The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1874-11-24
The MatrimoniaI Problem.


The discussion that has been in pro.
greHs on this subject for some time past
in the columns oil the New York Times,
at the hands OF numerous correspondents,
crops out volumlnously in last Sundays
issue Of that paper. There are all sorts
Of letters from ell sorts Of people, married
and single, old and young, giving their
experiences or their theories as TO the
ways and means by which the prevailing
tendency to celibacy, which they all
agree is one Of the threatening evils Of
society, may be overcome. Here Is one
Of the odd letters Of the lot published in
Sundays issue.
"In order that your readers may know
why one Of your contributors Is bachelor,
II will be necessary 10 tell short story.
In the year 1863 l entered the Army Of
the Potomac. Before going received q
promise from yonng lady that when the
war should be over, or when returned
from 1t, she would become my vile. Ii
Is probably needless TO say that the part
Ing was very sorrowful one Jor both oil
us, for the reAlon that Ca:h belle Ved In The
ULner's protestations Of love. lam free tC
say that have not met lady so alto
gether lovable, and l considered mysel
very fortunate In having secured her re-
gard and affection. Our correspondence
was such as can only pass between lovers
and was uninterrupted until the Winter
1869 8, when l obtained short leave o.
absence, and viaited my intended bride
Again our voWs were renewed, and a.
gain we parted sorroWfully, but lovingly
Letters were freely exchanged, and
nothing occurred out Of the usual course
until the battle OF Gettysburg. II
the reports Of that fight which reached
the Northern papers It was stated that ]
had been killed. Another report was tc
the effect that l had been wounded sc
seriously that In order 10 save my life one
Of my legs must be amputated. Neither
report was true, but my intended believed
the latter, and when I was able (for ]
had been wounded) / wrote her full
account Of the fight, as l participated In
1t, and described to her the extent Of my
wounds. ! received q very comforting
answer, in which was contained these
words: "0f course you will consider oul
engagement al an end; for however much
may esteem you as friend, you canno
expect me to marry Q cripple" Wha'
could l do or ssyI What / did wa!
very much TO the point. lwrote as fol
lows: "You may take yoSr friendship t
another market. l thought had YOU
love; since that was . mistake, 1
would be exceedingly foolish In me L
expect aught else" Now 1t may be sale
that l Judge all the sex by single one
On the contrary, ! do moi, for am &C
qusinted with many very excellen
women and model wives; but they are al
wives. lam thirty.ious years old, and al
good q specimen OF manhood as the aver
age, but in all my circle Of acquaintance
(iI Is large) there Is no woman who car
command more than my respect ant
esteem. l frequently am gallant enough
TO attend places ofRmusement with ladies
am often present at social entertain
meniS; I am never rude or bearish In ny
conduct toward ladies, and am genera
lavorite among them. Why don't
marry2 Love went out Of my heart whit
I lay suffering In the hospital. Faith II
woman vanished with my trust in the onl
l believed true. I still respect womer
who are worthy Of It, and l suspect thI
designs Of q great mSjority. l do not ex'
pect 10 marry, at least under the presen
aspect oil affairs. Without disrespect,
may say am fearful Of becoming hen
pecked. T, ].