The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1869-03-03
From the Atlanta Constitution.
Money and Matriomony-No
More Marriages for Love.

DuIkc, NHcu Sio1J
ing the unhappy fate of Marie
Antoinette, said: "The age of
chivalry is gone" If the announ-
cement was premature then, it is
not 80 now. Who has not heard
with overwhelming interest of the
days of knight errantry 30 we'll
described by Scott in his wonder
fuI historical romance? Then wo-
man was looked up to and re-
verei more as a pure and holy
I being from a higher world than
as a native of this, inheriting any
of the consequences Of the fall of
man. The men bore themselves
gallantly in the tournament for
the prize they longed to lay at
the feet of her they loved. Duel
ing originated in love. That is
the only circumstance that gives
the barbarous practice any soften
ing feature. Men fought for the
woman of their choice and though
it was no credit to be reckless of
their lives, it was evidence of the
devotedness of their attachment.
Thatisall changed. This is an
other age, a bet er age on the whole
but we cannot but deplore the pass
ing away OF the high and chivalrous
| devotion Of the fair sex that pre-
vailed in a barbarous period.
With increased civilization came a
longing for wealth. Everything
is now sacrificed to the universal
gold. The noblest fashions, the
finer feelings, domestic and social
happiness, are freely laid on the
altar of mammon.. This is appa-
rent in every day life. Men Or
women in the higher circles of
society do not marry for love.
They have got over that weakness.
Marriages de convenaace are in
vogue. a fssst,ionstte mother is
blessed with daughters. They at
tain to the dignity Of long dresses
and chignons and enter society.
| Whatever honorable and natural
sentiment developed itselfin them,
| soon withers and dies in the un-
healthy atmosphere Of fashion.
They are trotted out for inspection,
by their shrewd, calculating mann
mas, Their points are shown of
and d,lated upon as if they were
horses.
"For sale," is printed in unmis,
taxable language on their fore
heads. They soon understand the
part they must act. The empty
headed scion of a wealthy shod.
dyite is welcomed with mods, and
becks, and wreathed smiles, while
the young man, depending for his
fortune on his own strong arm, his
intellect, his probity, his indomita'
BILE resolve to conquer all dificul.
ties, to persevere in spite of the
world, the flesh, and the devil
gets the cold shoulder. The quail.
ifcations of a husband are perfect.
ly understood. Marr age has been
reduced to an exact science. A
brown stone mansion, carriages,
summer residence, a large bank
account, and all that it can com,
mand, with a fop or a ninyhammel
of a man tarown in, is all that
young lady cares for now. Flu
ture happiness is little thought OF
of in connection with marriage.
1t is this longing for wealth that
has destroyed chivalry. A young
man cannot have a chivalrous
feeling for his lovely partner in a
quadrille, when he knows she is
thinking how much he is worth,
or much his father will leave him,
and what. probability there is OF
his father crossing the dark river
soon. Young men have a whole:
some fear of mercenary minded
women. This fear makes many
old bachelors, and corresponding
number of old maids. Female ex-
travagance is characteristic Of the
times. But not in the higher
walks Of life alone, for itprevails to
a certain extent in every class, rich
and poor alike, and consequently
men remain single, like Cowper,
never knowing
"--Domestis bliss,
The only happiness that survived the fall ,
Who will not, therefore mourn
that chivalry is dead, Cupid's oc'
cupation gone? There are, Of
course, and always will be, many
male fortune hunters bat the