THE “MINSTRELS” AND THEIR INFLUENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume V, Issue 229, 7 May 1870, Page 5

THE “MINSTRELS” AND THEIR INFLUENCE.

To the Editor of the Marlborough Express. “ No two men in creation think alike; No two men in creation love alike ; No two men in creation are alike. . . . No two men ever saw the world Alike through outward eyes, or ever heard Just the same music in the wild bird’s hymn.” —Harris. Sir, —That difference of opinion will always exist is a truism which no one, I presume, will venture to dispute ; it is nevertheless painful to all right-minded men when differences of opinion load men, otherwise just and amiable, to use harsh words, and make unjust assertions. I fully agree with the poet I have quoted above, that “manhood is individuality of thought;” but there is no manhood, no thought , in such sweeping assertions as those made by Mr. Robert Rush. I am not—nor am I likely to be—a “Minstrel,” neither have I received any benefit from them beyond the pleasure of a good hearty laugh, and that relaxation from the cares of business which the fierce competition of our age occasionally renders necessary, lest the overwrought brain and muscles should utterly break down. I would ask Mr. R. if he was ever present at any of the entertainments given by the Minstrels whom he so vehemently condemns ? I have been present at several, and I am prepared to stake my reputation for veracity against his assertion that they “rob the young of their innocence, virtue, and piety.” I never heard anything at which the most fastidious need blush. I would beg to remind him that ‘ ‘ assertion is not proof,” and as his piety would doubtless prevent him from witnessing their performance, he should be careful how he condemns upon hearsay. If Mr. Rush finds pleasure in singing hymns and making long prayers, I for one should be very sorry to prevent him from “ doing that which seemeth good in his eyes but I do object to his mixing up in the same letter such abusive language as the following—“these jesting, dancing, fiddling, capering, grinning, and caricaturing Minstrels ” —and texts from Scripture. If such are “ the ways of thine heart,” Robert, “know thou that for all these things” thou too wilt “be brought into judgment.” I do not believe that the charity of the Minstrels is, or ought to be any excuse for immorality, but there is another charity, without which, the Apostle tells us, we are “like sounding brass and the tinkling cymbal.”—l am, &c,, Paterfamilias.