The Savannah morning news., 1901-12-01

SUSTAVE ECKSTElN 4 CO.

which we see among the young women
of to-day are so many proofs OF what
nature can accomplish under the con-
dition of freedom. In the typical so
ciety girl" the new development IS
least apparent, Yet, in the class 70
which she of right belongs are seen
many refreshing outcroppings Of orig
inality Although born of wealthy and
fashionable parents she may elect to
go TO college, she may choose for her
self a professions: she may devote her
self to the practice of art, to the study
of philosophy. Her prediction may
be in favor Of athletic sports, and
we may see her name on the last Of
winners at golf or tennis. In which
ever direction her choice may lead her
she will not, by following it, necessari-
ly become unacceptable to the circle in
which she was born and bred. She VIII,
on the contrary, become recognized in
that circle as beneficent influence, her
very presence tending to redeem 1t
from frivolity and intellectual stagna-
ton.
The familiarity with European life
which is now common among our peo-
pie considerably affects our young
girls. Americans who travel in Europe
often meet parties of their youthful
fellow countrywomen. under the escort
of some elderly guardian, who conducts
them from place to place in search Of
various points Of interest. Such expe-
ditions, If well managed may be fruit
full in instruction as well as in pleasure.
Yet it is much to be desired that young
persons who go abroad should first
learn about their own country to have
some notion of the value of its insti
tutons,
The marriage of American heiresses
to titled Europeans often poor in re-
putation and almost always poor in
estate, is a fact Notifying to our ma
tional self-respect. We surely may hope
that the better training which is now
almost imperative for our girls will
tend to make them lovers for their
native land, preferrng to dwell at
home rather than TO commit themselves
to lifelong exile from all that should
be most dear TO them.
We hear with pain of the wild antics
Of some very young maidens, and Of
certain vices which tend to invade the
domain of the privileged classes. so
called. ! allude especially to gambling
and the use of narcotics and stimulants.
These regrettable traits rarely show
themselves among college bred women.
but wherever they may appear 1 feel
greater number and the experience Of
later life will more and more correct
the excuses Of youthful frivolity. and
that we shall see among all classes.
with a few unusual exceptions, the
normal condition of orderly and decent
behavior.
In these days, as in others. sweeping
statements Of praise or Of blame are
to be avoided In all the time of which
/ have he'd experience individual ex-
ceptions have been seen In contrast to
the prevailing human average. Studi-
Gus women In many ages have followed
philosophy, science, belles-lettres. So.
clety Is never so foolish as not TO
show. here and there, men and women
whose elevation OF character goes far to
redeem its general aspect OF frivolity.
II Is never so wise but that you shall
find at intervals those fools and groups
Of fools whom the satlrist delights to
ridicule
IN what I have here written 7 have
only attempted TO characterize the av-
erages OF the several periods under
consideration ~ / have been able to
observe them. Let me say IN conclusion
that I turn from this rapid survey Of
our past with high hopes for our fu-
ture. ! earnestly believe that Amer
lean society viii fulfill the promise
which It's early days gave 90 the world.
aud that its moral progress VIII not fall
behind its undisputcd advance in the
appliances Of civilization