Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1855-08-02
Eo0ics' Drpartmrnt,
PeonniarY Independsnoe Of Wives.

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In all ordinary cases, the income Of the
wife must necessarily come from the husband
10 some form, and therefore she must in one
sense be dependent upon him, but it is not at
all necessary that she should be made to al
ways feel this dependence as most wives now
do:
The husband having never been placed in
similar circumstances, can not understand how
calling it is TO o wife, to be expected to tell
II Just what she needs, and how badly she
needs il, to convince him she is not extrava.
CANT yet we think most wives would tell the
same story, even after the practice Of years,
and tho enjoying the full confidence Of their
husbands.
We are convinced that more heart bitter.
ness. alterations and chickering's arise between
husband and wife from this source than almost
any other. and moreover il occasions more
temptation to duplicity and eoncealment than
almost any thing else especially when it is
difficult as il often is, TO get enought pin mo-
ney,' for the numberless little things pertain.
ing 10 the wardrobe. of which men can be no
judges.
/ One husband remarked, half iestingly, half
compainingly, that he paid his wife enough
dimes and quarters for Hives syrup and pare
gorc for the children, to dress them all like
queens, or words to this effect. He did not
seem at all aware that he was educating his
wife in deception; that his habit of saying, 'oh,
you don't need it,, or there's a quarter, that
is all can spare or Il can't afford it, had
led her into this practice to supply what to her
we're real necessaries.
Some wives would doubtless be extravagantI
if they had money by them, Though we are
sure they would not purchase so hurtful a
luxury as tobacco. yet little practice. with
the aid Of their husbands anG the knowledge
that they were trusted, would make them care
full and economical, we think and most
wives, we are sure, feel an equal interest with
their husbands in laying something by for iu-
ture need. A truly worthy, noble husband
will not degrade his wife to the rank of de-
pendent or a beggar, but will wish her to be
Independent, for this is always enobling.
Now do not understand us as an advocate
for sepeate interests of hu band and wife, for
we are not. We greatly desire that all the
property should be considered ours, not mine
or thine, we only ask that the wife have the
control Of herpersonal expenditures. Let her
income for this be fixed sum, that she can
spend as she pleases; if she performs her du-
ties well, she as truly cams it as her husband
does; let it be paid in quarterly or sem.annu-
al payments in advance, Whenever practicable,
and we think it could he just as well in nearly
all cases, if the husband chooses.
We are sure the wives will second our sug-
gCstions. and make an effort for their own in
dependence; and if any husbands are not con.
vinced that this is the best way urge them to
let you try the experiment, and see il it is not
pleasAnter for all, and equally economical, be-
sides giving you the luxury Of self for
benevolent purposes, when you wish. And
when you commence TO practice upon the sug-
gestiCns we have offered, get a small account
book, and begin by keeping your accounts ac-
curately, putting all moneys, orders, Nc., re-
ceved, in one part of the book, and every
expedlure, however small, in another A.; then
compare frequently, and it will aid you in
being economical, be useful for reference; and
be a tangible proof TO your husband that you
are worthy of all confidence. Ohio Culliya.
tor.