Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-11-11
A1ryANnRIA llrERAnY SooIETY. q

i ALEXANDRA LITERARY SOCIETY. The Al.
exabdria Literary sJciat} held ti1e'' regular
weekly meeting last night, witt tnl attend,
auoe Of members. The question Is a lite CT
csloiacy preferable to thstql matrinonyY vas
warmly and ably discussed The Soung gen
tlemen present we're about evenly divided, and
| much interest was manifested in the debate. -
In order that the ladies may understand the
reasons, which keep so many OF our beaux, bach
elors, we will give briet synopsis of the debate
MIR. Cornelius Cox opened on behalf Of the
anti marrying side. He said that IN the pre-
sent condition of the world there could be no
happiness in marriage. If the ladies were led
to enter into the matrimonial estate, as OF old,
by love, he admitted there might be some pros
pect of happiness; but now, when the question
is, how much is man worth can he give me
fine house, carriage and servants; he said man
was far happier in single state lie dwet
at length upon the condition OF the poor hen
pecked husband, who dares not say word, for
fear of torrent OF abuse; who breads to go
home; and whose life is without any pleasure
whatever. He spoke at length, and very ear
nesly maintained his side.
Mr.. Michael Ahern followed on the opposite
side. He spoke of the comfort woman is to
a man when in trouble; how she sympathlzes
With, helps, and comforts him. He answered
Mr.. Cox very fully, and his remarks were we'll
delivered. and prepared.
DR.. w. F. Roberts contended Tor single llfe
He stated all the pleasures that single man
could have; that he was without any cares
whatever, and had only himself to look to-
The Doctor seemed very much opposed to
matrimony, and adduced many arguments to
support his position.
Mr. A. j. Wedderburn replied to MIR. Cox
and DR.. Roberts. He contrasted the condition
of married with single life, and pointed out all
the advantages of the former. He paid glow
ing tribute to the worth of woman. He said
also that notwithstanding the strenuous opp0-
stion Of the gentlemen present, he believed
that there was not one who would not gladly
marry sweet young lady if she would consent
MIR. Il j. Simpson replied to Mr.. Wedder-
burn, and gave the ladies some hard blows.
Mr.. Chapman NeaIe followed on behalf Of
the ladies. He said that God, who always had
the happiness of mankind in view, had advised
marriage That q vast majority Of the world
having entered into it declares it to be the hap
pier state. That in every nation, no matter
how rude and barbarous, marriage was known
and protected. He denied the assertion Of Mr..
COX, that the women OF the present Gay were
induced by ucre and not by love in entering in
to the matrimonial state. He said that wo-
man was too pure to be swayed by such con-
siderations, and that she would marry a man if
she loved him, no matter if he were a million
are or a pauper. He contended that women
were in every way capable Of promoting mans
happiness, intellectually as we'll as socially.
He contended that she was tit to be the intellec-
tual companion Of man. He quoted the dedi-
cation of John Stuart Mills took to his wife.
He said in view of the whole matter, he was
convinced that the greatest blessing a man
could have bestowed on him, would be true,
faithful, and affectonate wife.
Mr. Charles Cazenove said that although
the Bible did speak of marriage, yet it was
only as thing to be allowed not recommend
ed. He said st. Paul expressly declared
against it. He answered very fully some OF
the arguments used, and expressed his convic-
ton that ce!ibacy was far the happier state.
A vote being taken it was decided the cellb-
acy was far preferable to matrimony We are
surprised at this as we thought the Society
was composed OF gentlemen holding different
opinions