The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-16
INTERESTING TOPIC.
A Society Leaders Emphatic Approval
of International Marriages.

of International Marriages.
1 most decidedly and emphatically ap-
prove of the marriage of American girls
with foreigners of good character, for be-
lieve it is good thing, nationally, as well
as individually. International marriages
serve to bring the people of the two ma
tons into closer communication, and to
arouse, in some degree, similar instincts
and characteristics.
But it seems to be the opinion of large
majority of critics, who, 1 am bound to
say, might be predetermined, that
simply because the American girl,
in some instances, has been very
wealthy, international marriages have
been merely marriages of convenience
for the sake of acquiring a title on
one side and riches on the other, wrote
the late Mrs. Paran Stevens in Demorests
Magazine.
But, for the sake of argument, suppose
we allow the premises OF these criticisms
to stand; where, even then, can be found
firm foundation for the assumption that
the marriage is one entirely of convent
ence, and not one of love? Is it possible
that simply because a woman is rich it is
impossible for her to love man who is
poor? On the surface the argument is alb
| surd. Of course, these marriages have
their practical or more material adyan-
tages. Why not? In a great many in
stances each gives to the other that which
each, formerly, had not. If the husband is
one whose ambition it is to climb. either
socially, politically or in art, then the
wife's money assists him to mount and to
acquire greater power. Her money enables
him to live in style becoming his rank.
| and his position gives her place of honor
| IN all foreign capitals. The marriage is.
therefore, reciprocal, as far as regards ma
Iol hon oft 10 A
have gone to live abroad have done so
with the very best results. have in mind
a number of instances, such as those
charming American girls who are now the
Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Craven.
| the Countess Sierstorpff of Germany and
Countess Waldersee. also of Germany.
might multiply these instances manv
times, all OF them high in the social life OF
England, france and other countries.
Inc American woman, wherever she has
gone to 1--we, has proved an honor to Amer
lea by her grace OF manner and charm of
person; and by her wit and goodness and
beauty, she has caused the greatest men of
the times to bow to her in profound adj
mlration, If not in veneration.
repeat, emphatlcally approve of inter
national marriages; for hold that hnman
nature among men and women is the same
IN all countries. And why should it be
assumed that the man with a title is anv
<'CAS oo q 1luSUdIiu IMAM one With
out title?
AS have said, these marriages are re-
clprocal In material benefits; and nothing
| Is more conducive to mutual happiness
| than mutual assistance marriage where.
IN n ea .a contributes an important quota
an. Anu tnen, why these sweeping assertions
that all foreign noblemen are Weakened,
weak Drained creatures? Why Many OF
| the intellectual giants of Europe belong to
the nobility. And as for being weak
kneed, physical pygmies, why, the cham
plon fencer of France is nobleman, the
champion boxer of England is nobleman
and the late Emperor of Russia was giant
OF physical strength. And about the same
convincing arguments can be used to con-
tradlct what is said against foreign noble
men when considered morally.
| We wrong the American women when
we accuse, them of being influenced in
such marriages by title; and we are I'M
Just to the men of other countries who
| happen to have titles when we accuse
them OF contracting marriages with our
American girls from purely mercenary
motives.