Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1873-09-19
why Marriages Decrease.


The falling off in marriages is found
in the centres Of population. where the
needs of life press hard The old fash
ioned disiuteres,edness has of late years
been losing ground in these places. Thir.
ty or forty years ago it was plain sailing
gibbons hat and the Italian opera we're
unknown; all worked for living, and
none were rich as compared with those of
to-day. 1t has become evident that in
cities Hymen is losing his power; yet
the goddess who came out of the sea-
foam continues to exercise her wonted
charms over men, though they refuse to
follow Hymen. There is hide-and-
seek process on the part of men to avoid
supporting the woman, which would be
to the last degree ungenerous if it were
not in some measure compulsory. Faith
ers endeavor to dispose of daughters to
those who stand upon conditions, and
each tries to sbirk the expense of keep
ing them. Thus regarded, the woman
becomes possible encumbrance to a
marrying man, and almost parasite in
her own family. A great number of
those who live in luxury in the metropo-
lis, make both ends meet with difficulty.
The head of the family is isstretched on
financial wheel. which never ceases to
turn every day in the year. Heis press
ed for what he considers the necessities
of life, and spends twenty thousand dol
lars year. The capital Of this man
who spends twenty thousand dollars a
year, at legal interest, would not perhaps
yield him third of what he expends
thus he is obliged to work hard for his
living, and without relaxation. He is
not in position to help any one but
himself, however willing be may be to
do so. The young man making his way
through an ocean of difficulties, and car
rying heavy ballast in the shape of clubs
and social dissipation, may like the
daughter of the poor rich father; but
he has not the audacity even if she were
willing to make the sacrifice, to take her
out OF her handsome nest into an inferior
one. La resisting the matrimonial temp
tation he has something to say for him
SELF His knowledge of life tells him
that there are scarcely any hours of hap
piness which are compensation for the
rasping, wearing, daily want of means
to provide for every day necessaries and
comforts, and that it is not long before
domestic peace gives way before this ter
rlble pressure. 1t is human, too, for the
woman in unguarded moments to make
between her married and
singlelife, in which regrets and reproach-
es are implied if not spoken. When
matters reach this point it is the coup de
grace, and domestic felicity is at an end.
An adviser may say to this young
man, If he wants to marry the poor rich
girl, go West; but this is counsel he
cannot follow. His lot is cast here, and
through industry he has reasonable ex-
pectations Of ultimately acquiring a
modest competency. 1t would be foolish
for him to give up the bird in hand for
the two out West in the bush, TO say
nothing of his likings, which ten to one
favor his present surroundings. Here the
ield of labor is plainly indicated, and he
IS already in the harness. His future
being here, he must submit to the condi-
lions of life around him, and accept civ
lization as he finds il. Thus reasoning
ne turns away from the poor rich mans
'umptuous dwelling with sigh he may
not pluck the coveted flower. And if
The expected bridegroom in purple and
inc linen, from Lydian shores, fail to
,ome, the daughter is condemned to a
life of celibacy. If the father had sew
'ral such, who wait in vain, his house,
lccording to the Dutch proverb, becomes
ike cellar full Of sour beer.
There are three issues out of the diff
'ulties which involve marriage in the
titles; simpler mode of life; the in
dependence which the woman may ac-
luire in selfsupport; and the dowry,
which concerns rather the parents than
he woman herself.-Septen,5er Golazu