The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-26
A Letter From a Lover.

Letter from Lover.
Editor or The Times:
Sr:-I have noted with deep In
terest your able treaties on Love" in
me Sunday Times a few weeks ago,
also the subsequent articles in this con-
necuOn.
Inc subject IS one OF most vital inter-
est to US all, and While Its discussion
through the editorial COLUMNS OF a news
paper may be a new depa rture in journal
ism, such treatement can do no possible
harm and may be productive OF good re-
suits by awakening in some doubling or
cynical mind g. desire to earnestly and
marureIy consider the sources and the
blessing of true love mutually bestowed
the one boon worth striving for in this
lie and extending on through eternity.
The question Of the Possibility If
love ''at first sight we had best
pass over to be decifed by the
circumstances surrounding each case In
d1vidualIy. 1t does seem more reason
able, however, as stated in your article.
that the natural course would be a, deep
and highly favorable mental impression"
at first. gradually Strengthening, as
through the medium of association we
learn to better appreciate the graces
both mental and physical, OF the person
producing that Impression, and finally
rlpen1ng into the constant glow OF love
the lmth and tnWar1rcomforc OF tEst
immortal name.
In The Times Of September 18th will be
found. under the caption OF "A Bachelors
CompIalnr,'' some extremely inconsistent,
and, may say, pesslmistc Views OF one
who is evidently trying to impress US
with the nener that he is deferred from
scaling the walls of the matrimonial vine
yard be reason solely of the aedty of
the Irulr. He places che responsl bllity
for his own bachelorhood, as well as
that of numbers of others, on the So
called frIvolity and shaIowness OF the
girls of to-day.
1t must be regretfuuy admitted that
the whole plan or social lite at the pres
ent Tune Is founded upon a far looser
oasis tran In the days OF our grandpa
rents, but why place all the hlafde on the
women? DID not men take the initiative
in tie fostering OF the society girls OK
penSlvc customs and eEtravaSans tastes,
OF which our bachelor friend complains?
Must we believe that worans love
can be bought with brown-stone fronts
or a victoria and pair or with the fuss
and feathers OF the ball room? Can that
divine passion become thus mercenary?
I trust not!
the statement that woman Is too sell
fish to sacrifice any OF hlr accustomed
IuXuries Tor the man she loves is mani
festly untentable. as selhshness and true
love cannot exist at once In the human
breast.
rhere is no woman OF sterling worth,
however luxurlously reared. but would
gladly accept an humber home with the
man she loves, II left free to follow her
own inclinations. Unhapplly, rSmily OPP
position. lmpeled for the most part by
the gosslplng tongue OF public opinion,
has proven an impossible barrier in many
such instances. Moreover. do not we
men possess our selnsh little comforts
and rads. from which we are 10th to part?
But why demand these sacrifices? Is
1t not more seemly and discreet. and
more manly Wltnal, Tor US as far as
possible to contine our intimate friend
ships among those whose station In life
is about on a parity with our own? As
sureuly, under THESE circumstances, the
young man OF moderate means would
reap more satisfaction out OF his social
life than In valnly endeavorlng to keep
pace with the weaIthleSr and most eN-
travagant class OF society.
Lastly. there can be no such thing as
a truly happy bachelor, nor can the club
anord the comforts and quiet content
ment OF nome-a nome ever kept IN peace
full order by the never-tlr1ng hand OF
loving wife. Has our bachelor, who IS
surely young now, considered down IN
of old age uncheered by the presence of
a guardian angel, who is ready and will
ing to help bear all his burdens, tighten
MS every care, and to illuInlne with the
divine love-Ngnt. the darkening path or
his waning yesrsI Such must be the
privileges OF woman's love, and it is per-
tected only In the home life. Here she
should reign queen with absolute
power, yet administering the affairs or
ner realm ever with loving discretion
Under her gentle rule can arise no clouds
OF selnshness or dlscord to darken the
bright. clear sky OF perfect love
Surely, rather than conplain1As or self
isnness In women. We Should lament tl1
ract that so few men a re unSeltiSh enough
to merit all that she SO cheertuuy does
for the man she loves.
Can we not agree with Ian Maclaren
that those who will be bachelors from
choice are missing the Prize Of Life"
With sincere respect, am, but NOT
from choice. a BACHELOR.
Richmond, Va, Sept. 18th.