The Washington herald., 1908-03-02
FROM WOMAN'S
POINT OF VIEW

II seems as IL daughters might trust
themselves TO tho wisdom of parents who
have their interest az heart and choose a
husband who has the ordinary qualities
for insuring reasonable future of hap
piness I am not referring to men who
are handicapped by poverty, for that is
no sensible bar when wives are wiling to
bear their share OF burdens, but TO those
whose age or ability are all out of keep
ing with the women 10 whom they pay
court. We know that there are many
marriages which ought never to have
been made, and they exist or have existed
despite the protests of parents who have
right and sense on their side.
The most recent Of these concerns a
girl Just out Of her teens. one who has
had every advantage Of education and
cultivation. In some unexplained way
she met man more than double her
age with an unpleasant matrimonial his
tory 10 his credit. He managed to inter-
est the girl before her parents knew any
thing of the acquaintance but il was be-
lieved that absence might cure one or
both so she was sent away with full
understanding OF the family distaste 20
her suitor The plan did not work. be-
cause he was persistent and would not
let her forget him, so she returned 10 re-
new her pleas in his behalf
II must be acknowledged that a great
deal of consideration was shown the girl,
The matter was discussed calmly and
sensibly. and the girl promised to travel
for a year and put both the man and
70 NJ
tion. For this she received promise to
favOrably consider the match IL both
passed the ordeal with unaltered affection.
She went away six months ago and re-
turned recently with the announcement
that she had been married three months
to the man she had promised 20 test. Is
il any wonder that her parents feel angry
and hurt?
They have let her pass into the keeping
of her husband with deep dislike for the
man ard a hardnes OF heart for her
which only misfortune will soften I
know that they will stand by her in any
trouble she may meet. but strained rela-
tions will exist between the two families
ill she needs help. and I doubt If any
happiness is worth purchasing at that
price, and the girl is likely 10 reach that
conclusion after her honeymoon has wan
ed. Few husbands can take the place or
thoughtful, loving parents, and some do
not even try TO do H. There are bound
20 be times when mother-counsel viii be
missed and there is sure 10 be a lack OF
money which the girl never experienced
under the family roof. because her hus-
band belongs 10 the piodding class with
out ambition or marked ability in any
direction.
Parents often stand in the way OF hap
piness for daughters by raising unreason-
able objections to suitors. Even an ODE
dent child rebels al injustice. and the out
come surprises nobody. But when there
are real objections 20 a man. 10 his morals
or his lack OF ability 20 give wife
ordinary comforts, for Instance. girls
would do well to listen with a fair mind.
Ia this case a years separation might
have won the parents over II there had
be5a no abatement OF affection, and they
would see that the couple needed nothing
they could not supply, even 10 good
home. They have some reason for re-
sentiment, / think BETTY BRADEEN.