The Monticellonian., 1903-10-01

No one who has lived in Turkey and had an opportunity to acquaint himself with the domestic life of the people could fail to recognize the important part which women play in Turkish so- ciety, says a traveller who has just re- turned from the land of the sublime porte, according to the New York Trib- une.
 Especially is this true of the "old woman" who, unless she is incapaci- tated by age or sickness. leads life of great activity and usefulness. Young women look upon her with great respect as an experienced adviser and men are afraid of her tongue. Gray hairs, how ever, are regarded as crown of honor. and to Turk his mother is his truest friend. he pets her tenderly. goes to her for counsel in all his difficulties, and re- lies upon her to watch for opportuni- ties to advance his worldly affairs when out "gossiping"
 But the main business of the old wom- en of Turkey Is match making: they talk of weddings wherever they go. and they negotiate all the preliminaries of a marriage. The bride hunter for man relative is called geurudje tone who in- spects1. When she visits house where there are marriageable girls she imme- diately announces her mission. and while the maidens are being made ready she is served with coffee. Then come various civilities, such as Your daughter is like a full moon" and the match maker puts series of questions to the mother. who thereupon proceeds to descant on her daughters eyes. piumpness and accom- plishments The visit ends with the as- suranee on the part of both women that If fate so wills it" they will be happy to arrange a marriage.
 The match maker reports to her son about the lovely angel" and the next step is to ask the consent of the girls parents in writing. This petition is usually accompanied by gift of fruit and flowers. and then a day is appointed when the lover is to ride by the young womans house and be examined by her through the window grating. The re- suit of this inspection is reported by the parents. and If 1t Is favorable the lover. If wealthy. makes gift to the girl of about $1 .000; this counts as the brides first installment of pin money. A few days later formal betrothal takes place at the home of the bride-elect in the presence of priest. In the interval be- tween betrothal and marriage the lover sg oft fO tbae Y1 of h ic ,ftb h ers) choice, but he is not forbidden to send presents to her. However, this in- terval is a matter of few days only
 On the day of the marriage the house and grounds of the brides parents are thrown open to the public, and a mob of both sexes floclls to the garden to see the bridegroom appear in his best" on horseback. To appease the populace and to assure the people that he is not stingy. number of porters precede him, scattering fruit and small coin among the crowd. Alighting at the door of the house the bridegroom at once ascends the staircase between two rows of friends of the families of the contracting par ties, who proclaim their blessings in a HOlsy IlduItI- l He DIlue, Nelltu HI pm gauge and attended by two duennas. is at the top of the staircase. To her the bridegroom makes a low bow and then takes her by the hand and conducts her to a salon, when. having installed her under a dais, he retires. Then follows a procession of the friends. neighbors and beggars before the bride, who has meanwhile lifted her veil
 After this ceremony the imam is heard calling the faithful to evening prayer in the gardens. and as the guests respond to the summons the bridegroom escapes to the harem. where he at last. is per mitted to see his brides face. It is ar anxious moment. for the bridegroom is not sure till then whether the bride i: plain or pretty. If he is satisfied it i' said that the stars of the pair have met" If he is disappointed he simpl, says "Kismet,"-It was written.