Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-06-26
MATRIMONY.

matter, and every young lady should ask
herself few serious questions before scri-
ously engaging in this important relation
Questions of a personal character should
first occupy the attention, then questions re-
specting the second person might freely be
discussed.
The general way, however, is for each one
to examine the other, and to forget to exam
iue themselves. Nothing is more common
than for a young lady to make numerous in
quiries, respecting the character of her an
ticipated, or intended husband Gall of which
we do not object toy, without asking one
solitary question respecting herself. prof
table question might be asked in reference
to the perfection or impcrfection of the phys
ical system; for on the perfection of the
physique depends, to a great extent, the
moral and intellectual perfection.
A maiden lady of rank and wealth, who
had host of superior suitors Gall Of which
were unsuccessfuD, on being asked the ques-
ton why she so tcnaciously held to the sim
gle state, remarked, That she was too well
acquainted with her physical impcrfections,
and her duty toward God and her country,
to make another being miserable, or to en-
tail constitutional defects on the race of hu-
man beings We opiue that the world would
be saved from much physical and mental
suffering, if ladies in similar conditions
would act with similar Judgment. We are
sorry to say there is a great deal too much
false modcsty en- subjects of this kind among
our ladies.
The piano forte is studied much more than
physiology or the laws of life and health,
which are of paramount Importance. 1t
would be scarcely possible to get an audi
ence of ladies to listen to lecture on phys
iology or phrenology, however chaste or cred
liable, while exhibitions of frivolous and
degrading nature, such as Magic and Negro
tomfoolery, will be patronized to their full
extent. Thus the great laws of mind and
matter, which are inseparably connected
with our personal happiness, and knowl-
edge of which seem indispensable TO per-
form the duties of life are carelessly disre-
garded, and disease and insanity are the re-
suit.
This inquiry respecting the physical quail
i6cations for matrimony on the part of la
dies, is not matter to be trihed with, and
what ever might be said of other qualifca-
tions, we hold this as one vitality important.
Morals and intellect are always expected in
ladies, so that it is not essential to urge the
necessity of their possession.
We will now glance in very brief man
ner on the questions young lady should be
satisfied on, respecting the person she in
tends to make the partner of her hopes and
fears. In the first place don't allow things
of no consequence to blind you in reference
to things of great Importance. Don't marry
man because he has Or has not not hair on
his upper lip or under lip. Rather ask the
following questions: Has he any heredita-
ry disease? Is he predisposed to consump-
tion? Is he inclined to appoplexy, dropsy
or scrofula? Has he lived temperate life ?
Has he any self-respect? Is he industrious ?
Does he appreciate the arts and sciences?-
Does he know anything, or does he want to
know apything2 Is he magnanimous and
forgiving, or petulent and malicious? Does
he respect religion, and Venerate old age and
the Deity?
The majority of these questions will be
found Of vast Importance for young lady
to understand. Other questions respecting
the persons ability to support wife, &C.,
might be asked with equal confidence. The
peculiar physical temperament and mental
organizations that are the most congenial to
each other, and constituted to live happily
together, might be known by consulting
those who have made it particular study.
Above all things don't suppose that beauty
is a substitute for brains. Beauty is very
desirable when accompanied with intelli-
gence, and by it beauty is made more beau
tiful, but monotonous indeed will that face
soon become that has nothing to commend
its own regularity and ornamental trimmings.
Again Wait not for riches nor reject them
when other things arc equal. A wise poor
man is better than rich fool. Let worth
and right, not wealth and might, be your
aim.
To DAUGHTERs.-The secret you dare