The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-26
A UNIQUE LETTER.
Benjamin Franklin's Sage Advice About |
Flirting and Marrying.

Benjamin Franklin's Sage Advice About
Flirting and Marrying.
New York Special.
leading member of Sorosis is preparing a
paper on the mental attractiveness Of old women,
and in seeking new materials she applied to
Washington government official. who has sent to
her q hitherto unpublished letter by Benjamin
FRANKLIN. The document is authentic and is
Included in the Franklin correspondence bought
FOR $50, 900 by the order of Congress several
years ago. 1t is as follows:
Ny Dear Friend-Marriage is the most natural state
of man. and therefore the state in which you most
likely to find solid happiness. Your reasons against
entering present appear to me not well founded
The circumstantial advantages you have in view by
postponing it are not only uncertain but they
smRh In comparison with that of the thing itselfthe
united that makes the complete human being Separ-
ate she wants his force of body and strength of
sn he her softness, sensibility and acute discern
Fpent. Together they are moro likely to succeed in
the world. single man has not nearly the value he
would have in that state of union He is an incom-
plete animas he resembles the odd half Of pair of
scissors If you get prudent, healthy wife your in
dustry in your profession, with her good economy,
will be fortune sufficient
But If you will not take this counsel and persist in
Pacherlood, then repeat my former advice. that in
al your amours you should prefer cid women to
koung ones You call this paradox and demand my
reasons. They are these:
i. Because as they have more knowledge Of the
world and their minds better stored with observa
fon. their conversation is more improving and more
2. Because when women cease to be handsome
they study to be good. To maintain their influence
over they supply the dimnution of beauty by an
augmentation Of utility They learn to do thousand
services small and great and the most tender and
useful Of ali friends-when you sick. Thus they
continue amiabe. and hence there is hardly such
thing to be found old woman who is not good
woman.
g. Because through more experience they are more
prudent and discreet in conducting intrigue to pre-
vent suspicion. The falling in love with them is safer
with regard to Your reputation and with regard to
theirs. If the affair should happen to be known con-
siderate people might be inclined to excuse old
woman who would kindly take of young man.
form his manners by her good counsels and prevent
bis running his health and Fortune among mercenary
NdVenturesses
q. Because in every animal that walks upright the
deficiency or rnS fluid that fills the muscles appears
brst in the highest part asss face soonest grows
wrinkled and lank Therefore the age 1aet shows In
the yisage is rot necessarily proof of mental or Phys
fcal deerepitude.
D. Because the sin of jitiug an old woman is less
than with a sentimental girl, whose whole life might
be made unhappy by it. The making of young girl
miserable may give you frequent bitter reflections
none of which attend the making of an old woman
happy. :, ,..4,, .s.. -. = 49,,
Thus much for my paradox But still advise YOU
70 marry directly being sincerely your affectionate
friend, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.