The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-23

copyright, 1903 by W. r. Hearst, Great
Britain rights reserved.)
BY Mrs. John A. Logan In the New York
American.
q OCIETY Is constantly being
90 shocked by domestic and other
~ tragedies. Certainly there never
has been one that more thoroughly re-
vealed what may follow indiscretion in
the beginning than does the Burdick case,
which recently startled the whole country
on account of the prominence of the par
ties. The shocking accident that has
since removed one OF the accused and his
wife is very sad to contemplate, not only
on account of their death, but because
of the stain upon the name of the gentle
man. which can now, probably, never be
removed
1t seems that Burdick was once one of
the representative citizens of Buffalo,
and that he had the confidence of the
community; but that he had for some
time been leading a dual life there is no
doubt. What effect the knowledge of his
infidelity had upon his wife is also one
of the unknowables.
That both Mr.. and Mrs. Burdick have
committed serious mistakes is unques-
tionable. How else was 1t that their
troubles reached the threatened climax
of divorce? Innocent children and an
aged parent must bear the burden of
sorrow that follows such overwhelming
domestic troubles. which, In this case,
seem to have been without excuse except
that of the perversity of human nature.
Both Mr.. and Mrs Burdick belonged to
reputable families. He, 1t appears, was
successful in business. They had COM
Portable, II not luxurious home. They
We're blessed with children, and those ig-
norant of the skeleton In their home
would have pronounced them fortunate
and happy people. 1t is an interesting
study to try to find out how and when
the tempter entered the sacred precincts
of this home.
In these latter days of free and easy
morals and Indifferent loyalty In the
marriage relations, we are subject. to
surprises of this kind. and we have some
times wondered If there was not some
thing wrong In the indscriminate mix
of men and women. Men leave their
homes presided over. perhaps, by low
ing and beloved wife. They have no
thought Of infdelity.
In the pursuit of their business they
are constantly surrounded by attractive
young women, who are in all respects
iovabie and worthy. First sympathy
is enlisted for the unfortunate woman.
who must earn her own living and. prob
ably. that Of dependents. From civllity
they drift into friendship. Then men
feel that it is selfish to go out to lunch
con without asking the constant COM
panions in their office to go also.
At first the women hesitate. but finally
go. All too frequently mutual admira-
tion springs up and before either is
aware the mischief is done. Or 1t may be
that men and women meet at the in
Vulnerable restaurants and resorts where
refreshments are served: they exchange
Inequalities; finally sin, ever lurking
about, creeps in; and from the innocent
recreation comes a wretched association
impossible to conceal and no man can
succeed in keeping his family from
knowing when he does wrong or Is I'M
faithful.
He may flatter himself that he IL de-
ceiving them; but preoccupied mind.
foo much rroteefatio,, ~ n nactfor .t,,a
led attentions that are betrayed by in
sincerity-all combine 10 make his fam
lily feel that there " something wrong.