The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-25

What His characteristics Were Sew
enty-Five Years Ago.
New York Tribune.


Out of old newspapers, as well as "out of
old books come fragments OF recorded
experience and ripe wisdom oftentimeS
apropos to present-day conditions. The
lily set forth in copy of the Nantucket
Inquirer for 1S2S, in a style probably framed
on the famous Addison, and the conclusion
of the whole matter is reached through a
series OF sometimes apt, always quantity
navored, comparisons.
There have been characters in all ages
OF the world to whom this motto has been
applicable. 1t would not be difficult, even
In sacred history, to point out a few, at
least, who were familiar to such as are at
and profane history abounds with Instances
almost innumerable. But TO go back to
remote ages of the world, even to the time
that Jacob kissed Rachel for a character
to exhibit in this speculation. would be quite
unnecessary, for the present age furnishes
a great variety of specimens
tlrst-A ladies' man is not a gentle
mans man. The former addresses himself
to the passions, the latter to the UNDER
standing; the former attempts to be witty.
while the latter Is contented with being re-
garded as man of sense: the former
compliments the ladies' in hopes of being
complimented in his turn; the latter speaks
in terms OF commentator from conscious
ness OF female merit: the former affects
more complaisance than he feels; the lat
ter feels more than he expresses; the form
er is always adulatory, the latter Is always
candid; the former is always fawning the
latter is always respectful; the former ex-
presses friendship without feeling il. the
latter. often from motives OF delicacy con-
ceals that which he feels; the former Is
always gay, the latter is always polite
the former is always unreserved. the latter
is discreet; the former is ambitious of dis
tinguished attentions. the latter contents
himself with reasonable share; the form
er would fam make the ladies believe they
are race of superior beings and too divine
Tor terrestrial residence. the latter con-
ferS on them just tribute OF honor by
regarding them as rational eatures anu
like the other sex. designed to be at least
a while on earth before being translated
10 the empyrean abodes of bliss: the former
is admired only by ladies OF weak mind
| the latter receives the homage of respect
| from women of the brightest understand
| for a moment. the latter shines with a
/ steady and serene light: the former makes
a better gallant than husband, the latter
/ q better husband than gallant: the former
/ is deSpiSed by the most valuable part of
both sexes. the latter is esteemed by all
whose esteem is worth having.
/ I'VE shall now'-the writer has laid his
\ foundation-"att briefly 10 show what
a ladies' man is. He is like a baboon
! decked in gay attire. that attracts atten-
/ ton by fantastic and ridiculous tricks; he
! Is like a lunatic. for he makes sonnets to the
moon and recites tender stanzas to the
ladies'; he Is like a butterfly fond of living
among flowers, but makes no honey: he is
/ like a serpent. that fascinates 10 destroy,
| he Is like a jackdaw, because he thinks he
has no equal; he is like a weathercock
turned in any direction by a sigh: he is like
| a mole for you never know where To find
| him: he is like a mock sun, which shines
! only In an impure atmosphere; he is like
the dew. for he passeth of In vapors; he Is
like mermaid, never what he appears I,
be; he Is like froth. for he dwells only or
the surface OF things: and indeed. he Il
like anything excepting true gentleman
] and profitable companion"