The Portland Gazette

COMMUNICATION

Mr. Shirley,

It cannot but be matter of deep regret to every considerate person, to see or hear of any thing that tends to allure the rising generation from the paths of wisdom, to a dissolute course of life. Among the evils which exist in this town, some of which have been noticed in your Gazette, is an establishment called a Circus, wherein are exhibited theatrical and other performances, which draw young persons into a fondness for gross amusements, and indispose them to the useful employments of sober life; and this is not all. For I am told that some of the exhibitions are of such a nature, as virtue and decency forbid to mention—such as corrupt the minds of youth, and expose them to the seduction of idleness and vice. The performers too, it is said, are men of such characters as no respectable individual would desire to employ; and that Circus is in part supported, and those performers are personally encouraged by men who would otherwise be considered respectable members of society.

Is not this for want of consideration and a due regard to the present peace and future welfare of the town? If thoughtless youth have such examples and such temptations set before them what will be their conduct—what their character as they advance to manhood? and what the consequences to themselves and others?

Happy is the case of those young persons, (and such there are,) whose steady habits, forbid their resort to places of dissipation! and happy the parents who have such children!

Yours,
O. P.