Free Opinions, Freely Expressed on Certain Phases of Modern Social Life and Conduct

“Si vous voulez combattre, Il faut croire d’abord; Il faut que le lutteur Affirme la justice; Il faut, pour le devoir Qu’il s’offre au sacrifice, Et qu’il soit le plus pur, S’il...

There is a general complaint nowadays--especially among authors--of the “decadence” of literature. It is true enough. But the cause of the “decadence” is the same--simply and so...

One cannot but regret that in these days of wonderful research, discovery and invention, so little is done to popularize science in the columns of the daily Press. The majority...

It should be remembered that the Evangelists, Mark and John, have no account of a “miraculous” birth at all. John, supreme as a Symbolist, the “disciple whom Jesus loved,” wrote...

“The Sovereign REPRESENTS THIS POWER, whatever be his religion. Was it not Catholic Belgium that placed the Protestant King Leopold upon the Throne, and gave to him at least as...

The begging cleric is of all sacerdotal figures the one most familiar to the general community. One can seldom attend a church without hearing the mendicant’s plea. If the colle...

Poetry--the greatest of the arts--is neglected at the present day, because nobody will read it. Among the most highly “educated” persons, many can be met with who prattle glibly...

Unblemished honesty is the best policy for statesmen; but that such has been their rule of conduct in these latter years may perhaps be open to question. The late Mr. W. E. H. L...

Why is the American woman so popular in English society? Why is her charmingly assertive personality acknowledged everywhere? Why is she received by knights and earls and belted...

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the American Bounder after his free and easy familiarities with “Bertie” (the King) “Alex.” (the Queen) and “Georgie and May” (the Prince an...

Coward Adam, taking him as he appears in the present day, has lately shown himself off in various odd phases and lamentable positions. During the South African War he came out s...

There is perhaps no emotion more elevating or more deceptive than that sudden uplifting of the heart and yearning of the senses which may be called “imaginary” Love. It resemble...

There is one thing that women generally, in the struggle for intellectual free life, should always remember--one that they are too often apt to forget--namely, that the Laws, as...

But British feminine prettiness would be infinitely more captivating than it is, if it were associated with a little extra additional touch of vivacity and intelligence. When it...

“I should like,”--says one of the poor imbecile “dress” devotees, “the skirt finished off with a wadded hem, or perhaps a few folds of satin, but otherwise it should be left sev...

One often wonders if the “smart” ladies who cast aside the quiet joys of home life, in exchange for a jostling “feed” at the Carlton or other similar resorts, have any idea of t...

Society’s neglect of Sunday observance in these early days of the new century is due to many things, chiefest among these being the incapacity of the clergy to inspire interest...

Hence when we read the criticism of a “strong” book, over the signature of one of the Ishbosheth, we know what to expect. All the bad, low, villainous and soiled side of sickly...

To Thee, O Bland and Blessëd Deity of Surplus Cash and Social Advancement, whose favours are never bestowed upon the Poor or the Wise, but only on the Rich and the Foolish, I gi...

Perhaps some will say that Imagination is not a “vanishing gift”--and that Idealism and Romance still exist, at any rate among the Celtic races, and in countries such as Scotlan...

I hope and I believe, that it is only a few shallow, ignorant and unsuccessful persons--fancying perhaps that they have the Power of the Pen when they have it not--who, in their...

Nature is our mother, from whose gentle or severe lessons we must learn the problems of our own lives. And whenever we go to her for help or for instruction, we always find her...

There are many, of course, who will by no means agree with me as to the superior charm of the Life Literary over all other lives--and such objectors will be found mostly in the...

At the present time, and during the present time’s singularly loose notions of manners, morals, and dignity of behaviour, it was perhaps to be expected that some one or other of...