The National tribune., 1892-04-28
GIVE THE OLD FOLKS A SHOW.

The world has for centuries had its SYM
| pathies aroused on behalf of young lovers
| with cruel parents who objected to their
union. In spite of the fact that the parents
have generally had only too much reason
for objection to the matches, public opinion
| is strongly in favor of letting two young
people who are anxious to get married do
so, with all convenient speed. The assump-
ton is that the young people know their
own minds better than any one else can't
is they who marry each other, and not any
body else-and they should be allowed to do
what they want to, and take the conse-
quences.
The question now becomes of burning
interest whether older folks who want to
marry shall not have the same sympathy
extended to them against recalcitrant off
spring who attempt to thwart their wishes.
Take, for example, the recent case of
James Ward, aged SO, and rich farmer of
Lawrence County, III. Mr.. Ward had won
more or less of the affections of Nancy Jane
Sanders, and the promise of her hand in
matrimony. He had even gone so far as to
procure license and minister, but just as
the fateful words were about to be pro-
nounced Wards daughter rushed into the
room and declared the marriage off. 1t is
unnecessary to repeat what she said. They
were the customary feminine remarks ON
such occasions about /" q hateful, designing
thing, who was after papa's money" and
whom she "never would consent to see in
dear mammals place."
The assemblage evidently sympathized
with Miss Ward, and the minister showed
that he took her view by withdrawing from
any farther participation in the proceedings.
The undiscouraged bridegroom and bride
hunted around for Justice of the Peace,
and at last stood before him, when the no
less determined daughter rushed in and
again stopt the wedding by snatching the
license from the Magistrates hand.
Now we respectfully submit that all the
public sympathy should not be wasted On
lovers who are scarcely out of their teens,
or not all-and none be left for ssthose of
maturer age. 1t does not follow that man
or woman becomes incapable of knowing
his or her own mind, after passing, say, the
age of 40, and that those younger in years
should set up to Judge for them as to what
they want and should have. 1t is not fair
to the old folks.
1t is also to be noted that man or
woman's success in accommodating or holding
on to money has direct relation to the sure
ness Of sons and daughters that their parents
are not capable of judging correctly about
entering into marriage relations again. For
example, if Mr.. Ward was not the owner of
many broad acres, with the sleek cattle
grazing thereon, Miss Ward would not
probably have been so sensitive as to the
condition of his mind, and the designing
character of Miss Nancy Jane Sanders.
In the eyes of heirs parents faculties
always show shocking signs Of failure when
he or she begins to think another partner
necessary to his or her happiness.
We bespeak more sympathy for those in
whose ripened bosoms the fires of love begin
to glow afresh. They ought to have more
show than the world has been giving them.
They may be unwise, but when is ever love
wise, and is the affectionate unwisdom of 60
Or 20 any more reprehensible than the folly
of caliow 202