Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-09-10
Advice on Choosing a Wife.

We lately, whe looking over an old paper,
met with the following advice to a young me-
chanic in tho choice Of a wife. 1t sonsib 10 and
to the point; and might DO Of service if followed.
Few. hnwovor; willing to take counse l with
their judgment and reason, while about to take
tho most important step Of their lives
They that marry do wel. would therefore
recommend matrnony unto all who in fit cir
curns,ancos, and especially to mechanics. Ho
who gets rcal hclp-meet finds holper ndeod--
not ono Of your pinchcd-up bodies crowded like
tho shoots in book binders press. between oak
and whalobono, to tho danger Of her life and tho
annoyance Of all benevolent hearts. Not one,
accomplished in the useless arts of these brightly
polished days. Be not, my young friends charm
ed by Syren voice--a morbid taste for rofino-
ment-a languishng under tho coricatured po-
etc description Of fanced distrcss-a sensibility
that is ready to expire Of a in aromatic PAIN
These arc not tho wives of a mechanic. Choose
one who possesses good principles, vigorous con-
stituton. charitable disposition, sound understan-
ding, and who is not too handsome. Sho may
have tolerable person, but moro than this 10
dangerous both Of her mind and your own poace.
Let her have voice enough to sing your children's
lullaby, and this is sufficient. Let her be distn
gushcd good wife, who can keep your habi-
tation neat and comfortable, place your food bo-
fore you in n frugal and wholesome state, repair
the breaches in your clothes, and love her home.
Much happiness is to be derived from domestic
disposition. If you SO unfortunate as to So
loot Of the contrary description, she will be
source Of unceasing trouble, alteration and ex-
ponso.
As tho rolling stone gathers no moss, a rowing
wife gathers no good, but will be daily leading
you into some company, party, amusement, and
tho like. which it is tho duty Of every good vito
to avoid.
Some amuscments nre requisites for it is true
in every stage of life, that all work and no play
will mako Jack dull boy. Tho amusoments,
however. should be as sparingly enjoyed rs health
and proper regard for health and decorum will
alow-for il is true that we cannot at oil times
excuse ourselves from he pressing solicitations Of
those around US.
A young man. just commencing business.
should naturally weigh these things and remem-
Dor tina, if he do not lay up something against q
rainy day now, he probably never will. He may
wish to indulge his wife in thousand Of
the inviting pleasures that surround him, but If
she be such as he ought to have chosen, she will
consider that his purse will not allow it, and sac
rifice to his prosperity the momentary enjoyment
Of sensual qualification.
Alas! how many bcstow thought on this
IL thoy can but crafty their own ungovernabic
desires, the means are to them unworthy of con-
sidera,ion. These arc elysian days. they sce0
to say, and will enjoy them-when perhaps
the misiudging husband, although conscious that
he cannot support it, 1atters himself sho will
prove in time, and therefore INDUCES her, or
worse than this, encourages her in these practices
because ne loves her. and thinks no Sacrifices too
great to make to her happiness, and lay in a stock
Let my experience instruct you; believe tho word
of old man, you must begin life IN such u
manner az 70 afford reasonable ground Of bells
that you may end il prosPerousiy.