Alexandria Daily Advertiser

Mr. Snowden,
I have no motive in requesting of you the publication of the following, but that arising from a belief that facts communicated to the public through the channel of the press are apt to induce some reflection; while the abstractedness of business admits only a transitory thought to be employed on matters of daily occurrence.

The present state of society has lately suggested to me subjects of meditation painful by the recollection of facts; and not less unpleasant by the distant prospect of a salutary reform. Juvenile eccentricities alone, which proverbially disdain the practical monitions of prophetic age, demand a serious consideration from society. The veteran in villainy needs not advice. Habits of general conduct where strengthened by length of continuance, fix forever the principles of action; and hoary guilt, tho' writhing under the mental sting of remorse, has seldom the vigor to adopt a rectitude of life. It sees virtue within its reach but is only tantalized; the paralysed arm of native integrity is unable to grasp her. I acknowledge a fewness of years, which have allowed me but limited observation, and enjoin a cautious regard of the prerogatives of age; but should the ardor of feeling impel me too far, to encroach on the rights of others, I anticipate an excuse in every generous mind, which has often witnessed the innocent wandering of the imagination enthusiastic in the pursuit of an honorable purpose. An unshrinking conscience attests the truth when I assert my sentiments flow from an honest source. I have no desire to give you a morose detail of fashionable conduct. Far be it from me to reprobate the little inconsistencies of a sportive imagination. The liberal smile at them with complacency; sympathy recalls in rapture their youthful days; and an irresistible union of sentiment, proclaims them nature's guileless offspring. Be it the task of the cold hearted wretch, whose breast never opened to the reception of a generous sentiment--who never felt the glow of a benevolent wish, where the expanding mind of a youth first introduces him into the notice of the world. His first unrestrained actions are thought to afford some presages of his future life: hence the solicitude of parents to initiate him at this period in habits which are to form the basis of his reputation. Precepts on every subject are instilled with all the ardor of parental affection; and their zeal adduces example to cooperate with these. On none is their anxiety more evident than that of female acquaintance. Here there are a variety of two opinions; some enjoining the total seclusion of a student from that sex; while others recommend a moderate relaxation in their society as the best preparative for the renewal of study. If it be admitted (and I believe it will) that talents are naturally accompanied with an inclination to improve them; that in proportion to the deficiency of intellect there will be a wish to gain some eminence more accessible than that of the temple of science; the inference is evident: the independent mind will seek the pleasure of female company through a motive of mental profit, and after enjoying those gentle delights--which are the peculiar gift of an amiable woman, will retire to the closet with an increased love of research, and in all that ecstasy of feeling which a variegated scene of virtuous, unpolluted pleasure can inspire. And here I would with deference to others beg leave to controvert an opinion, perhaps innocently inculcated, and advanced without reflection, that a frequent intercourse with young ladies degenerates and enfeebles the more manly faculties. Within the narrow compass of my own acquaintance the reverse of this is established by invariable fact: and I have always found that he who is the butt of every evening tete a tete was not the less an ignoramus where the library alone had been his companion. I cannot indeed avoid accounting for the prevalence of this opinion in a way less derogatory to the sex, by referring it to the effect of a talent peculiarly theirs, of extracting with apparent ease the weaknesses of a defenseless young man. In late intercourses in society my surprise has been excited by a variety of observations, but of these only one shall be obtruded on your attention: In the opinion of some who imagine they have all the requisites for the society of ladies, if they possess some elegancies of person, some dexterity in executing the minutiae of gallantry, or an acquaintance with the etiquette of a card table or a ball room, propriety requires they should adopt a character of sentiment and expression according with the frivolity of their other accomplishments. Such a character I believe seldom occurs, and is only occasionally introduced to exhibit in a disgustful picture the eventual dominion of the meaner propensities, in a life commenced with carelessness of conduct and frivolous pursuits.

PHILOGUNAIKOS.