Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 September 1888 — A Sample of Boston Culture. [ARTICLE]

A Sample of Boston Culture.

It is a curious fact that there are men who combine the wealth of a Croesus with the breeding of a Hotteptot. And it is a still more curious fact that such men, because of their wealth, and for no other discoverable reason, are pushed forward into public positions for which they are wholly unfitted, and upon which they continually bring disgrace. So much for generalities. He is rich, rather illiterate, and somewhat given to saying things which might much better be left unsaid. He lives in a magnificent house, surrounded by no end of “style.” His son’s schoolmate, a boy of 14, was dining there one day. It was his first appearance in the grand mansion, but with that good taste which comes of good-breeding and a good example at home, he took all the “style” quietly and without comment. This did not suit the “host,” who wanted his splendor noticed and praised. “I hope you are enjoying your dinner,” he said. “I am, sir, thank you,” said the boy, quietly. “Guess you don’t see such a layout as this at your house, do you ?” persisted the host. The boy knew enough to make no answer, but when he went to his home he told his mother, who was properly exasperated to think that her son should be exposed to such an exhibition of downright vulgarity. But there is a great deal of it in Boston, unfortunately.— Boston Herald.