The hydraulic press., 1860-10-06
SARAH JANE ON MATR1sfoNY.

EDS. PREss-Dear Sirs:-Have you an ca
while talk a l7ttle to your numerous read
'ers-"young fofks in particular" 1t has
become remarkable in California, taat out of
so many young marriageabFe folks; there are
so few that ever set married, think you
will agree with me, that it rs not 'altogeflser
inappropr'faTe to inquire into the cause, so
detrimental to the sociability and welfare of
the country--for in my humble opinion,
there is nothing that can give such character
and permanence to society, as the desirable
and legitimate institution of matrinrony. It
has moralzing influence; it would make
many beautiful homes in now desert places;
It would add to the growth and prosperity
of the country. That no more get married,
is owing to the peculiar state of society
When | speak of society, do not mean to
include that portion of every California
community, known as the abandoned and
dissipatea, who 50 eHecsaally foster and
support the nsmerous infamous institutions
so common in this country, which stand as
monuments of disgrace to their supporters,
and stamp the character of society as the
very worst.
But sepasate 'asra apart frosn taese with
their bad naaences, California society isnot
calculated for matrimonial match making.
What are called "fast" young men and wo-
men take the lead in sccfety gs,c prosnin-
ent feature Ia the character of the former, as
he appears to the casual observer, is mus
tache aad fmpadencc; arrd of tire latter,
frills, coQuetry, and nonsense. When such
meet in company, there is an overflow of
very small talk, neither instructing nor en-
tertainiugS and they generally separate, dis
satisfied with the cospany, aard themselves;
and it is reasonable to suppose that it is the
same thing when they meet tete a tete. Now,
seriously of marrying. would be likely to
give their heart and hend to msn who
pays more attention. to tire cs;tivation of a
mustache, and to the art of appearing ''fast, "
than he does to his business of making a
living. And where is the man, let him be
ever so fast hisAself, who, when he thinks
seriouslyof choosing partner for life would
be satisfied with all the fril and foolishness
young ladies have to adopt, to be considered
la mode in California. One would think
that it is owing to want of education; but it
is not always the case, for we see around us
many cultivated minds, yet they seem 70
agree with the mass, that subjects of any
real Importance or merit, the discussion OF
which might result advantageousiv, should
be discarded as slow, tame, and common
place. And thus it is, the fashion apd folly
of California, hide the real virtue and senti-
ment of great portion of her people.
Gentlemen will please read no farther, as
have few words to say to the ladies pri-
vately.
Girls, do you want to marry? If youdo-
and know you do, for we all agree on that
subjective are in ne particular hurry, you
know, but we all intend to marry, and there
is no use denying it.-Well, to succeed, we
must change our tactics, get up reforma-
ton r. society-n not general. we must in
our individual cases; we must become more
rall0nal anu ndtuTti, VIC nave tIicu -'iTlils
and airs" long enough they will not sue
ceed. And the small talk and nonsense that
men think we so much appreciate, will give
place to something sensible, entertaining
natural, and flatter myself that they will
not always overlook the matrimonial ques-
ton. have been trying this plan, and find
1t works to charm; and think that shall
before long have the sublime satisfaction Of
6ou,ousfratino tho hi1ifv of If
SARAH JANE.