The Washington times., 1909-03-22
MAN OF ROMANCE"
BAN|SHED BY WOMAN
Modern, Independent Lady
Does Not Demand Hero
of Olden Days.
NEW EXPLANATION
BY ONE READER
SAYS Gentle Sex Lives In and For
Present, But Dreams in
the Past.
To the Editor Of the washington Times.

To the Editor Of the washington Times
The complaint In The Times of March
H. of the lady longing for a MAN OF
Romance" Is neither unusual nor diff
fcult to understand. She is one among
many who find themselves victims OF
changing conditions. Modern life is still
early in its evolution and is tending
toward no-one-knows-where.
The Man OF Romance Is becoming
extinct for want OF an environment to
develop those traits in his character.
He well knows that his eligibility for
Ipatrimony is measured by his income
and Is beginning TO apply the same
standard to the women from whom he
chooses a mate. The Man of Ro-
nance is making his exit like the
knights of old, and he may never re-
turn.
The cause OF his disappearance is very
evident even in the complaint OF this
young lady: but a remedy is not in
sight No doubt destiny in time will
indicate the solution. Meanwhile the
individual must swallow his discomfort
This lady had not a prototype in the
days of romance. Woman in her am
bition is demanding an Independent ex-
istence. She is one of the many who
have succeeded. She has an income a
position with a salary, rooms nicely
furnished, and a library, all her own.
To secure and hold these, she has done
her little part toward the elimination
OF the Man of Romance" The man
who notices her forging ahead in the
business world where he alone has mere
tofore been supreme experiences a
change in his sentiments toward wom-
an After her days work, as she re-
cHEes in an easy chair reading some
charming story OF gallant and handsome
men ador.ng beautiful women, does she
md IN these stories independent and
clever heroines who can make their own
living and really have no use for the
heroes but to satisfy their fancies for
handsome men, or do the heroes stop TO
estimate the cost or living before en-
gaglng in romance2 The woman of to-
day is living in the present and dream
Ing In the past. Some modern Cervantes
should arise and do the modern woman
the great service of making ridiculous
the stories of romance.
This ladyS ideals as to the wealth of
her husband are quite selfish; Just as
selfish as those OF a confirmed bachelor.
Indeed, SelfishneSs is close to the base
of this whole matter. She has been
reared in genteel home, is a person OF
culture, her tastes and habits, to say
the least, are not frugal; no doubt she
lives up q goOdIy portion OF her income
sufficient TO maintain her in this state.
And don't blame her.
The bachelor finds himself In a sim
liar position. He, too, has acquired a
mode of life which he is loath to sur
render He realizes that after mar
riage he must pay double. God makes
man and wife one. but business refuses
10 recognize the transaction. The bach
elor looks upon his. married friends and
says: None OF IL for me-" His mar
red friend economies, plans, and sac
rificee. Reward according TO service is
the keynote Of modern society; but so
ciety expects one service gratis. IL
pays nothing extra to the man who
maintains and rears a family The
bachelor declines the honor. A wife is
burden and he will spend his money
On himself. And l don't blame him.
ONE or THEM