Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1886-10-13
FLIRTING WITH OLD WOMEN.
Benjamin Franklln's Advice to YouDi
Frlcnd-A Unique Letter.

Ben iRmin FrankIin's Advice to "a Young
Frlond-A Unique Letter.
NEW YORK, Sept, PA leading mem
Der of Sorosis is preparing paper on
the mental attractlyeness Of old women,
and IN seeking new materials she applied
to Washington government official, who
has sent TO her hitherto unpublished
letter by Benjamin. Franklin. The dOcu-
ment is authentic, and Is included In the
Franklin correspondence bought for $780,
600 by the order of congress several
years ago. II Is as follows:
MY DEAR FRIEND; Marriage is the
most natural state Of man, and therefore
the state in which all you are most likely
TO fad solid happiness Your reasons
against entering II at present appear to
me not well founded. The circumstan-
tial advantages you have In view by post
poning 1t are not only uncertain, but
they are small In comparison with that Of
the thing ltself--the being married and
settled. II Is the man and woman united
that makes the complete human being.
Separate, she wants his force Of body and
strength OF reason; he, her softness, sem
sibility, and acute discernment. Together
they are more likely to succeed In the
value ne would have In that state of
union. lie is an incomplete animal; he
resembles the odd half OF pair of scis-
sors. II you get prudent, healthy wife,
your industry In your profession, with
her good economy, will be a fortune SUI
ticlent.
But If you will not take this counsel,
and persist in bachelorhood, then repeat
my former advice, that in all your amours
you should prefer old women to young
ones. You call THIS paradox and de-
mand my reasons. They are these:
!. Because as they have more knowl-
edge OF the world aud their minds are
better stored with observations, their
conversation Is more improving and more
lastingly agreeable.
?. Because when women cease 10 be
handsome they study to be good. To
maintain their influence over men they
supply the dimlnution OF beauty by an
augmentation OF utility. They learn to
do thousand services, small and great,
and are the most tender and useful of ali
iriends--when you are sick. Thus they
continue amiable, and hence there is
hardly such thing to be found as an old
woman who 10 not good woman.
| B. Because through more experience
they are more prudent and discreet In
conducting an intrigue, to prevent sus-
picion. The falling in love with them is
safer with regard to your reputation and 4,
with regard TO theirs II the affair
should happen TO DO known, considerate
people might be inclined TO excuse an old
woman, who would kindly take care Of A
young man. form his manners by her good
counsels, and prevent his running his
health and fortune among mercenary ad.
venturesses.
T. Because In every animal that walks
upright the deficiency OF the fluid that
Ills the muscles appears first in the
highest part. The face soonest grows
wrlnkled and lank. Therefore the age
that shows In the visage is not necessarily
proof OF mental or physical decrepItude.
8, Because the sin OF lifting an old
woman is less than with u sentimental
girl, whose whole life might be made un.
happy by II. The making OF a young eirl
miserable may give you frequent bitter re-
Elections, none OF which can attend the
making OF an old woman happy.
9. And, lastly, they are so grateful.
Thus much for my paradox. But still
advise you to marry directly, being sin
oerely your afectionate friend,
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.