The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-08-06
Why So Many Women Of the Pres
ent Generation Dsfsr Mar
riage
They Are Not Afraid TO Be Deslg-
mated Unmarried, Even
"Old Maids"
Word to Busy Misunderstanding Children
-Points on GsrniahinG Dishss-Ob-
jcct OF Wsmcn's Clubs.

It 4. an undoubted fact that the young
women of today defer marriage. Giris
nowadays marry from % upward. The
tendency is generally upward. What is
the reason OF this changer l have ask ed
myself and others this question frequently.
One afirms, with a pretty toss Of her head,
that marriage Is not always what we
young people imagine it. A tall. hand
come girl Of queenly grace declares that
women are more independent than former
ly. Yes, they are indeed Independent; nay,
more, they are, with few exceptions, self
supporting. Women are now on an equal
footing with men at last. This is essen
TALLY IN ago for women. Their professions,
literary work and vastly varied vocations
exclude all inanc sentimentnlity. God for
bid that l should speak slightingly of true,
honest love. 1t is a holy thing. By it's sa-
cred influence we become nobler, truer,
gentler women.
1t is my earnest conviction that many
girls In the past have beer led into the
error of foolish marriages through a lack
OF occupation. A busy, active energetic
girl has no time and less inclination for
maudlin sentiment.
l am also convinced that many young
girls defer marriage because their talents
kOlAU W. q COTNcT j Ii IA 1uUuEC.
They are determined TO make a name for
themselves. Here is a young girl who re-
fuses to marry for the present. Whye AS
q singer she knows that she will one day
become famous. Another will devote her
young life to literary work. She is wooded
to her art. She must needs therefore defer
marriage. I say 1t proudly; the women of
today are not afraid 70 be designated un-
m~arried-"old maids" it you will.
A man chooses a wife or not, as he
pleases. Why should not a woman be
granted an equal privilege7 My literary
neighbor, in q .cleverly written article, i'm
plies that men defer marriage because WON
en- are such expensive commodities that
they shrink from assuming the RESPONSE
bility. In answer I would say that women
of the present day rival men In point OF
salary. A man is therefore somewhat tim
Id in asking q young girl to marry him
upon a salary equal to or at best very little
in advance Of her own.
This Is said to be an era of unmarried
women. To a great extent 1t is the case.
Famous women of today are, as a rule, un-
married i almost said unfettered, but that
was merely a slip. It must always be thus.
There is a special mission for such. It is
theirs to do great deeds. 1t is theirs hero
ically to die unto self. What were the
world without a Frances Willard, = Flor
ence Nightingale
Methinks l see q true and real hearted
woman who has deferred marriage until
with her the almond tree has begun to
flourish. In the early morn Of her life
when her heart danced for very joy God
took her betrothed to himself, and she
waits as a bride to join her beloved where
there is no more parting.
Many a brave, noble girl of whom the
world knows not defers marriage-ah, me-
because she has'an aged father, an invalid
mother. a helpless brother or sister who de.
ponds on her alone for support. ,
But to what does all this tendi To the
establishment of a vast sisterhood? Not at
all. Let us be true to ourselves, girls. BE
it ever 80 late in life, let us marry only
when the heart responds Is the lips con.
TESS, II will."-Isabel A. Steacy in Good
Housekeeping.