Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1893-06-07

and deem that the world centers in theiz
/ little circle.
Fourth-We see it in the designations
of this SO called society. Where there is
! luxury and idleness dissipation is fore
gone conclusion. The dances INDUCED
/ in by these people, in which women hall
naked spin round the room in the arms
of all sorts of men, cannot be discussed
/ III terms adequately describing the facts.
I As one of our greatest women truly says,
4 referring to the dances in vogue IN this
+ circle of society: amy fashion which
gives to a roue the right to clasp pure
woman in his arms and hold her for the
length of an Intoxicating piece of music
is below moral defense. firmly believe
that the time will come when our pres
ent license in this respect will be re-
garded as we now regard the processes
attending the worship of Aphrodite. It
might be said that the nautch dance is
modesty beside our waltz. Bluntly. to
one who knows the facts behind these
social scenes, how far do we seem to have
advanced beyond the Congo idea of a
social entertainment? The Groves OF
Ishtar were more frank about it. The
drawing rooms of polite America veil and
evade the eternal, unutterable, identical
thing"
This same lady asked young man,
who was a person of so called good
morals, if he ever knew young ladies in
his circle of society to drink at balls.
Certainly" said the young man. Il
have often danced with young ladies
who were intoxicated. 1t is not an un-
known thing to meet them too far gone
to converse"
have it from one who has spent much
of his time at one of the fashionable
watering places, who says that drunken
ness at these bacchanalian feasts is an
inevitable accompaniment. He declares
that when these balls break up about
daylight the women are IN such a state
Of beastly intoxication on many occa-
sions that they are driven from the scene
in closely curtained vehicles lest the
early worlzingman on his way to HE.
task shall see and recognize them.
| have had descriptions Of these feasts,
in which society bellies were described as
lying across lounges, on the floor, in ev-
cry conceivable attitude. in condition
of intoxication that would have resulted
in arrest and a sentence TO Blackwell's
island if the police had done their duty.
Many of the women in this circle of so
ciety have added 10 their drinking ac-
complishments the art of smoking ciga-
rettes. 1t goes without discussion that
the men are far in advance of the women
in all these accomplishments The de-
scription of the famous Carmencita ball
at the Madison Square Garden given in
one of our daily papers gives clear un-
Of this fact. Hear the words
taken from the reporters account Of the
event witnessed in person;
The real character OF the Carmencita bali at
Madison Square Garden did not develop itself
until after the procession bad ended and the
gone 70 press. Then fun began,
with an the abandon born Of easy morals and
flowing wine.
Ladies aud gentlemen had been there. but
the men took their wives home and returned
TO see the sport. The boxes they had previous
~ viii INV Af4t INll-
devious for the liyeliest women in town.
Masks were thrown aside regardless OF con-
women were only too glad TO
be recognized, and the men were reckless OF
their reputation. Nearly every important So
cial club had a headquarters, the Union, New
York, Knckerbocker, Calumet, ST. Nicholas
and Manhattan men holding levees ia one or
more boxes.
Picture, il you can, half a dozen leaders OF
he german. posours Of grace and dignity al
The windows OF the Fifth avenue clubs, joining
hands in circle, jumping up and down like /
Wild Sioux In ghost dance, shouting at the I
.op OF their voices and perspiring like bod car
ricrs, the center Of their saltatoral efforts be-
ing bright eyed blond, kicking first the eye
glasses from near sighted fellows face and /
hen toeing hole in the crown OF a tall silk 4
lat upheld higher than her head.
1t was a DEVILS carnival
Round and round the great amphitheater /
,wirled the throng in the most energetic and 4
manner Of locomotion.
There is n dance much effected by society 4
'alled the york in which a couple lock arms /
md move forward as though promenading al /
hough at intervals there is a skipping step OF
wo and then waltz.
The york" was very popular at the Carmen 1
.ita ball. But the couples did not lock arms.
The lady placed her bare white arm around /
he neck of her partner; he with one arm en- +
ircled her waist. With the disengaged hand 4
he siren upheld her skirts. Instead OF walk
ng forward sedately they rushed at running
peed, both kicking their heels in the air
knocking down any one encountered, and then
when united for the waltz, her feet making
ircles in the air within radius not confined
o less than a yard above the floor.
The formality Of an introduction was reli.
iously observed, however, in the boxes.
Mr. Smith, allow me TO present you 10 Mrs
Brown"
These were the modes Of presentation, and
he smiths and Browns all ordered champagne
I s. a bottle and drank il, usually breaking
he glasses by way of disregard for the cost.
The bottle was passed around without glasses
nee in awhile, having been first sweetened by
mber tinted lips that had just held ciga-
cite. whose ashes would nestle somewhere
bove the corsage OF the damsel who had
moked it, Jewels of rare value glistened on
he necks and arms of those gay but naughty
Aries. The dresses were from Worth street
oThaYs. but made Of the cosfliest materials
nd in the most becoming style and perfect fit.
silk hosiery and satin slippers, some edged
18th gold lace, in colors TO match the dress,
'ere the invariable rule.
And aoraiD saws another rp1aorter.