The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-03-20
Companion
Ma1~YiageL Is
No Solution
BY MARTHA LEE

One Of the standard cries for
companionate marriage, free love,
verbal marriage contract, or any of
the other names that label the
latest marriage substitute is eco
non1ic reasons"
A man and woman who find
they love each other, and for one
reason or another do not wish to
marry in the accredited manner
prescribed by the laws of man, are
more apt than not, if the question
be pressed, to say they are not mar
rying for economic reasons.
Very often it is so that they may
be free. But if two people truly love
each other, there is no bond orig
mated by any law as lasting, as
combining as that which is formed
by love itself.
The term free love" is a contra
diction in itself. In the first place,
love is an attachment for another
human being. 1t is need for one, a
desire to have one near, an utter
sense of emptiness, when one is
not there. That is love- And there
is no freedom, spiritually, mentally,
or physically, in The crying need for
another.
Economic Reason Is Second
So, as far as I can see, that argu-
ment concerning the abolition Of
marriage is answered so quantity
for itself. Now the economic reasons
are second in strength to this eternal
cry for freedom. In other words q
young man and woman find they
love each other. In fact, they would
love to get married, only economic !
ally it would. not be wise. And so
they decide upon companionate
marriage. But does that solve the
problem? Let us see what an in
telligent young woman has to say
on the subject.
Dear Miss Lee---I have very dear friend
who is considering a change in her life
which, think most unwise. She is "a
years old The man she is in love with
10 40 Dull nave 4ldb COlltSC SNuSdbiOAAo
and both are just starting on careers in
the business world. They are both poor
and their years in college and comfortable
homes have instilled in them desire for
comfort and beauty.
Now the point is this. They are both
in love and would love to get married,
but they feel they can not afford marriage
at this time. And they are considering
being companionately wed. I am strong
ly against it, because feel it is unfair
to the girl. This boy is serious in his
love for my friend. I am sure. but to
me marriage is the security a woman
has that is her right. 1t is the birth
right of her children. And I can not
see why, if they can afford companionate
marriage, they can not afford to be just
plain every day married, like other peo-
pie are
have argued with heruntil am blue
in the face. She is an exceptionally in
telligent girl. whose mental balance have |
admired great deal. But she doesn't |
seem to grasp my ideas on the subject |
and I feel they are far more sane and |
sensible and logical than hers. Could you
suggest any way of putting my ideas
across? Or else tell me where am wrong. |
NANCY.
You have not reckoned this one
thing. They are in love. And the |
most sensible, sane, well-balanced |
minds sometimes go ebay wire" I'M
der the strain. 1 am not poking fun |
at them, however. Please do not |
misunderstood. I am plying those |
youngsters in whom education de-
velops a false standard Of values.
Excuse Sounds Fishy
In the first place, as you say, |
surely plain, ordinary, common or
garden variety of marriage is no
more expensive than if it had a
fancy name. If they are going to
love till death do them part, it won't |
make any difference if they are
bound together with the good old
Glove, honor and obey" or with a
simple 'I'lI take you" ceremony.
Theirs does not seem to be clear
case. Somehow, this economic rea-
son stuff sounds pretty fishy to me.
If you mean they would be married
by verbal contract, the girl to con-
tinue to work and support herself,
that could be done under the old
rules of the game. Many d young
wife is burying her new spring out
fit with what she earned by her own
efforts
No, I can't see where the fact that
they marry Companionately will
bring the Rembrandt painting over
the marble fireplace any quicker
than if they just got married. If
it is love, it will stand up under the
strain of marriage as is.
Why in the world can not women
understand that men were kind
enough to agree to this marriage
business for the safety and security
IF +Ioi,- oh