Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-04-29
Market for Young Women in
Hungary.

Market for Young Women in
Hungary.
Every year at the feast Of ST. Peter, which
comes on in the latter days of June, nil the
peasantry of this district (Bihar) meet togeth-
er at certain place for the purpose of gen.
eral fair. This fair has a very peculiar in
terest for the young men and maidens, for it
is there, that, whilst purchasing household
utensils, and family necessaries they choose
Tor themselves partners and conclude mar.
rluges. The parents bring their marriagea.
Ole daughters, with each one her little dow.
er accompanying her, loaded up in small
cart. This dover is, of course, proportionate
to the lowly condition of these mountaineers,
some sheep, sometimes few hogs. or even
chickens. These girls are altired in their
best, and what pieces Of gold or silver they
may possess, are strung upon string and
neatly attached to the braids OF their hair.
Thus fitted out, every girl who desires to
find husband betakes herself to the fair
She quits the house of her father, perhaps for
ever, and bids her mother adieu, quite igno-
rant OF what roof is 10 shelter, or what fate
awaits her journeys end. As to her fortune,
il is in the little cart that attends her. The
object of her journey is never mistaken no.
body wonders at it, or is there occasion for a
public officer to make record OF the deed
On the other hand, the youths who wish 10
procure themselves wives hasten to the fair,
arrayed in the very best skin garments their
chests contain. These savage-looking chaps,
who would be quite enough to make our
young ladies run and hide themselves, pro.
ceed with good deal of interest and zest, to
inspect the fair mountain lasses that are
brought thither by their fathers and uncles,
casting many side glanccs and wistful looks
towards the captivating merchandise.
He gives his fancy free rein, and when
he finds one that seems 10 claim his prefer
ence, he at once addresses the parents, asks
what price they have set upon the 'lot' so ex-
posed for sale-at the same time stating his
own property and standing. If the parents
ask too much these gallant boys make their
own offer, which, if it does not suit the other
TO agree to, the fond lover passes 10 seek
some one else.
We may suppose that the proud young
men always keep top-eye' open to the cor
respondence of loveliness upon one hand,
and the size Of the dover upon the other.-
At last he fiuds one for whom he is willing
TO give The price, and loud clapping of the
hands, announce TO the bystanders that the
bargain is complete.
What heavy blow must be this for some
lazy rival who has not decided quick enough,
who is haling and considering whether she
will suit him, and whether she is as lovely
and accomplished in household matters as
some of the others. However, the deed is
done and the bargain is completed, and
forthwith the young girl (poor tI,ing) pro-
ceeds also to clasp the hand of her future
husband. What moment Of interest and
anxiety To her! The destiny of her life is
sealed by this rude clasp of the hand. In
this az, she as much as said, Yes | will be
yours for life, and consent 10 partake of your
joys aud troubles, TO follow you through veal
and through woe !
The families of the betrothed pair then
surround them, offering their congratulations,
and at once without delay, the priest who is
on the ground for the occasion, pronounces
the nuptual benediction. The young wo.
man presses the parting hand of that family
who have reared her, but OF which she is no
longer a pnrt-mounts the car Of her new
husband, whom but a few hours ago she new
er so much as knew, and escorted by her
DOVER, is conducted 10 The house hencefonh
to be her home.
The Hungarian government have long tried
but in vain, to suppress these fairs for young
girls. Positive orders have been given, thai
they should no longer take place, but such is
the force Of long established custom, united
to the necessities of this pastoral race, that all
such orders have been disregarded. The fail
still continues, and every year such caval.
cades as we have described may be seen des-
cending into the plains Of KaIamasa, there
TO barter off those precious jewels Of the
household, as though they were senseess
beeves or mere produce Of the soil.
ELOQUENT EXTRACT FROM GEN. CAss's
SPEECH" Truth is the best tribute to be rem
dered to merit. say and have always sait
and thought, that the course of Washington
during his administration, was a wise and JUS
one, and that he conducted our country through
command the national gratitude, and which
was the first and great step towards the prou'
eminence which this glorious confederation ha
now attained. No man reverences the charac
ter of Washington more than do. His wa
the brighter name, the noblest deeds, the pures
patriotism ever laid upon the alter of country
and he stands proudly forward upon the canva
of history the prominent figure to attract tn
attention and to excite the admiration of al
succeeding generations. And when the Am
ercan people, in ages to come, make thei
+ pilgrimage, as they will make it, to Noun
Vernon, and lay their hands upon the lowl
tomb, may they strive to emulate the virtues
while they bless the memory Of Washington.
.
Politeness does much in business. A