Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1880-04-22
4GRTCULT UR1L.
Home Department.
Marrying And Housekeeping

The absence OF any llAed lules 1910"
ting to our domestic affairs in this free
and easy age and country, is rather
to be deplored in respect to those
which concern the marriage and SUBJ
seouent settlement Of our young peo-
ple. There is, Of course, legal provl-
sion for the simple, brief ceremony;
but beyond that, the only approach
TO social law is what each neighbor-
hco |, to some extent, recognizes as
the fashion for the time. This, how
ever, is 8, variable and so easily ignor-
ed that it can by no means have the
moral effect which the universal OBJ
servance of customs, claiming a more
general participation on the part OF
friends and neighbors, and giving the
impression of public sanction and
sympathy would be likely to afford.
A hearty interest in such occasions
is so natural and spontaneous that
with drawing ones self from the
chance Of its manifestation, seems like
deliberate repression of the better
feelings of human nature.
In former times it used not to be so in
our own country, nor is it in these
days in many other countries which
we claim to have outstripped in civil
ization. 1t would seem as if, in this
respect, we may have gone too far,
and that n retrograle movement
might be to our advantage
Doubtless there are individual ca
ses in which the privilege Of secluslon
from outside observation and partici-
patton is more agreeable to the parties
immediately concerned; but as the
public welfare is Of more Importance
than individual tastes, it may be well
f,r those who are in any degree res
ponsible for the shaping OF fashion
in this matter. to have a care that 1t
shall be regulated with due regard to
the solemnity and dignity of the ccca-
zion, with view to the moral intlu-
ence upon the community, and also
that it shall throw around the young
people every possible safeguard
There are likewise wholesome re
suits worthy Of our serious attention,
growing out of the abandonment OF
old practices and adoption OF new
ideas in the nature Of preparation
which cur daughters are expected TO
make for this important step. The
average girl of the period looks to
matrimony as her manifest destiny
vet it has come to be considered quite
indicate for her to make any prepa-
ration with a view to it previous to an
acknowledged engagement. Its easy
to be seen how, in this way, much
time, which usually is spent to so little
purpose, is lost to the interests OF
their future home but mole serious
still is the lack OF a proper apprecla-
ton Of the duties of married life,
which is the inevitable result Of a ne
eject Oh the part Of their guardians
to encourage frugal forethousht in
the habits and minds Of the approach
ING heads of families in this our day.
The traditional old maid who ven
tured So far as to provide cradle
spread, i. standing jest with which
to bring into ridicule any attempt to
impress upon them The wisdom OF pro-
vidlng for their future linen closet
and store room in the disposal Of
their leisure, and exercise Of their
skill and genius during their girlhood
Our foremothers, who mingled
with their dreams ola future HON,
the proud consciousness Of piles OF
household linen and bedding, the
fruits Of their own industry. with
which they hoped to complete its com
fort and fitness, sacrificed neither sen.
timent or romance to these purposes
And no one vii doubt that thei'
hearts palpitatel as genuinely anc
their cheeks glowed in as ready re
spouse to the approach Of the little
god, as do those Of the less practice
girls Of our day; and the much -ridl
culel maiden of former times, who
seemed to have wasted her efforts,
was at least to be commended in the
true womanly spirit which moved he
to provide for home in its best sens
and for which liberal provision sh
would doubtless put many Of our girl
I