The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1922-09-28
Stop! Look! Listen!


This is the sign which calls our attention to
danger as we approach a railroad crossing. 1t
might be well to post great flaring sign, bearing
the same inscription on our everyday walk in
view of some of the latest sensations which have
come to light during the week.
In South Bend, Ind. hundreds Of morbid persons
gather daily in courtroom where trial is being
held which involves the paternity of young child
and the affairs Of two households and their future
happiness.
In Brunswick, n. j., authorities are engaged in
unraveling the mystery attending the death Of
preacher of the gospel and his choir leader young
woman, whose bodies were found side by side In
field, 4S hours after they had been slain by an ull-
identified murderer. There have been rumors of
candesne meetings in this latter case. How
much truth attaches thereto only the future may
reveal
These two instances are but Of numerous cases
which are roprted in the press and which cast
significant reflections.
All who have the welfare of their country at
heart know that the safety of America as of every
other nation is founded upon the home. When
the home is in danger, decay of nation must fol-
low
America has been guilty of regarding the sanctity
of the home too lightly. The estate Of marriage,
divine origin, is dragged into the mre of filthy
TESTING with little or no protest.
The making of an American home is being con-
sdered in this day only too frequently in the
light Of a lark, "trial marriages" and other hys
terical solutions Of the commonly recognized prob
lem of our social system have been suggested
by some, who no doubt speak seriously. Many re.
fuse to accept marriage in the light Of RESPONSE
bility. If couples can't agree, there is a conven-
lent plea and the bonds may be severed in d.
vOrce court. They would strike out "obey" and
otherwise tinker with the old and established Gus.
toms, surrounding the marriage ceremony
Possibly it is old.fashioned to make plea for
sanctity of the welded estate on the basis of the
Bible. But if it is, one might also remember
that in days gone by when people considered the
home in more sacred light, that in those times
people were happier, divorces and scandals less
The problem which confronts US today is not
one of "prOgressiveness' as some would argue, but
rather one OF return to first principles The
estate of matrmony and all that pertains thereto
is fundamental. And fundamentals are unchange-
able.
The erection Of "Stop, Look and Listen sign
in every household in all schools and all churches
ringing appeals for happier homes and for more
earnest consideration Of the foundation of the ma
tion should be the mission Of all who think and
who have their own and their children's happ
ness at heart.
Let US build better homes Let US eliminate
the double standard and all other social ills
which menace the security Of the great institu.
tion-the HOME.
If we could add anything to this article tina
uld make it more impressive we would do so
a big subject. It's serious condition. Ap
emily we have reached point where married
is one of socieVs (?) play things. To som1
eems that home means nothing more than :
lter-a shell with vast nothingness therein.
Let us not forget the fate of other nations who
c blindly rushed into eternal darkness.