The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-04-17
MARITAL lNHARMOEIES.

A correspondent writing upon the
subject so all-important to the happi-
ness Of individuals and the well-being
Of society, closes a rambling argument
with these words: Marriage per Sc
or by itself considered is not a bad in
stitulion. But people are very ignor-
ant in this as well as in many other i'm
portaut matters; hence the misery and
not infrequently the utter despair that
attends the marriage relation" There
is, perhaps no subject that has been
more thoroughly discussed in the past
quarter Of century than this all-im-
portant one Of marriage; aud notwith-
standing ali the time and thought that
have been expended upon it, men aud
women so on marrying aud giving in
marriage pretty much as they did Gen.
turtles ago, ere yet sages, divines and
philosophers had made such prodigioGs
efforts to enlighten the masses. The
correspondent alluded to asks us to give
our views upon the subject, but, in view
Of the foregoing, we feel that the field
is an unpromising one. An old lady
who was near the celebration Of her
golden wedding remarked to US once,
at is no trouble for husband and wife
to get along pleasantly if both Of them
have a constant mind to try" "But'
deary me-" she added, "people who are
sensible in every other respect some
times act wonderful foolish when they
20 TO get married, and even more
foolish in their treatment Of each 9TH
er's whims and fancies afterward. But
it can't be helped, / suppose" Now, Of
course we think that these things can
be helped; that people can act wisely
and judiciously in entering matrimony,
and patiently and considerably after
ward. First, We would have men and
women placed on a perfect equality, pO-
litically, financially aud every other
way. Nothing can affect the one with
out affecting the other. For one to be
forced to practice pitiful economies and
subtle articles to supply her needs,
while the other is prodigal and renders
account to nobody, begets deceit, dissat-
isfaction and secret rebellion on one
hand and tyranny upon the other; the
antipodes Of content TO either is the sure
result. Specifications might be multi
piled, but all are well understood, for
the doors of closets are not bolted upon
domestic skeletons these days, and small
good can result from airing domestic
grievances. Miss Susan Wixon says,
being appealed TO for her views upon
marital inharmOny and its cure: "Both
parties to the contract should learn
seJ-government; to subordinate the
lower or animal nature and to be ever
Of their higher and better selves
obeyed." II this advise were acted
upon, few indeed would be the appeal:
to the divorce courts, and if to this wer,
added and self-imposed the principle
ado unto others as ye would that the,
should do unto you" the doors of sucl
courts would be permanently closed
Then, indeed would marriage be the
Perpetual fountain OF domestic sweets
Which the blind bard so eloquently apos
trophized after having described on
first parents in Paradise in full posses
sion OF its estate. What is now worI
as CALLING chains, chatting visibly tn
unhappy wearer, would be turned L
silken bands, and those held by them il
marriage would readily echo the word
OF the spostrophe alluded to,
Far be 10 that / should write thee. sin o
blame,
Orthink thee unbehturg boIiest peace"