The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-30
SMART WEDDINGS
FEW BECAUSE OF
MONEY STRAIN
NOT THE ONLY REASON, HOW
EVER, SAYS FREDERICK TOWN
SEND MARTIN, WELL KNOWN
SOCIAL LEADER.

NEW YORK, Dec. 30.-FredericS
Martin, bachelor leader Of
New York society. said that he agreed
with the opinion expressed hy the
OF the Social Register, just
out that the great decrease In the
num- Der OF marriages The past year IN
the fashionable world was due 10 hard
times,
But don't think | mean that this is
the chief and only reason Tor the small
number OF weddings. OF course, the
financial condition Is one of grave con-
Germ when man is contemplating
matrimony. The responsibilities and
demands made today upon married
people who have al established posi-
ton In society are great, and young
people who contemplate marrying arc
wise 10 give every consideration TO The
matter before taking the anal step.
Don't take what ! say TO mean that
| believe money alone can buy nappi-
ness or assurance of smooth sailing on
the matrimonial seas. believe thaty3n
many respects the strained financial
condition has had wholesome educa-
tional effect. II has served 10 teacn
many a lesson in economy.
Asked IL last years money string
ency had routed Cupid 10 the extent
OF 20 per cent decrease in the num-
Der OF New York marriages among
the 400" Mr. Martin replied quickly:
''Oh. dear, no, have heard or no
broken gements, none. Let me
tell YOU something: One reason for
the apparent lack Of rush into matrl-
mony lies with the women themselves.
"You must know" Mr. Martin con-
tinued, that times have changed for
women They used 10 marry. largely,
IL was said, for companionship. Some
times. too, for social standing. As a
married womans standing was regard
ed as more enviable than the unmar-
ried woman's OF course. every one
knows that all this has been changed.
A woman no longer needs to marry
because she enjoys the comradeship or
men. The numerous gatherings today,
here both men and women meet, the
out OF door sports in which they en-
gage in friendly rivalry. have changed
the social situation considerably, even
in the last few years.
And speaking OF women who are
devoted to sports, who enjoy Following
the hounds and are expert horsewom-
en-. | want to say in their defense that
they are just as good wives and moth
ers. notwithstanding the foolish things
that are said OF them. Their love or
sports and animals doesn't lessen their
love OF home and family
Returning to the matrimonial ques-
lion. Mr.. Martin said: Il believe what
makes women less inclined TO rush
into matrimony without first giving
careful thought to II is the horror OF
the divorce court. II marriages seem
10 be decreasing, the divorce courts
appear 10 be busy, according 10 the
recent government reports. which are
certainly most distressing.
81 believe people are getting more
cautious in considering the question OF
I think they give more
thought to II, and ask themselves first
the question, Whether they are really
suited TO each other? Both should real |
Ice before matrimony that Il time will
arrive in their career that they must
bear each others burdens. or at least
be willing TO help each other 10 do so.
The happiest people know are those
who have some common interest
music. art. charity, something which
keeps up a mutual interest in life and
each other"
Frederick Townsend Martin. with
his brother, Bradley Martin. is as
much at home In the exclusive circles
OF London and Paris as he is here.
He undertook on different occasions
I'm London to bring church, society
and the stage together at luncheons
and dinners which he gave In honor
OF notable members from the three
distinct walks OF life. and won a
in successful and diplomatic
Mr.. Martins last big so
cial venture here was the tea and one
act playette In which Mrs George
Gould appeared At the Hotel Plaza
last January.