The age-herald., 1897-09-12
BY MRS. GEORGE C. BALL.
sS'--

S5Y
 The recnt marriage of General Long, street and Miss Ellsn Dortch has af- fordsd the daily press north, south, east and West with a fresh sensation. Pic lures and descriptions of the newly welded couple have filled the journals, and judging from the different cuts of the bride she must have fallen into the hands of artists who were regardless of 1ikenesses. There is in most of her pie lures the greatest possible variance. Evidently there was a serious mixing somewhere, either in the composing rooms, or the photographers studios. This marriage, with its many phases of interest, has set people to .speculating upon the questionable taste of people of any age and position denying their en- agreements. It will be remembered that General Longstreet and Miss Dortch both saw fit to deny in no. uncertain terms the fact of their approaching mar riage only a week or two before it oc- cured. This was very absurd and un- necessary proceeding on the part of a mature woman and elderly man, and was very unfortunate example to set the younger hslles and beaux of society It was in such execrable taste that the matter is being seriously considered by many enterprising newspapers. 1t is, of course, the privilege of all engaged to 1za lai,. a,,+o cret if they so desire; certainly it is their own affair which they must be permitted to manage according to their own inclination. But it is matter Of debate whether it is desirable to keep secret. to treat as a deep, solemn, un- fathonable mystery, the approaching marriage of two young people. Marriage is very serious matter, and not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but having been determined upon by two honorable people who love each other, why should it be denied, treated as con- traband information, and as something unworthy of the two persons most con- cerned. The increasing fancy for an- nouncing engagements is one of the heafthful signs of the times It is an indication that young people are begin ming to view matrimony in it's proper light, as it touches the many points of social existence. No man and woman marry to themselves any more than they die to themselves Their marriage 1lg.ans much to their families and to all their relations with social life. The en- tering upon matlfmony, every man and every woman owe a great deal to their position, to their anc;sltry and ito their present environment. Young people should remember what is due to heredi- ty; that thIsy are but links in the family chain, and have no right to ruin any portion of the chain. There is no ex cuse for their lowering the position of an honorable family because of mere passing sentimental whim which will cease to exist, perhaps, as soon as the young people are separated. Deep, abiding, self-sacrificing love is one thing, romantic caprice is quite an- other and different matter.
 If a mAn and wom .n feel for zach other this noble. elevating affection; if they are to marry suitably, and con- genially, why should they deny the fact, as if it were a thing of evil? There is nothing to bs ashamed of in such an alliance; why act as if there was some ignoble purpose contemplated? Mrs. Myrick, the brilliant editor of the Times Recorder, of Americus, Ga, in writing forcefully and correctly on this subject says: "Th+ Jewish women are distinc- lively sensible about such matters. Their religion teaches them that the holy estate of matrimory is not to be en tered into unadvisedly. Once d.'tsr- mined upon, the bans are published to the world, and the contracting parties are each respectively proud of their choice. for matrimonial honors, and bliss. Ming out of every ten of such marriages prove happy ones and it is the rarest instance where Jewish wo- man breaks her marriage vows"
 A writer who is interested in woman's handiwork, has the following descrip- ton of 1h. old-new form. of embroidery which has become so fashionable of late:
 Florentine cut-work, which has re- gently been introduced into art circles, is a reproduction of the old Roman work. It is an elaborate scheme of em- broidery, in which squares are formed, to be filled in with lace work. It prom ises to be very popular both for its ele- gance and durability. It's scope is from finest linen and finest thread, or silk. to heavy satin damask worked with royal floss over Bargarren art thread Satin damask is used now. though an