Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-03-13

The reports from Utah towns in the
south. Of disappointments as TO mar
rage experienced by two respectable
young ladies, suggests some reflections
which would be profitable for our peo-
pie to ponder upon. II appears that In
each instance referred TO. the young
lady made the acquaintance Of a travel
ing salesman, or drummer" as the
class is commonly called. The intimacy
ripened into an engagement Of mar
riage The day was fixed and arrange
ments for the wedding were made, but
at the appointed time the bridegroom
failed to appear, and so anticipated Joy
was turned to bitterness and chagrin.
The conduct OF the heartless male de-
ceiyer cannot be too severely de-
nounced. II Is execrable. 1t is deserv-
ing OF heavy punishment. II displays
depraved heart and the disposition Of a
scoundrel. still II Is not as bad as II a
marriage had been entered into with
a married man, who deceived both the
willing bride and the wife whom he was
bound TO honor.
But II the scamps who played this
trick on unsuspecting girls are desery-
ing both Of the laws penalties and pub
lie reprobaton. can 1t be said that the
young ladies are themselves free from
blame? Why is It that young people
viii not hearken TO good counsel? They
have been cautioned time and again,
not TO be too trustful Of strangers, not
TO become too familiar with persons
OF whose antecedents they are ignorant,
not to form associations with anyone.
contrary TO the wishes and advice OF
their parents and friends.
In cautioning our young people In this
wise, we do not wish to cast any re-
Elections upon particular class OF Wis
itors to this State. There are many So
called "drummers" who are gem
tlemen. and who would not at
tempt to injure man or woman.
But there are others who come
TO Utah for business or pleasure or
both, who are not to be trusted Moth
ing is known as to their real status or
character While all should be treated
with courtesy who act In a worthy
manner. there is danger to the un-
sophisticated In close intimacy with
strangers.
Parents cannot be too critical and
careful as to the acquaintances formed
by their sons and daughters. 1t Is
sometimes alleged that the people OF
Utah are coerced or unduly influenced
by their Church leaders. II the counsel
Of men in ecclesiastical authority had
been more closely followed much suf-
fering and ignominy would have been
prevented, and the blush Of shame
would not have mantled so many
cheeks in Utah families.
There is too little restraint upon the
young people OF our community. They
are permitted 10 have too much Of their
own way Harshness and severity are
not TO be encouraged. but there should
be greater discipline, and parents ought
10 exercise stronger control over their
young offspring, which would become
natural to them as they advanced In
years.
The counsel and instruction Of lead
ing men in the Priesthood. and also OF
ladies prominent IN our auxiliary So
cities, have ever been promotive OF vir-
tue, prudence, decorum and the right
ful association OF the sexes, while the
youth have been repeatedly warned
against hasty acquaintance with |
strangers, and unions with those not Of
our faith. II these lniunctlons were
followed, It would be well with the sons
and daughters Of the Latter-day Saints. |
Apart from religious motives and
duties. II is the hight Of folly. and Of |
great social improperly for young la
dies 10 form close acquaintance with
comparative strangers. and TO be so
free in their department az Is often OBJ
served. The advice OF parents and wise
friends should never be despised, and |
It's reputation often leads 10 tears Of |
agony and the depths Of despair.