Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-10-17
Ladies' EXtrayarance,

Under the law of the land, husbands
are obliged to pay for all necessary
articles ordered by their wives; thus, if
their shopping bills are disputed, all
sorts OF questions are raised as to what
are really necessaries. There is no
uniform rule for all persons, but the
amount allowed varies with the condi-
ton in life, previous habits and general
style of living Of the parties, the hus-
bands wealth, etc. In case that was
recently tried in Maine, the lady took
her little child snd went to Europe on
quite an extended pleasure trip, and
the husbands lawyer objected that
/ pleasure travel abroad could not be
deemed necessary. The Judge refused
to decide this. and said it was for
the jury to say, whether, taking into
view the means of the husband. and the
health of the wife and child, they would
allow the expense of such journey.
IN another instance, lady bought a
gold chain and locket and a gold watch
and chain, valued in all at about one
hundred and seventy-five dollars. The
husband argued tina, these werc not
necessaries, only ornaments; but the
court said that ornaments such as were
appropriate and proper to lady s station
III life, and to her husbands position
and means, might be allowed if the
jury thought right; the rule is not con-
fined to shelter, food and clothing
needed to sustain life. a Southern
lady ordered hat which cost twelve
dollars and half, but refused to take
it when done because it was "botch. "
! The milliner sued the husband. He
proved that his wife had good supply
of hats already, and had 10 need for a
new one; and that in fact she did not
order this one for herself, but intended
it as present for female friend. The
court said he was justified in refusing to
pay for it. A hat might be necessary to
Il lady herself, but making presents to
ones friends was not necessary. An
invalid lady employed clairvoyant
doctress against her husbands wishes.
He refused to pay the bill, and the case
came to court. The clairvoyant lost
her money, for the court said the law
does not recognize the dreams, visions
or revelations Of woman in mesmeric
sleep as necessaries for a wife, for
which husband can be compelled to
pay; they are fancy articles for which
a lady who has money of her own may
pay, if she pleases, but she cannot have
them charged to her husband. SO it is
we'll for milliners, jewellers, druggists,
etc., to study the law of married ladies'
shopping expenses before they allow
them to run "a little bill"
of Arragon, was born in 1885, and died
in 1404. His character, chivalrous and
generous, is illustrated by the following
anecdotes One day his treasurer was
paying him ten Thousand ducats. An
officer who was present said in low
voice, not meant for the kings ear
THAT sum is all need to make me
happy"
The king, however, heard him, and
said,-
"Thou shalt be happy, them" and
Immediately ordered the ten thousand
ducats to be paid to him.
To render himself more popular, AL
fonso was in the habit of walking in the
streets of his capital on foot and unat.
tended. When representations were
made to him of the danger of thus ex-
posing himself, he Replied
ga father who walks thus in the
midst OF his children has nothing to
fear"
One of his courtiers having asked
him who were those of his subjects
whom he loved the most, he answered.
"Those who fear for me more than
they fear me-"
Seeing, one day, galley filled with
soldiers on the point of sinking, he or
dered Immediately that succor should
be given. Seeing those around him
hesitate, he leaped into boat and
cried,--
II like better to be the companion
than the spectator of their DEATH"
The soldiers were saved. Alfonso
seems to have had wit Us we'll as noble
ness. He was in the habit of saying
that, to constitute happy household,
it was necessary that the husband
should be deaf and the wife blind,