VIII. PERSONALS.
The first column of one of the most prominent daily newspapers, which is taken in many respectable families of the city,
and which claims to be at the head of American journalism, bears the above heading, and there is also a personal column in a prominent Sunday paper, which is also read by many respectable people. Very many persons are inclined to smile at these communications, and are far from supposing that these journals are making themselves the mediums through which assignations and burglaries, and almost every disreputable enterprise are arranged and carried on. Yet, such is the fact. Many of these advertisements are inserted by notorious roués, and others are from women of the town. Women wishing to meet their lovers, or men their mistresses, use these personal columns.
Respectable women have much to annoy them in the street conveyances, and at the places of amusement. If a lady allows her face to wear a pleasant expression while glancing by the merest chance at a man, she is very apt to find some such personal as the following addressed to her in the next morning’s issue of the paper referred to:
THIRD AVENUE CAR, DOWN TOWN YESTERDAY morning; young lady in black, who noticed gent opposite, who endeavored to draw her attention to Personal column of --- in his hand, will oblige admirer by sending address to B., Box 102, --- office.
If she is a vile woman, undoubtedly she will do so, and that establishment will deliver her letter, and do its part in helping on the assignation.
A gentleman will bow to a lady, and she, thinking it may be a friend, returns the bow. The next day appears the following:
TALL LADY DRESSED IN BLACK, WHO acknowledged gentleman’s salute, Broadway and Tenth street, please address D., box 119, --- office, if she wishes to form his acquaintance.
Sometimes a man will whisper the word “personal” to the lady whom he dares not insult further, and the next day the following appears:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 4 P.M.—“CAN YOU answer a personal?” Fifth avenue stage from Grand to Twenty-third street. Please address BEN. VAN DYKE, --- office, appointing interview. To prevent mistake, mention some particulars.