The Gymnasium

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THE GYMNASIUM.

To the Editor of the Times—

My attention has just been called to an article in your Saturday's issue, signed "The Elder."

My object in addressing you this note, is not to enter into an argument with him upon the propriety of the costumes worn on the occasion alluded to; as that would be entirely out of my line, but merely to correct a statement made by him.

He says that he was present at an exhibition given by "the new society who have taken up their quarters at the Riding School" &c. for his information and that of your readers I will simply state that the "UNION GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION, OF BROOKLYN, E.D." (which I presume to be the new society alluded to) are not "squatters," but that the have occupied the rooms at No. 59 and 61 South 4th street and paid the rent of the same since December 1st, 1856, since which time they have been in active operation.

The Exhibition given on Thursday evening was one of several that have been given at the same place at different times during the past and present seasons, and was entirely an amateur affair, gotten up for the purpose of inducing outsiders who need such exercise as can only be had at a Gymnasium, to join, and thus, assist in sustaining an Institution which has not only been a credit to Williamsburgh but of physical benefit to its members. If the members by giving such a performance threw themselves open to criticism, I suppose their shoulders (some of them) are broad enough to bear it.

"To the pure all things are pure," and I will venture the assertion that there were very few at that exhibition whose thoughts ran in the same direction as did those of your correspondent. I should judge from his enumeration of the different exercises gone through with, that he was not so badly shocked but that he stayed until the performance was closed and even until the gas was turned off.

Although it is not my province to notice his personal allusion, I cannot but think that sympathy might have saved us that, for from your correspondent's signature—that of "The Elder"—we might possibly have been led into the mistake of supporting that he was old enough to know better.

His introduction of a personality in a communication of a general character is a matter of taste entirely, and so I'll drop it.

If "The Elder" had been sincere in his remarks on the impropriety of the costumes of "our youthful gymnasts," don't you think, Mr. Editor, it would have been better to have passed over it silently and not make it the subject of newspaper comment; as the effect cannot be otherwise than to stir up a desire among our good citizens of both sexes to go and see for themselves, thus increasing the ENORMITY of the offence, viz, that of exercising in a costume which gives one a free use of all his limbs.

I am informed that another exhibition will be given during the coming week, and it is said that some of the ladies, having become indignant at "The Elder's" criticism, have volunteered to lend an additional interest to it by appearing. Due notice will be given of the evening, and it is particularly requested that "The Elder" should be present, and the Committee of arrangements will provide him with a good location for making "observations."

"JUVENILE."