Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-12-17
{ Gsrnan German, Ladies and Families.

+,s
Ashort time since,. attended az fair given
blythe Crown Princess OF Prussia the dangh-
ter of Queen Victoria, In her palace, for. the
benefit of the wounded sdssoldiers of the late war,
and saw her and a number Of, Baronesses,
Countesses, and court ladies, and had an Qp-
portunity of observing closely their style Of
dress; and do not hesitate to say that have
often seen ladies at the South, with morderate
fortunes, dress lar more expensively than they
did. A few days ago, I accidentally heard Of
the Crown Princess refusing to purchase GER
tain articles which she really needed, because
they cost too much.st, ANY fashionable lady at
the South would gladly buy these articles at
double the sum for which they were offered to
the Crown Princess Icould write much more
on this subject, but these simple statements
will enable you to. form some idea of the mans
ner in which ladies dress in Berlin, the capital
city Of Prussia: The idea of economy and
neatness| ia regard to dress, which an Ameri-
n.young lady would inevitably receive by
spending year in. Berlin, would be we'll worth
the amount of money required to defray her
expenses, it she were benefited in mo other
way whatever.
have noticed that in German families, fam
the theory and practice in America on this
and regulations are few, but they are enforced
on all occasions and under all circumstances =
Upouestioning submission to the parental au-
thority, lies at the foundation Of this govern
ment Children are taught to entertain the
highest respect for superlors and for age. 1t
is beautiful to see. the respectful manner in
which they deport themselves in the presence
oftheir ,superiors and older. persons. They are
also Invariably polite to strangers. A few
weeks ago, triend and myself made an excur
sion onA foot into 3the country, and we were
surprised at the genuine politeness Of the poor
peasants and their children: Every peasant
and child we met, sauted us in the kindest
manner possible, and readily and pleasantly
answered all our questions Children are ea,ly
taught to be industrious and self reliant They
areinotsaHoWed to call servants to do for them
things which they fcanido easily themselves -
Every boy Isl trained for some business or pro-
fession,. and the girls are trained to make good
housekeepers and good wives. In the best
families, servants very seldom wait on the ta-.
ble-net even. when guests are invited. q
4 took tea, not, long since, at, the house Of q
Baroness With large party, and not servant
was seen The Baroness made tea after we
we're seated at the table, with convenient and
elegant apparatus prepared for the purpose, and
two beautiful young ladies, a niece of the Baro-
ness and iriends passed around the table and
served heguests. s2f ss19,t&A z .,t:@5'sat r:
sOnsa certain occasion, 4 called on a wealthy
family, and was, received by the lady Of the
house, who Gold me that her. two daughters
we're n the kitchen cooking. They were both
to be married soon, and q professional cook
had been employed to come three times q
week, to give them lessons in the art Of cook.
ing, and initiate them fully into all its mys-
teries. Ina fveaminutes, 4 one OF these young
ladies' came into the parlor to see me, neatly
dressed, and conversed wifi me in beautiful
English. s..-z5..,. .,,,aag.. ,s.- ..ls II.
A thorough acquaintance with domestic,
economy is considered an Indispensable qualif-
cation in young lady for the married lite. ln
addition to all this, mothers teach their daugh-
ters that one of their chief duties after marriage,
isto.strive tb make their, husbands comfortable
and happy ~ When q German husband comes
to his home, at the close OF. "a day OF toll and
anxiety, his: wife receives him withfa smile.
arrangess his armchair, brings him his study
gown andshppers,' places before. him refresh, !,
ments, gets him cigar, and Whlie ne eats ana
smokes, conversest with him 10 the most en-
tertaining manner, about the. events OF theLday
What will your lady friends. say about this
picture sof domestic. .life.in Germany ?-Rev' r.
A Sa'tndeas@ = i. - .---..{, +, zs5 5s i Is
1R1aHTs OF sMknRIED WOMEN. LIN the
Court 81 Appeals, atIodisville an important
decision has Just been made affecting the mari
tai rights Of women, aud holding that hus-
batda cannot ,eontrol" open wife private te
e9riesponasnscae, i The following is part OF the
decision:4.} as42f3 s.asfa4 Ne!1 ,7aSid
Nor would we admit that 10 this age and
country "a husbands rightful authority gives
him during marriage dominion lover ms = wlie
ehaste and friendly correspondence not affecting
his rights; nor that in all plentitude Of his
marital power he could, |, without her free con-
sent,s take from her or: destroy or in any way
control the possession or gift lot such letters:
Any such ungracious interfefence with her
confidential cores espondence would impair social
confidence, and. disturb domestic peace, and
ought not to Be encouraged by the Judiciary,
especiallyiassit could do him no othergoed than
to sratifysa jealous and prying curiosity. =
According to befttiDg decorum, and ~ every
valuable sense, such letters, written, to her t0
keep read,g land cherish, are hers; and II
e,ssfor reasons satisfactory to her own taste
and Judgment, choose not TO- give or show them
tohet husband, she had o right ITO keep them
toherself fas her Own inYiolab ablea property--and
ascon6ding yifa will never withhold from
trueahdsband scon6dential letters, without, .
sou and sufficient reason The existing code
otbpth British and American law recognizes
ae tae Personal individuality and moral respoPsl- POPS
1alty Of wives, and consequently guarantee sa e.
their freedom Of though and interchange @
sentiment Pier ideas are their oWn, theil
pnnok . " z haI