The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-03-17
THE UNSOCIAL EVIL.
M the 50. Louis Republican.

from the 81 LOUIS Republican.
1t may be safely assumed, we trust, that
the most moderate bachelor and the most
chronic spinster will, when the question is
submitted to their impartial and unprejudiced
judgment, concede, on general principles at
least, that the institution of marriage is de-
sirable and ought to be sustained and en-
couraged by every suitable means which can
be brought to bear in that direction. The
lonely masculine may deem single blessed
ness the best for him, and the unappropriated
female may declare that husband is not
essential to her happiness, but both-if they
be sensible people-will not hesitate to de-
clare that, for the vast majority of man and
woman kind, matrimony cannot be dis
pensed with, and that it is not less necessary
to the security and prosperity of the State
than to the we'll being of the individual.
None but few half crazy fanatics of either
sex will venture to make a serious argument
against these self-evident propositions, and
yet it cannot be denied that combination of
circumstances and influences have, within the
last dozen years, done very much to discour-
age marriage among that portion of society
where it should be the most in vogue. The
very rich are, in point of numbers, but fee
BILE minority; the very poor are, in point of
moral weight measurably defcient-the
balance of power in the social system is held
now, as it has been in the past two centuries,
by what are usually termed the middle classes.
These are the people upon whon4 the heaviest
burden of responsibility depends, and what
ever tends to loosen their principles, or break
from them the bonds of proper restraint, is
sure to have in the end an altogether perni-
| cious and ruinous effect upon the whole COM
| munity, The corruption and decay of the
middle classes is the certain precursor of a
nations downfall; the virtue and content
| ment of the middle classes is the most relia-
BILE evidence of nations intrinsic greatness
| This omnipotent element is composed mainly
of the industrious and frugal, who, lacking
on the one hand the Skill the courage, or the
opportunity to acquire wealth, have, on the
other, sufficient energy and self-respect
| to enable them to maintain reputable
standing, and enjoy limited share of the
luxuries of life. Their ranks are filed by the
better grade of mechanics, tradesmen of
limited means, subordinates occupying re-
sponsible positions in all the various business
pursuits-men, in short, WHO seldom get be-
yond narrow range of financial possibilities,
but who are nevertheless absolutely essential
to the existence of those above and below
them, because they constitute the real bone
and sinew of the land, the solid columns in
the great army of workers. The fact must be
patent to any careful observer of the times
that comparatively few of these, if they listen
to the dictates of prudence, can afford to
marry; and, if they choose to take the risk in
volved in that step, there are more chances
for pecuniary embarrassment and distress
than at any former period of our history. In
Vulnerable persons have tried the experiment
of living on love, but, so far as we have been
able to ascertain, each and every ex
pertinent has terminated in disastrous
failure. Mutual affection, unchanging an6
,, Interchangeable devotion, that form Of connu
! bial bliss which usually crops out in season
able and unreasonable caresses-these art