The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1913-09-18
MEN AND THINGS.

To THE EDITOR OF The JOURNAL:
Marden says: 'Never in the history of
mankind, was there such perfect mania
among certain classes to keep up appear
ances at all hazards, to make big show
in the world, as exists in America to-
day." He tells of the fifty dollar shoes
and thousand dollar dresses worn by the
rich, and of others striving to make a
similar showing without the money and
thereby involving themselves in debt.
This costly attire adds nothing to the
beauty of the soul. Men spend much
time and money discussing the evils of
intemperance or the cigarette habit. How
often do we hear a sermon on the evils
of pride as. taught in Scripture or in
human experience? 1t breaks up more
homes today than intemperance and is
one of the chief causes of intemperance
itself.
A man works hard and faithfully all
the years his family is growing to ma
turlty. All mis- earnings are used in the
support of that family. When he can
work no longer, his wife gets divorce,
presumably to marry man with money,
and the provider Of that family is turned
out into the world as worn out horse.
Of course his children have not been
taught that they are under any obliga
ton to do anything for parents in return
for the cost of raising them. The happi-
ness of many home is ruined by simply
will.
have seen window put up and down
TIL both parties got tired. Nobody
seemed to think Of compromising by
having 1t part way up. The happiness
of the world is made up of the happiness
of its homes. Few can say with Tenny-
son:
"The woods were filled so full with song
There seemed no room for sense of wrong"
The following "Rights of a Married
Man" were once printed in the Christian
Herald:
LIST. Responsibility implies au-
thority. If he is responsible for
family support, there must be the
legal and moral right to regulate the
amount.
End. There is at least a right
equal to that of his wife as to the
location of home and style of liv-
ing.
Bird. His views and wishes as to
family habits, guests and entertain
ments are entitled to respect and
should have marked influence.
4tb. His principles and convic-
tons of right and duty should not be
Extensively opposed, condemned or
d sregarded.
9Th. His personal comfort and
physical condition should be consid-
cred.
9th. 1t is his right and duty to be
governed by his own judgment and
conscience as regards benevolence
without interference from his fami-
ly, except in the way of suggestion
or conference, which is the mutual
right Of all the members when
opinions differ.
7th. 1t is his right and duty to con-
slider his children's permanent well
fare in accordance with his judg-
ment in regulating any pecuniary al
lowances he may make.
9Th. 1t is natural and reasonable
that man and wife have not the right
to be absent from each other without
consent In this, as in other re-
spects, it is the duty of both to con-
slider the others wishes, comfort
and welfare.
9th. There should be such mutual
respect, confidence and union as to
prevent concealments, secrets and
locked doors.
10th. There should not be life
or practice in the household that
practically condemns the principles
and would injure the reputation of
its head, or refusal to concur and
reasonably cooperate in his plans
and efforts
18th. Within the limits of COM
mon sense and reason the right of
every adult member of the family
should be recognized to do Gods
work, or fulfill all Righteousness, as
the Bible expresses it, without inter-
ference or hindrance, but the right
of suggestion should be recognized.
Some women violate every one of the