The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-10-20
Why She Married Longstreet.
The Generals Bride Gives
Her Views on Marriage.

From the New York Journal.
"Vine Crest Cottage, Near Gaines
vile, Ca, Sept. ll.-You ask why
l. a young woman, married Gen.
Longstreet. Because l loved him.
to be sure, for no true woman would
ever marry man whom she did not
love, though there are always eli
vious persons ready to draw conclu-
sions and to ascribe motives.
CAS- little child Ishad access to
the home of Gen. LoDgstreet, man
who impressed me. even my childish
mind, with high sense of his honor
and integrity There were about him
no repelIing qualities. heard the
old folks talk of his achieveme ITS,
and they built for him warm place
in my heart. In word, Gen. Long
street was not only ia hero in war,
but a gentleman in' peace-such a
man as wins confidence at once, and
especially the confidence of woman
who loves high ideals.
"All this by way of preface to the
question as to why young woman
should marry an old man I? Do you
know, Mr. Editor, that women are
born with ideals and ambitions just
as men are, but that our social con-
dition, while giving free vent to the
one, crushes down or restrains the
other. I could tell you of scores of
women with bright minds, laudable
ambitions and high hopes who might
have shown in the world had they
but the chance. Now, mind you, I
am not new woman, and believe in
the ideals of womanhood which has
raised the sex to such high plane
But ahese young women, as soon as
their school days are over, under
stand that marriage is the next step,
and the one which seals their fate
forever By custom they are re-
stricted to company of their own age
and marry young and undeveloped
men, who afterwards prove to be
nothing but the veriest clods of clay.
Imagine sensitive and high minded
woman as she awakes TO the realiza-
ton that her husband is entirely
gross How many young women |
know who would have chosen older
husbands, but for social tradition. In
such marriage they could measure
quality for quality, and though in the
natural order such husband might
leave her widow early, is it not bet
ter to Lave been the wife of one &C.
ceptable and companionable man
than to be the life long slave of one
whom her soul held in aversion
ga woman looking sensibly at such
an important event as marriage will,
therefore, look among such of her
male friends as have the qualities re-
quired The man who is advaced in
years has his record made up, and
the woman can decide for herself
whether be be such a one as would
develop all that was best in herself
"While had no special person in
view, my mind has always been firm
on one point--1 would never marry 9
simpering man who had 90 ideas in
his head and who lacked the energy
to make man of himself If ever
the time came for marriage the &C.
cepted lover would have to be one
who could come up to my high ideal,
who would not belittIe my hopes, and
whose name would be proud to bear.
To prove myself worthy of such a
husband | have worked hard | have
practically educated myself, and took
course in Metre Dame, Baltimore,
to perfect, my requirements. I at
tained the Office of assistant librarian
under circumstances which l think
would win the approval of any one,
and led successfully the movement
in the Georgia Legislature to have
official perferment thrown open to
women. This | state in no offensive
manner, but merely to show that a
woman may do something in this
world without losing her womanhood
When, in the midst of all this effort
| became conscious of Gen. Long
streets admiration, but redoubled
my efforts. determined that | should
be recognized for myself, and that he
should regard me as a companion and
helpmeet rather than as a mere house
keeper.
"When he asked my hand in mar
riage granted it, knowing that l
was entrusting my life and happiness
to one of the noblest men God ever
made.
Mrs Ellen Dortch Longstreet