Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-09-10
Marriages in Mexico,

The average Mexican does not think
| OF marriage until he has at his dis
! posal sum more than moderate, il he
| happens to belong to the higher strata
| Of society, nor until it is consented TO
| by the unanimous vote of every one Of
the members of the family. Instances
can be mentioned of two young
persons who have never met each
other and i'm whose minds the idea Of
matrimony has never yet entered be-
coming man and wife through the
Whim of their parents
1t may be that the family of the
bridegroom looks upon his matri-
monial union with certain girl who
may happen to be the daughter of a
magnate as means of avoiding
bankruptcy; it may be that the father
of the bride considers her alliance with
the son of politician as an adroit
measure in preventing the downfall of
the head Of the house, or in point Of
trivial circumstances it may be that a
marriage is brought about with the
object Of reducing the yearly tax by
the father of the bridegroom or that Of
the bride.
The motives given, and those never
given, for the prcarrapgement of such
alliances vary according to conditions
and are always in relation to the posi-
ton occupied by the two families.
The frequent brevity Of the proceed
ings in the arrangement OF bridal ties
is, fortunately, giving way to a more
liberal ana conscientious behavior on
the part Of parents toward their sons
and daughters. But it should also be
added that the custom has by no
means disappeared, for cases OF this
nature could be counted by the score
in almost every city in the republic.
When, with the knowledge of CON
sent of their parents. two young
persons become engaged the parish
priest is requested To call on the
brides father for the purpose of
making known to him the designs of
the bridegroom. A temporary objec-
ton at this point may practically up
set the plans of the young candidates
to marriage, as the opposition of the
father means delay of two years or
more. NV
During that period the affectionate
lover parades the street night and day
in the hope of seeing his sweetheart;
a thunder storm would not be sufii-
cient to drive him from his retreat
under a balcony or near telegraph
pole. ! have seen lover talking to
pretty girl through an iron-barred
window while terrific rain storm
swept over the city with great fury as
quietly and naturally as if balmy
spring weather had prevailed.
But the Mexican lover enjoys the
novelty of the affair, and far from
making any attempt to obtain permits
sion to call on his sweetheart at her
own home. he is ready to undertake
any task, however difficult in order 10
speak TO her alone. for young lady IS
seldom allowed to receive men without
family being present.
The general topics of conversation
about extreme heat. beautiful weather
and the like are in such cases strictly
in order. and the suggestion is never
made to take "hcr" out for stroll or
short drive-that would set the
house on fire. A moderately large
bank account may enable the visitor
to invite her family to attend the
opera, but this means that all chances
for the exchange of amorous express
siOns between the lovers are lost, for
it is his duty to offer his arm 70
mother" and wait upon her until their
return from the theatre aside from
securing seats for every member or
the family. sometimes including the
servants.-Mexican Herald.