Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-26

(All items of social interest will be gladly noted in these columns if sent to Mrs. George c. Ball, Nineteenth street, between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, South High lands. Telephone 9SS)
 For many weeks there has been dis cussed in the columns of the New York World the matter of the appropriate ages of men and women contemplating matri- mony, or rather the difference in years that should exist between husband and wife Of course the opinonS are as diverse as the years and when the yer dict of the jury is rendered as to the best written letter on the subject the condition of humanity will remain as it has since the time of Adam and Eve. In other words talk as we may, argue as we please we do not alter that law of the universe which makes men fall in love with women and women fall in love With men without regard ofttimes to age or any other condition. Even if a matrimonial commission was established, with abso- lute power, in all probability there would result no greater happiness than now obtains in the world. We all have our theories, our pet projects for the improve ment of humanity, but it is doubtful if any one of these would really add to the advancement of the race. Men and women will continue as long as the years endure to fall in love without rhyme or reason and to marry each other regard less of any rules that common sense sug- gests The question now being discussed in the New York World is whether tl' husband should be five or ten years older than the wife, and hundreds Of letters have been written in favor of one or the other. While there are fewer mistakes more grieyous than that of a man marry ing a woman older than himself (and each one Of us can recall fatal blunders of this kind). still a few of the happiest marriages of this generation have been of this incongruous nature. or course, these rare instances came about because of remarkable mental affinity and an inexplicable magnetism one possessed for the other. So no unchangeable, unchang- ing rule can be made to regulate the affections or the actions of our fellow creatures. Love is the one subtle, in- describable sentiment, magnetism, if you please, that pays little attention to years or conditions. Perhaps this Is a pity, perhaps it is not. Who can decide this matter?
 ."The Highlanders' will give holiday cotillion on next Tuesday evening at the Florence hotel.
 MT. and Mrs. David Roberts will en- certain the Duplicate Whist club and it's husbands this evening
 The members of the Thursday Evening Euchre club will be the guests of Hon. and Mrs A. G. Smith this evening.
 MT. and Mrs w. H. Kettig entertained in a very charming manner last evening A few neghbors and intimate friends. Their lovely home was artistically deco rated with holly and delicious refresh ments were served. It was an informal gathering of few congenial friends: who enjoyed immensely the delightful hocnifa litV of MT and Mrs. kettip.
 Miss Graves entertains this evening with a brilliant reception in honor of her guests. Miss MacGregor of Louisville and Miss Beach of Knoxville.
 The Christmas cotillion of the Philhe- donian club was beautiful social func- tion. There were twenty couples present. MT. and Mrs. R. F. Johnston and MT. and Mrs. C. " H. Schooiar chaperoned the young people. and MT. Charles Davis, assisted by Miss Florrie Roden, lead the german. From Il until 2:30 o'clock Joy regned supreme in the handsome rooms of the Philhedonian club yester- day The following young people were present:
 Misses Annie Erwin of North Carolina. Lucy Turner of Huntsville, Lucy Hay good Kate Morrow, A. Sowell, Juliette Whelan, Mary George Linn, Lila Smith. Florrie Roden, Ethel Sharpe, Mary John Et0n, MISS COWan or tennessee. dIlu others; Messrs. J. c. Thompson, Charles Davis, ]. K. Warren, T. Simms. R. l.. Tighlman, E. Wilcox Theo Koenig, Dick Going, George Brown, Charles Kuilley, J. T. Patton, Sale Phelan and Ernest Redd.
 MT. and Mrs. c. P. Perrin entertained friends at dinner last evening.
 
 The young gentlemen of the Southern club scored another social success yester- day morning in their charming Christ mas german, given in their handsome quarters. It was a large and brilliant affair, and was enjoyed by the following young ladies and gentlemen: Misses Mamie Morrow Willie Morrow, Sarah Rogan, Kate Rogan Annie Redd, Orline Arnold, Lucy Martin, Mary Clare MIL ner. Hattie Webb. Zemma Webb. Mamie