The New York herald., 1921-10-13
MILLION WEDDINGS IN
1921 new RECORD
Number May Equal Even
100000 From Reports
to Government.
INCREASE WORLDWIDE
Germany Is Only Country in
Which Marriages List
Isn't Abnormal.
INCREASE WORLDWIDE
LAID TO SHORTAGE IN MEN
French and British Say Con.
ditions Are to Blame for
Women's Daring Dress.
Special Despatch to THE New YoRK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
WASHINGTON. ID. O.. Oct. 12

Special Despatch to THE New YoRK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau
Washington, ID. O., Oct. 12.
More than 100000 marriages will
be the record of 1921 in the United
States, establishing new high mark,
according to indications in reports re-
ceived by Government bureaus The
number may go as high as 1900, 900 by
December 81.
Matrimonial records have been bro
ken in all civilized countries in the
last few months, even taking into con-
sideration the war period. when young
men and women rushed to the altar in
numbers never known before
The rush throughout the world is
puzzling officials, statesmen and So
cial workers. Because of worldwide
business depression and high prices
the marriage rates should descend, it
is assumed
In England 100000 couples entered
the welded state last year. according to
latest and reliable reports, an increase
OF almost 100000 over the previous year
In France and Italy also new records
are being set up. Only in Germany is
marriage increasing at rate that rs
not regarded as astonishing.
Increase In Divorces Too.
At the same time the number Of ap-
plications for divorce also is showing a
bis increase in most countries compared
with the pre-war period. This is at
tributed to the inability of war mar
riages to survive. Although no new re-
ports on divorce in the United States
are yet available 1t is known the num-
ber of separations is much larger than
before the war.
In Germany divorce is frowned on and
the Government Is considering measures
to encourage marriage. German states
men fear a decrease in population unless
social relief Is afforded.
Similar anxiety Is being registered by
French officials. who. however, have
1ong struggled with the problem Of
falling population rate. In France pro-
posals to encourage marriage thus far
offered have included bounties and mod
ification of taxation especially for single
persons, taxes on bachelors and single
women. A worldwide shortage of mar
riageable men is assigned as the cause
OF the increase in the marriage rate In
England and some other countries. al
tnOuBn tnlS CauSe WOuiu pS WitHout
founda ton In the United States.
Single men under 80 are compare
lively scarce in England and also In
France as result of the heavy NOR
tality during the war, official records
show. At the same time the number of
females under so is vastly larger In pro-
portion to the population than at any
other time.
The larger number OF marriageable wom-
en- than men is the explanation given for
the daring modes in dress Of the present.
according to writer's in some French and
British newspapers. Other writers, how
ever. point out that dress extravaganza
always has followed all wars. The new
styles. they emphasize. are tending each
day to return to the more conservative
lines and smaller outlay Of money
In the United States the increase In
the marriage rate Is being applauded by
tradesmen. modistes and others, who are
experiencing better business as result.
Real estate statesmen and building con-
tractors reckon that /. 900, 900 additional
homes or other accommodations will be
required this year as a result. of the
record number Of marriages. Newlyweds,
It Is pointed out. invariably seek new
homes and apartments although 1t Is
admitted the housing shortage now is
compelling many couples to live under
the same roof with parents.
Benefit to the Railroads.
Railroad managers see in the high
marriage rate an increase in the number
OF persons travelling. Despite increase
in passenger fares few newlyweds are
omitting the wedding journey. Hotels
and watering places believe the high
marriage rate is helping to fill their ac-
commodations to capacity. Jewellers
benefit because marriages mean not only
diamond engagement rings, but gifts as
well from friends and relatives, who in
n majority of cases select articles that
come from such stores.
Joining the chorus Of applause by the
proprietors of these establishments is
the song of an army of bellboys, walters,
theatres box Office attendants automo-
bile statesmen and manufacturers and
taxicab drivers.
More brides more business Is the way
it works out In the language Of those
who hope to benefit from record year
in romance.