The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-10-29
WHOLE No. 1929
OLD MAIDS.

There is no class of people more ma
lgned than those designated as cold
maids. Why such a stigma should rest
upon unmarried women who are over
twenty-five years of age, have never
been able to determine. Why is a woman
who chooses to remain in state OF
single blessedness," and blessedness it
often is beside the lot which would have
been hers, had she married some quondam
sutton, considered fair game for all the
gibes, and shafts of contempt, which
empty pated people can hurl upon herr
Many old maids are helpful, loveable and
sweet-tempered and fill their allotted
niche as acceptably as 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 other:
Is it not far more honorable to be single
than to marry for Il home, money, posi-
ton. or anything except the most an
bounded love? Our young ladies have er-
roneous ideas upon this subject. They
feel almost disgraced. if they have ar
rived at nature age, and are not yet
able to write Mrs. before their names.
Their whole ambition is to get 4 husband
by hook or by crook, but get him some
how they must. Now girl thinks She
must marry, as that is the only way by
which she can provide herself with a
home, and necessary comforts, even
though the one who offers, should not
happen to be the one she most desires to
call husband. But this man proposed,
the other never may. Now is her chance.
and she accepts it as her fate.
think the largely increased facilities
for more equal advantage in education
and business, will do much to amelioratc
this feeling in the next generation. When
woman. as we'll as man, has a chance to
earn living at a congenial occupation,
and receives equal compensation for equal
labor, there will be fewer girls who will
marry for home. and, as consequence.
fewer discouraged, unhappy wives and
mothers, fewer disorderly, uninviting
homes. When women can as cody look
over the circle ofther masculine acquaint-
ances. and rs critically discuss their
habits, characters. and the likelihood Of
their proving desirable life-partners, as
the men now do. much Of this wrong
will right itself.
Marriage is almost u help to man.
The advantages 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 felcitious, it
is her undergoing.
Much is tolerated in man which is not
allowed in woman, and we, my sisters,
are much to blame for this unfair criticism
of the world.
Meanwhile, as the millennium is not
here, nor likely to come for some time. l
wish to give few words of advice to
those girls who, though out of their teens
are not yet married. Get the best educa-
ton possible, help about domestic affairs,
and enter upon some trade or profession
for which you have taste and master 1T.
Skilled labor is well paid. Don't spend
your time repining because you cannot
see the coming man. If you never see
him, you can live useful, happy lives
You think il you had husband, you
would have strong arm on which to
lean, a sharer of trouble and sorrow.
Alas, many slender woman has had not
only to stand alone, but also serve as
prop for children and husband, and very
few wives find in their husbands all the
sympathy and companionship they de-
sire.
If you are good for anything you will
not be hurt by remaining single, neither
will you be elevated by becoming ''Johas
wife" 4 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 life, for the family is evidently
God-ordained institution, do not look up
on marriage as 4 means of elevation, OF
as sphere where you can do more good
than as single sister.
Do not be deceived the men are moi
all Bayards, as many a holloweyed wife.
who built her hopes for happiness upon
graceful bow, or love Of a moustache.
could sorrowfully testify.
An old maid friend of mine. when
rallied upon her lack OF masculine sup
porter CD used to say that it was far bel
ter to be laughed at because you were not
married than not be able to laugh be-
cause you were. There is sound logic in
that.
There are good and true men, men who
are men. When such q one loves you, il
your heart gives responsive thrill. be as
thoughtful, kind, womanly. loving, as
you can, and treat him like prince
You have found the white elephant.