Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1913-02-14
MORALS or MANNERS?

turkey trot" and others Of like ilk
are popular here in polite society, es-
pecially naval circles (barring the mid
shipmen who are not permitted TO IN
dulge) IN following editorial from
paper like the New York Sun. is well
worth while reading snd digesting, as
well as rejecting upon. The Sun
says:
whether the vulgarity and auda-
cious suggestiveness that to-day char
acterize the social relaxation of many
persons who not only asert their re
spectabiity but even pretend TO cer-
tain prceminenco 10 gentility mark
decadence in morals or mere uncoy-
ering of inherent bad manners is
problem worthy Of the patient research
of philosopher. Those who occasion
ally in the name Of refinement protest
that the disgustingly named dances
which in spite Of strong opposition
have been adopted by major portion
of the pleasure seeking community are
an index of low standards are gibly in
formed that thereby confess 70 hypo
crisy. If they pursue the subject, and
dare to mention deceney. they are ac-
cused of narrowmindedness. They are
Immediately reminded that 10 the pure
nll things are pure and their interven-
ton, though It be in behalf Of dignity
only. is resented with sneers or ridi-
cule.
'Yet those who have the courage to
maintain that even a virtuous man
should comport himself with modesty
and reserve. can cite In support of their
complaints against the prevailing ball
room fashions the unspeakable design
of the dances that to-day engage the
activities of young and old, their.
bTothel origin and their inevitably
abomnable associations. When indulg-
ed in by innocence they smireh inno-
cence with their inescapable signid-
cance. Nor is this deGlement merely
psychological. for no observant person
can have failed to see in numerous
places of public resort the unblushng
intermingling OF courtesans and ladies
on terms which involve no coucealment
of the courtesan's 5 moral obliquity and
professional purpose. No man can be
so simple as to believe that such asso-
citation can benefit chastity; no man is
wise enough to foretell its ultimate
effect
Regardless Of the moral condition
indexed by The abandonment OF old
standards for better manners? Are
ugliuess of motion. easy familiarity
and suggestive posturing more likely
Ia inspire for women respect and con-
sideration than are grace Of movement,
dignity Of demeanor and modesty of
department? Is it really desirable
that the usages and atmosphere of the
ste VS. should replace the accepted Gus
toms of ladies and gentlemen, even
though Their essentials be disregarced
in the process of translation
Everybody in Baltimore is coming up
to the scratch.
The tightness Of money never seems
to affect the wages of sin.
Why not organize a society for the
suppression OF the comic" valentine? |
You can't always judge of the size
of ones troubles by the size of bis
sighs.
Just about one in million of Us be-
lieves he is working for al he is
worth.
Il appears that the Balkan allies
still have a good sized job on their
hands.
Being enthusiastic is mighty fine
trait, but it makes being truthful bit
difficult.
Wonder if the you-must-be-vaccinat.
ed city ordinance in Baltimore is not a
case Of graft.
When one refuses to pFevaricate
apout his age he Is certainly indifferent /
to the opinions Of others
Sometimes young man asks girl
Tor her hand and is surprisea 70 ma
that he is under her thumb