6
THE BATTALION.
vincing and eloquent terms for its continuance. It must be-
clearly understood that we are discussing a general question.
We do not propose to justify the exceptional cases in which
men of beastly passion of sensual feelings and of reckless in
difference deceive innocent, modest, timid ladies by sardonic
smiles, unfeeling gallantry and solemn protestation of affec
tion and undying devotion, while the unsuspecting victims
of his flirtation are feasting their fond hopes with the colored
pictures of a happy future soon to be darkened by contemp
tuous neglect and themselves to be overwhelmed by a flood
of sorrow. We are simply discussing those cases in which
one or both parties make unmeaning pretensions of attach
ment attended with mirth clearly understood always or nearly
always, as such cases. conducive to innocent enjoyment con
tributing to a knowledge of our race, productive of no evil,,
and soon to be forgotton by both parties. Some of our hon
orable opponents may cunningly assert that we are unfairly
circumverting the field of discussion by an improper boundary
suitable to our peculiar views. Such an assertion vanishes-
before a close investigation. Examine the flirtations, com
monly so-called, as they present themselves. What is the
character of nine-tenths of these, and on this great majority
you are to decide this question. Every conversation and
attention intentionally expressive of a preference for a cer
tain person is called a flirtation. And, to be brief, the whole
of a gallant gentleman’s conduct toward the majority of ladies
is made up of just such acts. The indifferent man, polite ho
may be, who coldly and stoically says only what he honestly
means to young ladies, who scorns disguised flattery, and
retreats with aversion from a shower of compliments, is a
man that will never command the attention of the majority of
fashinoable belles as long as silver-tongued beaux, with pliant
address and consciences tutored in the schools of politeness,
cast winning glances at every lady they meet. Every man is
aware of this fact, and his love of innocent pleasure will
dictate to him the necessity of assuming a protean form, pro
fessing his interest in every lady with whom he may con-