The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-01-25
DR.. Rainsford Denounces Functions of
Smart Set.
PASTOR OF A FASHIONABLE NEW
YORK CHURCH.
His Remarks DirectedA gainst the Bradley
Martin Fancy Dress Ball-Has Induced
Many to Stay Away He Says.

Inc Rev. Dr. W1ll16m .. RdluhAVfu,
rector of St. George's church in Ruther-
ford place, has come out with protest
against extravaganza and what ne terms
"oaten tatious displays Of wealth,
While he does not say SO himself, Dr.
Rsinsford's remarks are directed at Mr.
and Mrs. Bradley Martin. who are to aive
a fancy dress ball at the Waldorf on Feb
ruary 10. The minister makes it very
plain that he has some particular event
in mind, and while he will not say that
it is the Bradley Martin ball, neither
will LIE deny it. DIR. Rainsford does not
ment, and says that lie does not want
anybody to think there is anything per-
eonal in his protests. He simply thinks,
he says, that such aD ostentatinus dis
play of wealth, which can but seem rerk-
less extravaganza to the great mass of
PEOPLE, is injudicious at n time when,
he says, the lines between the rich and
poor ere SC tightly drawn. He has spok-
en- to members OF his congregation who
are among the invited guests of the Brad
ley Martins about the matter, and, it is
said, has induced number Of them to
remain away.
That the well-known rector of St.
Georges objected to the ball, and that
he was doing what he could to detract
from Its success, has been rumored among
society folks for some days, but did not
become generally known until yesterday,
when DR.. Rainsford came out and adj
,nitted publicly what he had said and
done in his parish privately.
"On what do base my opposition TO
lavish displays of wealth at the present
timer said DR.. Rainsford when repor-
ter asked him. 81 believe from the bot
tom Of my heart that this is not the prop
er time for such affairs. Have / advised
my Pensioners not to etterd this com
ing one? I have. To several I have
pointed out the undesirable circum-
stances, and have advised them to absent
themselves If they can. Some Of them
have agreed with me and will not be
present. am not slone in my opinion
in this matter. I have heard similar
expressions =. within the last few days
from many persons prominent in the
social, financial, and political world.
In many quarters have heard it de-
plnred that such a time as this should be
chosen for such displays.
'sNo longer ago than Novemn Der 8 more
than 5000, 600 people expressed their
conviction that existing social conditions
in this country we.e unsatisfactory.
Whether we like it or not, it is an incon-
troyettible fact that a large proportion of
our population ale discontented, ana
they do not hesitate to express their feel
inps Never were tie lines between the
two classes--those who have wealth and
these who envy tEem-rnore distinctly
drawn. 1t is my opinion ana the opin-
ion Of many PERSONS | have talked with
that ostentatious affairs such as this
serve to accentuate existing social differ
ences. They draw attention to the widen
| ing chasm between the two classes have
mentioEei and should therefore lie dis
couraged. Such affairs give demagogues
excuse for attacking the East, and fur
nish texts for homilies on the hea1tless
extravaganza OF the wealthy in the face
of poverty AMI restitution.
~ don't want reople to think that l
am opposed to social entertainments. On
| the contrary l am in favor Of them. But
there should lie reasonable limit to dis
play and a reasonable tine chosen for it.
| The present is not such time. Money
is not the root of all evil, but the love Of
| 4o, Sc, CT 4ro
engious poor man SIS well as the selfish
millionaire. To grstuitously arouse the
discomfort and accentuate the poverty
of the unfortunate In such days rs these
iii TN action greatly to tie deplored. To
| defend such course by say ing that it
puts money into circulation Is utterly
fallacious. The money spent does not
circulate far. 1t benefits people already
enlthy-forists, caterers and fashion
able rEodistes.
"There are many members of society
who practice luxurious hospitality and
are in evidence at brilliant entertain.
ments given by others who will, l be-
lieye. deprecate the osteutatious display
Of wealth. I think that those who make
their home in t is country understand
this letter than those who spend 80 much
nf their time abroad. With want On
every side, with discomfort rife among
the lower orders of society, it would
seem unwise to offer texts for deinagogues
and political extre -Aists -
DIR. Rainsfcrd declined to say more
than this about the matter, but he did
say a few words in defence of his action
in speaking of the matter at all.
zone of the difficulties Of the time. u
he said, "is that SO few are willing tc
express boldly and openly what they
think, fact which should be generously
deplored. I have privately and very
oandidly expressed my mind on this sub
! iect. have spoken without reserve tc
som of my Pensioners who sought my
opinion, and have no objection to Civ
ing it wider publicity. But having once
declared my view Of the matter 1 have
10 desire to go on Ieiterating or urging
it,
Dr Rairsford;s is one Of the most fRsh