The Baltimore County union., 1881-10-22
OLD MAIDS.


There Is no class Of people more naligned than
those designated as "old maids" Why such n
stigma should rest upon unmarried women who
are over twenty-five years Of age, I have never
been able to determine. Why Is n woman who
chooses 90 remain in state Of "snge blsssedncFF
and blessedness II often is beside the lot which
would have been hers, had she married some
quondam suitor, considered fair game for all the
gbes, and shafts Of contempt, which empty -pated
people can hurl upon her! Many old maids are
helpful, loveabe and sweet tempered. and ell their
allotted niche acceptably rs do their married
sisters. Many who were married would better
have served mankind, God, and themselves, had
they remained single, and there may be cases
where some spinster might have been happier and
done more good, had she married, but why should
one class be- blamed more than the other1
IL sh not iar more honorable 10 bv single th~n
| to marry for home, money, position, or anything
except the most unbounded love Our young ladies
have erroneous ideas upon this subject. They feel
almost disgraced, if they have arrived at n mature
age and are not yet able to write Mrs. before their
names. Their whole ambition Is b. get husband.
BY hook or by crook. but get him somehow they
must. Now girl thinks she must marry. as that
is the only way by which she can provide herself
with home, and necessary comforts, even though
the one who offers. should not happen ,o be the one
she most desires To call husband. But this man
proposed, the other never may. Now J. her chance,
and she accepts II as her fate.
think the largely increased facilities for more
equal advantages In education and business. will
do much 10 ameliorate fhis feeling in the next
generation. When woman, as well as man. has n
chance 20 earn u living at a congeniai occupation
aud receives equal compensation for equal labor.
there will be fewer girls who will marry for home
and, ~ consequence. fewer discouraged, unhappy
wives and mothers, fewer disorderiy, uninviting
homes. When women can as coo!ly look the
circle OF their masculine aequaintanees, and n
critically discuss their habits character and the
nf THAR IN
a. the men now DO, much Of this wrong will right
ITSELF
Marriage Is almost help to man. The al.
vantages are greater for them than for women for
unless the union be one Of sentiment, thought,
feeling, and heart, and in all respects the most
feiiritious, Il Is her undergoing.
Much 10 tolerated In man which IL not allowed
IN woman, and We. my sisters, are much 20 blame
for this unfair criticism Of the world.
Meanwhile. rs the millennium Is not here, nor
likely to come for some time. wish to give few
words Of advice 10 those girls who, though out u
their teens, are not yet married. Get the best
education possible, help about domestic affairs,
and enter npon some trade or profession for which
you have q taste and master Il. Skilled labor Is
well paid. Don't spend your time repining be.
cause you cannot sec the coming man. II you
never see him, you can live useful, happy lives
You think u you had husband, you would have
strong arm on which 10 lean, sharcr of trouble
and sorrow. Alas many n slender woman has
had not only 10 stand alone, but also serve prop
for children and husband, and very few wives find
in their husbands all the sympathy and cOmpan.
ionship they desire.
IL you good for anything you will not be
hurt By remaining SINGLE neither will you be elc.
waited by becoming "John's wife, A good. true
woman counts one In the world, no matter whether
she Is married or single. And though you should
not entertain too gloomy views Of married lfc for
the family Is evidently God ordained institution
do not look upon marriage aS mcans Of elevation.
or as sphere where you do moro good than
n single sister.
DO not be deceived the men are not all Day.
ards, as many hOlloweyed wife, who built her
hopes for happiness upon n graceful bow, or love
Of . moustache, could sorrowfuliy testify.
An old maid friend Of mine, when rallied upon
her lack Of masculine supporter ~ used to say
that far better to be laughed at because you
were not married than not be able 10 laugh be.
cause you were. There is sound logic in that.
There are good and true men, men who are men.
When such n one loves you, if your heart gives a
responsive thrill, be thoughtful, kind, woinaniy,
loving. rs you can, and treat him like prince
You have found the white elephant.