The Newtown bee., 1903-06-26
TOWN TOPICS.
SOCIAL TOPICS, NO. To.
LEGAL AND MORAL CONSIDERATIONS.
 BY o. o. WRIGHT.

Parents are legally and morally re. sponsible for the conduct of their chil- dren, in love affairs as in everything else, at least until they are of age. And children are legally and morally accountable to their parents in all things during their minority. We might we'll go further than this and urge that children should honor their parents above and beyond any legal or moral considerations, in this matter of social relations particularly. Since love and marriage involve so much, affecting the prosperity and happiness of two families at least, in all their re- lations and interests, social, financial and moral, why should not young men and young women be required and ex- pected to confide first of all in their own parents who gave them their being and all they have, and who by the strongest ties of nature must care more for them, and be willing and anxious to do more flor their highest welfare than all the rest of the world? Nobody can be more deeply concerned for their offspring than their fathers and mothers. And as rule nobody can know any better than parents what is likely to be best for their children as to the social con- ditions and relations which confront them in their youth. The most peril ous crisis of life with the most of boys and girls is probably within the period from fifteen to twenty years of age; and the most dangerous experi- ence of many young people within this period is that of premature and foolish Hove affairs.' And the Strangest, most unnatural thing about it all is that boys and girls are willing and eager to forsake and ignore the love and wisdom of their natural guardians to follow the devices and delusions of their own hearts, and the advice of strangers, in matters which may well be the making or unmaking of their destinies for this world, if not forever.
 It is a simple matter of fact that the moral and religious life of the community is often seriously affected by the abuse of social freedom among the young; and that thousands of boys and girls are led astray for lack of parental control and wisdom, through false ideas and evil associations. It would go far toward correcting this abuse if parents would promote proper associations and prevent improper social intercourse, by in- vftlng. to their homes such as they are willing to receive, and by strict teaching and example impress upon them that fathers and mothers are the first ones to be consulted, and that they have rights and duties which must be respected.
 "ln Europe" says Mrs Sherwood, Ia young man is not allowed to ask for the young ladies of the house in formal parlance, nor is he allowed to leave a card for them. Socially in Europe the young lady" has no existence. He calls on the mother or chaperon; the young lady may be sent for but he must not inquire for her first.
 'In Amerca the other extreme has led to very vicious system of etiquette by which young ladies are recognized as altogether leaders of society, receiv- ing the guests and pushing their moth- CTS into the background. It would amaze a large number of ambitious young ladies to be told that it is not proper that young men should call on them and be received by them alone. But the solution would seem to be that the mother or chaperon should advance to their proper place in this country, and while taking care of her daughter, appearing with her in pub lie, and receiving visits with her, still