Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1907-09-18
MARRIAGES IN MEXICO.
The way They Are Arranged and tho
Way the Lovers Meet.


Way the Lovers Meet.
The average Mexican does not think
OF marriage until he has an his disposal
sum more than moderate. II ne hap
pens % belong TO the higher strata OF
society. nor until Il IS consented TO by
the unanimous vote of every one OF
the members OF the family. Instances
can be mentioned OF two young per
sons who have never met each other and
In whose minds the idea OF matrimony
has never yet entered becoming man
and wife through the within OF their
parents.
1t may be that the family OF the
bridegroom looks upon his matrimonial
union with a certain girl who may hap
pen to be the daughter OF magnate
as means OF avoiding bankruptcy. II
may be that the father OF the bride
considers her alliance with the son of
a politician as an adroit measure in
preventing the downfall OF the head OF
the house, or In point OF trivial clrcum-
stances IL may be that n marriage is
brought about with the object OF re-
duclng the yearly tax by the father Of
the bridegroom or that OF the bride
The motives given and those never
given for the Encouragement Of such
alliances vary according TO conditions
and are always in relation to the posi-
ton occupied by the two families.
The frequent brcvity OF the proceed
ings in the arrangement OF bridal ties
is fortunately giving way TO Il more
liberal and conscientious behavior on
the part of parents toward their sons
and daughters. But Il should also be
added that 'hc custom has by no means
disappeared. for cases Of this nature
could be counted BY the score In al
most every city I'm tho republic.
When. with the knowledge or CON
sent OF thcir parents. two young per-
sons become engaged the parish priest
is reQUcs,c' . call on the brides IA
ther for the purpose Of making known
10 him the designs OF tho bridegroom.
\ TEMPORARY objection at this point
may practically upset the plans OF the
young candidates 70 marriage. as the
opposition Of the father means n delay
Of two years or more.
During that period the afrectionate
lover parafcs the street night and day
in the hope of seeing his Sweetheart. 4
thunderstorm would not be sufficient
10 drive him from his rctrcat under 4
balcony or near telegraph pole. I
have seen lover talking 10 4 pretty
girl through IN iron barred window
while terrific ralnstorm swept over
the city with great fury rs quietly and
naturally rs IL balmy spring weather
had prevailed.
But tho Mexican lover enjoys the
novelty of the affair. and. far from
making amy attempt 70 obtain permits
sion TO call on his sweetheart 1t hcI
own home. hc is ready TO undertake
any task. however s'ficult. in order tc
speak 20 her alone. for 4 young lady Is
seldom allowed To- receive men with
out at least two or three members OF
the family being present
Tho general topics Of conversation
about extreme heat. beautiful weathe,
ana the like are in such cases strictly
in order, and the suggestion Is never
made To take "hcr" out FOR a stroll OF
short drive That would set ID,
house or FIRE. y moderately large banl
account may enable the visitor 10 in
vite her family 90 attend the opera, but
I this means that all chances for the OK
cnanSc OF amorous expressions be
tween the lovers are lost. for IL Is hi.
I duty Il Offer his arm 70 mother" ant
wait upon Ter until their return from
the theatcr. aside from securing scat
for every member of the family. some
times including the servantS.-ModerI
Mexico.