Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-07
MARRIAGES IN MEXICO.
How They Are Arranged-Meetihg Of
the Lovers-Status of the Divorced.


the Lovers-Status Of the Divorced.
From the Mexican Herald.
The average Mexican does not think of
marriage until he has at his disposal a sum
more than moderate, If 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 in whose minds the idea Of
matrimony has never yet entered becoming
man and wife through the whim of their
parents.
It may be that the family of the bride
groom looks upon his matrimonial union
with certain girl who may happen to be
the daughter of a magnate as a means OF
avoiding bankruptcy; 1t may pc tnat lhe
father of the bride considers her alliance
with the son OF politician as an adrolt
measure in preventing the downfall of the
head of the house, or in point Of trivial
circumstances 1t may be that a marriage
is brought about with the object of reduc-
ing the yearly tax by the father of the
bridegroom or that of she bride.
The motives given, and those never given,
for the Encouragement of such alliances
vary according to conditions and are al
ways in relation to the position occupied
by the two families.
The frequent brevity of the proceedings
In the arrangement of bridal ties is for
tunately giving way to more liberal and
conscientious behavior on the part of par
ents 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 or consent
of their parents, two young persons become
call on the brides father for the purpose
of making known to him the designs of the
bridegroom. temporary objection at
this point may practically upset the plans
of the young candidates to marriage, as
the opposition of the father means delay
of two years or more.
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 sufficient to drive him
from his retreat under balcony or near
telegraph pole l have seen lover talking
to a pretty girl through an iron-barred
window while a terrific rain storm swept
over the city with great fury as quietly and
naturally as if balmy spring weather mad
prevailed.
But the Mexican lover enjoys the novelty
of the affair. and far from making any
attempt to obtain permission to call on ms
sweetheart at her own home, he Is ready
to undertake any task, however dlfncult,
in order to speak to her alone, for young
lady is seldom allowed to receive men with
out at least two or three members OF the
family being present.
The general topics OF coiiNei 9'lioti -,
extreme heat, beautiful weather ana the
like are in such cases strictly in order, and
the suggestion is never made TO take her
out for a stroll or short drive-that would
set the house on fire. moderately large
hank account may enable the VISITOR TO
invite her family to attend the opera, but
this means that all chances for the ex
change of amorous expressions between the
lovers are lost for it is his duty to offer his
arm to mother and wait upon her until
their return from the theater, aside from
securing seats for every member of the
family sometimes including the servants.