It is truly
appalling to see the swarms of men who come on here from the North—and a full
proportion of them are from Massachusetts—to re-enforce the interests of the
manufacturers,—cotton, woollen, and iron particularly. Oh, if there were such
alacrity, such zeal, such effort, for what is good! But though I have no doubt
such a state of society will come at some time, yet that time is a great way
off. If it is, then why should we not try to bring it nearer, as we may do?
. . . Last night I was taking my accustomed walk on the terrace, when there spread all over the western horizon one of the most gorgeous sunsets I ever beheld. Then I wanted more eyes than mine to see, and more sensibilities to feel what provision has been made to gratify sentiments whose use the mere utilitarian cannot perceive. The world needs educating up to the enjoyment of the pleasures which are strewn around them. So much beauty exists unknown and unperceived! So it is with truth; so it is with affection.
SOURCE: Mary Tyler
Peabody Mann, Life of Horace Mann, p. 332-3
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