The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-09-15
HONEYMOON SYMPOSIUM.
Mrs. LOngstreet and the General
Write of Their Wedding.
From the New York Journal.
BY Mrs. Jas. Longstreet.


BY Mrs. Jas. Longstreet.
Vine Crest Cottage, Near Gainesville, Ga,
Sept. u.-My friends ask why 1, a young
woman, married Gen. Longstreet? Be
cause I loved him, to be sure, for no true
woman would ever marry man whom
she did not love- though there are always
envious persons ready to draw conclusions
and to ascribe motives. As a little child
had access to the home of Gen. Longstreet
man who impressed even my childish
mind with a high sense of his honor and
integrity. There were about him no repel-
ling qualities.
heard the old folks talk of his cieye-
ments, and they built for him a warm
place in my heart In word, Gen Long
street was not only a hero in war, but
gentleman in peace, such a man as wins
confidence at once, and especially the con-
ndence 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.
Do you know, Mr.. Editor, that women
are born with ideals and ambitions just as
men are, but that our social condition.
while giving free vent to the one, brushes
down or restraints the other. l could tell
you of scores of women with bright minds
laudable ambitions and high hopes, who
might have shone in the world had they
but the chance
These young women, as soon as their
school days are over und erstand that mar
riage is the next step, and the one which
seals their fate forever. By custom they
are restricted to the company of those of
their own age, and marry young and I'M
developed men, who afterward prove to be
nothing but the veriest clods of clay. I'M
agine a sensitive and high-minded woman,
as she awakes to the realization that her
husband is entirely dross.
How many a young woman I know
who would have chosen older husbands,
but for social tradition. In such a mar
riage they could measure quality for quail
ity, and, though in the natural order sucn
a husband might leave her a widow early
is it not better to have been the wife
of one acceptable and companionable man
than to be the lifelong slave of one whom
her soul held in aversion. A woman look
ing senSibly at such an important event
as marriage will therefore look among
such of her male friends as have the quail
tiles required.
The man who is advanced in years has
his record made up and the woman can
decide for herself whether he is such a one
as would develop all that was best in her
self. While 1 had no special person in
view, my mind has always been firm Oh
one point, would never marry shipper,
ing man who had. no ideas in his head
and who lacked the energy to make a
man of himself. If ever the time came for
my marriage the accepted man would be
one who could come up to my high ideal.
who would not belittle my hopes, and
whose name 1 would be proud to bear.
ITO prove myself worthy of such a
husband | have worked hard. l have
practically educated myself, and took a
course in Notre Dame. Baltimore, to per-
feet my requirements. 1 attained the
office of assistant librarian under circum-
stances which think would win the Geor-
gia legislature to have official employ
ment thrown open to women. This L state
in no offensive manner. but merely to
show that a woman may do something
in this world without losing her woman
hood.
When, in the midst of all these efforts,
I became conscious of Gen. Longstreet's
admiration, I but redoubled my efforts,
determined that I should be recognized
for myself, and that he should regard me
as companion and helpmate, rather than
as a mere housekeeper. When he asked
my hand in marriage granted it, know
ing that 1 was entrusting my life ana
happiness to one of the noblest men God
ever made.