The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1873-12-25
From the chronological Journal.l
Wives who Henpeck.

We do not write in regard to the class
of husbands usually termed henpecked
like Cooper Apjohn and Mr.. WIlfer, who
have no minds OF their own; for it needs
a strong-minded woman, like the severe
Mrs. Wilfer or the rotund Mrs. Apjohn
to supplement such a nature. But we
refer to those men who are perfectly
willing and able to govern their own
households, but who are blessed with
partners whose continual pecking nc
amount of severity, firmness, forbear
ance, or tenderness can subdue.
First there is one class of women who
make so much OF neatness and cleanll.
ness, that it comes much nearer being a
vice than virtue, and is removed to the
iurthest extreme from godiiness. We
know of poor farmer who hardly dares
enter his own kitchen, lest some undis
covered spot OF mud on his boots should
soil mis- wife's immaculate floor; and il
such an unfortunate event ever happens,
he is made to feel the full Nervousness oil
his crime for one day at least. Ii he
should chance to retort that the spot oi
mud was hardly worth the fuss made
over it. Immediately his spouse becomes
more irate than ever, and by her unend'
ing nagging actually drives him from the
house to the society of his cows and
horses, which at least possess the mega
tive virtue of being dumb.
Another class of women use q very
sharp bill for husband -pecking their own
assumed worthlessness. 1t their hus-
bands finances will not allow the pur-
chase of new black silk at once, accord
ing to their own account they had much
better never have been born, Tor They
are OF no use in the world now; they are
not able even to please their own hus-
bands. Perhaps once they could, when
they were young and pretty, but now
they are old, and no one cares for them.
The poor husband, perhaps, protests that
it is not so, but that he loves her more
than ever. She is inwardly delighted,
but only protests the stronger, and in
still more broken and fearful accents,
that she is utterly useless. Things were
different when she was in her father 5
house." she says, "and she could have as
many dresses as she chose, and people
seemed to care something for her"
Possibly the distressed husband has
learned the folly of combating the opin,
ions of his better-halt at such time, and
only makes CHASTITY attempts to smile,
when in reality he doesn't ieel the least
bit amused, or perhaps merely reads his
evening paper in silence. But this Is
worse IMAM MS FORMER protests Ior nov
he hears nothing but "Oh, the dreadful
man, who enjoys seeing his poor wife
miserable; but he'll be sorry for his
treatment some day. when she is dead
and gone, and he don't have anybody to
do his drudgery for him" And the last
and most effective peck is given by
treshet of tears.
Another class of wives who belong to
the genus henpecker 1--WE wish we could
find some euphonious Latin name, but no
other will express their character), are
sure to have tit OF sanctimonious silence
come on, if any of their views and wishes
are disregarded.
Possibly their good husbands. though.
meaning to do right in general, have
some bad habit, such as the use OF to-
bacco. OF course, they give their advice
very freely on this subject. and If not at
once followed, forthwith they take it as
personal atfront, and go about the
house with an air of the most resigned
meekness on their faces. saying nothing
in words, but with their lackadaisical
looks, continually remarking. II Will
wear myself out in working for my hus-
band, even if am not appreciated, and
he does not care enough ior me to leave
off his tobacco" And then they seize
the broom or rollingpiA with UawOSted