The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-02-20
Hopes and Tears in Agony Column
Fundamentals NeWs)

In the back Of some magazines there is found an old
time agony column. Here personals are published that
come from all over the globe. In q single issue there are
notices from places as far apart as Ohio. Oklahoma,
Hawaii and Scotland. Usually they are addressed to some
person who has suffered an attack of the wandering foot
and strayed from the family circle without leaving his
address.
Each personal published reveals some phase of the Diff
ficult drama attendant on most human relationships.
Some plead for the return Of the lost; some threaten, and
some are merely reproachful. A son writes to his father
thus:
Thomas, George H.: Electrician. II years old.
born In Sandusky, Ohio. Dad! Why don't you
write to US? We are your children, aren't we?
Uncle John would like to hear from you. too. We
hope you are father enough 70 write us. Your
son, George, Jr."
Here evidently is . father whose burden had grown
irksome. Perhaps the children wore out too many shoes,
ate too much meat and potatoes, or got tangled up urder
his feet and fought when he craved peace. You can see
years. He is sick unto death With his Job as an elec-
trician. His wife nags at him. But the children are
older now. and are earning . little money Of their own.
blood. He begins to plan his escape. And one day he
puts on his old SLOUGH hat and doesn't come back. At
this point his outraged family rise up and begin the
search. But father was willy. and forgot to mention his
destination. He did. however. read the magazine. And
the family resorted to the personal.
The psychology Of the notice Is poor. II father escaped
to get away from nagging, he will not come back because
Of reproaches. II they really want to make him come
running home, 1t would be wiser to write In this vein:
Papa. come home. We children have discov-
efeQ That you were never eppfeclaCe0. AL OF US
have good Jobs now and are making plenty of
money. You won't have to work any more.>
Uncle John has . new automobile and wants you
to drive 1t for him. There Is lots to eat and
drink. Mama is . changed woman. Come back
to the fatted caf.".
A queer personal is addressed to: "Carl Evans. q native
Of Big Arm. Mont, q years old, blond hair. feet 6 inches
tall, weight about $50 pounds. light complexion. He be-
longed In the army at Atlanta. Ga. Last heard Of In
Georgia, 1925. Miss Carey would be glad to hear from
him"
On first thought Miss Carey might be m over
optimistic landlady. But the tender description Of the
blond Carl makes one suspect an emotional entangle-
ment. II 70. he he'd better avoid her. for . lady who Win
advertise for her beau 70 boldly would interfere In his
freedom. and soon he would ba IN the peediea-
ment Of tia escaping papa Of tie first personal. Per-
hAps fear Of. this very ENHANCEMENT accounts for his
careesGneD IN not Mentioning hs present whereabouts:|
Let someone insert another personal TO warn him while
there IL yet time. Such warnings often appear in the
agony column. Thu following Is one such example:
"T and d. has t. Il her back on you and
has gone to Joe. You -t~- -',.rc v~y ~--. You
are better Oft. l. r."