Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1858-05-07
THE PROPER TIME TO MARRY.
l" HAIL-wEDDED LOVE! "


We believe that some of the most distin-
guished philosophers and closest observers
of human nature, have recommended early
marriages, as, in the long run, calculated to
prove most advantageous to both parties
There are two sides to this delicate question,
aud VIC believe that the great error IN this
country is in disposition to marry too young
or before the mind is fully developed or the
Judgment sufficiently ripe to make proper
decision, There are, however, various argu-
ments, both pro and con. We perceive by
some statistics just published, that in the city
of Boston, during the last year, three males
under twenty-one years of age, chose part
ners whose ages ranged from twenty FIVE to
thirty wears, while four hundred and twenty
two whose ages varies from twenty-on to
forty-fi sought partners for life under twen-
ty. Of the males, more than thirty five per
cent. married between the ages of twenty
| five to thirty years, and over thirty-four per
cent between the ages of twenty-one and
/ twenty five. OF the females more than
| forty five per cent. married between the
ages of twenty and twenty five. The gen.
eral rule seems to be, that males marry be-
tween the ages of twenty and thirty, while
/ females enter into the silkel bond between
| the ages Of twenty and twenty five. There
are, of course, many exceptions.
Hasty and indiscreet marriages cannot be
too carefully guarded. They produce moth
ing but disappointment and misery. That
the welded life. generally speaking, is the
condition intended for both sexes, is beyond
all question; nature has SO ordered, and
those who with means, steadily shun matri-
mony, cannot be said to live up to their duties
and obligations. A distinguished Journalist
of New York used to remark playfully, yei
forcibly, that she seemed to re-iiye in the life
of every child thai was born unto him, while
the companionship of his wife was constant
source of calm, sweet and exquisite delight
A happy marriage-one affection, harmony
and taste-is indeed blessing, while dis
cordant union, if we may so speak, is con
slant anxiety and curse.
The many divorces which take place il
the United States show that There is a sa
want of forethought and reflection on tn
, part of hundreds who unite themselves fo
! better or for worse. There are, doubtless
in most of such cases, faults on both sides
) and the man or woman who expects to real
\ |
practice the virtue of forbearance, sadly mis-
take poor haman nature. While, however
a we would deprecate hasty or premature mai
riages, we believe that in such hallowed cor
tracts, delays are dangerous, especially
they be proiracteG beyond reasonable lmiti
L And yet, in our humble judgment, it is neve
Il too late to marry, unless the faculties be e'
e hausted, the frame be enfeebled, and age
l. present with all its infirmities.
l. Dull times exercise a sad influence upo
Q matrimonial affairs. We fear, too, that th
N extravaganza of dress and of fashion,
u which too many of the fair sex of this coul
if try indulge, deters hundreds of active ar
!: enterprising young men from encounterir
; all the risks and responsibilities involved
if the selection of a partner for life. Far be
I'd ter to begin moderately and economical
IN and thus save something from year to ye
a. than to enter the world with dashing rec
as less spirit, with the chance of an early ia
le Mutual forbearance is absolutely essential
r the marriage state. Nothing is perfect
this world, and we should make allowan