Year: 1871

! Reformed Rakes.


Washington society is at present in great
commotion over scandal in high life,
which is the subject of very general CON-
meut. Less than a year ago Democra-
tic member of the House of Representa-
'tives was married to the daughter of a
distinguished Senator. She was lady
of great intelligence and marked personal
attractions, surrounded by all the enjoy
meuts that wealth and social position could
command. The husband. when sober. is
said to be gentleman of fine department
and pleasing manners, but like many
young members of Congress, was given to
strong drink. The parents Of the bride,
on this ground. earnestly opposed the
marriage. but finally yielded to the per-
sistence of the parties and the promises OF
reformation. She doubtless thought, as
many of the sisterhood have confidently
believed before her, that she would be able
to reform and make a sober man of her
lover when he should become her husband.
The marriage finally took place, and the
event was the absorbing theme of conver-
sation in fashionable aud political circles.
They had settled down into the quiet rou-
tine of married life. aud it was hoped that
the bright anticipations Of the bride had
not been disappointed. Some weeks since.
however, the husband returned to bis
room at Willards Hotel in state Of
beastly intoxication, and the inmates of
the house were aroused by the screams OF
the wife. who was being beaten by him 10
the most shameful manner. Whether
this was but a culmiuation Of series OF
similar events of less violence is not known,
but it is sad dcnouement of what ought
to have been happy marriage.


Tlere is nothing new. however. and
nothing strange in the result OF this
attempt to reform drunken lover
The sooner the ladies come to the conclu-
sion that drunkard cannot be permanent
ly reformed, the better it will be for their
own happiness and the happiness of all
that are near and dear to them. That
there are occasional instances of reforma-
ton is undoubted. but they are so rare
that no hope can be based on reform in
any given case. Sooner or later there
will be relapse, and as general thing
the latter end of such men is worse than
the first. Ten years of steady sobriety
has given no guarantee OF permanent cure
Of this disease-for disease it is, as much
as consumption or insanity.


We have heard much of reformed
rakes" and sowing wild oats in youth,
but such terms must be regarded as mere
poetical SMILES, without sound or mear-
ling. Those who have sowed their wild
oats will be sure to harvest them. to the
sorrow of wives and children; and as to d
reformed rake" it is misnomer. hav.
lug no existence except in the fancy and
hope of love. stricken damsel. Balti-
more american.


The Excellence of the Farmers Life.


Agriculture corresponds to that degree
Of exercise which is the best preservative
Of health. Itrequires no hurtful fatigue.
ON the one hand. nor INDUCES. on the
other, Incidence, still more hurtful. Dur
ing throng Of work the diligent farmer
will sometimes be early in the field; but
this is no hardship upon an active spirit.


Agriculture is equally salutary to the
mind. In the management of farm con-
slant attention is required to the soil, to
the season. aud to different operations. -
A gentleman thus occupied becomes daily
made active, and is daily gathering knowl,
edge; as bis mind is never suffered to lam
guish, be is secure against the disease OF
low spirits. "a,


But what l chiefly insist on is, that,
laying aside irregular appetitcs and ambi-
,ious views, agriculture is of all occupa-
tions the most consonant to our nature ;
and the most productive Of. contentment.
the sweetest sort of happiness. In the
first place, it requires that moderate de-
gree Of exercise which corresponds the
most to the ordinary succession of our per-
ceptions. Fox hunting produces sue
cession too rapid angling produces sue
cession too slow. Agriculture corresponds
not only more to the ordinary succession.
but has the following signal property, that
a farmer can direct his operations with
that degree Of quickuess and variety which
is agreeable to his own train of percep-
lions.


The hopes and fears that attend agri.
culture keep the mind always awake and
in an enlivening degree Of, agitation
Hope never approaches certainty SO neal
as to produce security. nor is fear ever Sc
great as to produce anxiety and distress
Hence it is that gentleman farmer, tol
erably skilful. never tires Of his work. bo
is as keen the last moment as the FIRST. -
Can any other employ yment compare will
farming in that respect? No other occu
, patton rivals agriculture in connecting pri
vate interest with that of the public,


: Every gentleman farmer must Of cours'
be patriot; for patriotism, like other vir
tues. is improved and fortified by exercise
, In fact. if there be any remaining patriot
, ism in nation, it Is found among tha
: class of men.-Ez. .......-.......s.... =.


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