
something that might discomfit him.
Doctor" she remarked, with sudden
frankness, I'm going to be bold
enough to ask you a question that you
may not be willing to answer. My
brother has told me that you despise
people who are fashionable and who
love luxury, and that you have come to
this home principally for the sake of
studying that which you condemn
Win you acknowledge that what he
has told me is true?'
The doctor was imperturbab BILE. He
did not shrink from the challenge.
Smiling a little, he said:
II must acknowledge that what he
has told you is true, although, lest you
should judge me too harshly. 1 prefer
to make an explanation. like to take
a broad view of any topic that is
opened for discussion. and if you care
to listen to me will give my opinions
as intelligently as can"
By this time Miss Chaworth had be-
come convinced that she was ia the
presence Of no common man, and she
eagerly gave the doctor encourage
ment to proceed.
''Seeing that you do not shrink from
hearing something which will proba-
bly, not please one in your station of
life, will speak frankly" said the
young man. You know that much is
said concerning our boosted civiliza-
ton. 1t is truly maintained that never
previous to this century was there a
time when people were so we'll housed,
fed and clothed as at present in this
country; never were all classes so we'll
provided with opportunities so favora-
BILE for making and spending money;
never before could all the comforts and
luxuries be so freely enjoyed. Ameri-
cans, especially those who are very
rich, feel proud of the comfortable per-
iod in which they live. They think
that the pleasant things by which they
good. On the contrary, shall startle
you by saying that all of the well-to-
do classes, especially those who are
most wealthy, are to great extent in
a condition of advanced savagery. The
primitive savage was insufficiently
clothed. went cold and hungry, was
covered with filth and was exceedingly
rude in his manners. His abode was a
ypIT nd
tanned guests. all present ate out of
the same dish. The modern savage is
a far more wholesome and pleasant be-
ing to contemplate. He dresses we'll,
often elegantly, his house is fine one,
his table is spread with tempting
viands, his manners are polished; yes,
it must be admitted that he is far
above the common savage. Neverthe-
less both kinds of savages are thor
oughly materialistic in their tenden-
cies. One makes it his chief aim to
get enough to eat; the other tries to
get all the money he can in order that
he may have more than is alone need.
ed to provide simple comforts and SIM
pie pleasures; one when he comes home
from the hunt with game generously
invites all of his neigh bors to help him
Soe VIC OshCA "hOA AO &CtS u1OES
than his neighbor does expends it on
himself and his family, and neanly re.
joices in the fact that he can furnish
his parlor with finer furniture, give
his wife more expensive clothes and
make greater display of wealth than
his Deighbor can. The squaw of the
forest decorates herself with feathers
and paint; the petted daughter of civil
| izatiOn is not satisfied until she has ar
rayed herself in the most elaborate OF
Worth's gowns"
Chow can you talk so horribly
cried Miss Chaworth. who could no
| longer restrain her indignation. 81 pre-
| SHINE you think am an advanced saw.
age
Il was generalizing." replied the inn
| perturb a BILE doctor. 81 would not be
so ungallant as to be personal in my re-
marks, and insult so charming lady
! as yourself" 80
But you cannot deny that from You,
! concentrations that can be deduced
which criticises myself
| ''Only in a small degree The re
mark which has particularly offended
you probably applies to thousand la
dies, to be moderate in my estimate,
SO that only one thousandth part OF
| the criticism can legitimately apply tc