Year: 1879

MODERN MARRIAGES.
Mrs. j. T.. S. is So Old Fashioned That She


Opposes Making Money and Good Clothes


the Basis of Matrimonial Alliances.


To the Editor of the Globe.


Marriages and deaths are among the most
interesting items of a local paper, and are
read by all ages and classes more generally,
probably, than any other articles, and even
if we pick up an old copy of some news
paper, published in distant State, and our
eye falls upon marriage notices, we are very
apt to read over the names of those who
have become flesh of one flesh, and bone of
one bone. We read with great interest and
care the list of presents, and even the bridal
trousseau is examined with much m nuteness.
The elegant bridal dress, trimmed in the
most elaborate and expensive manner, the
magnificent supply of handsome undergar-
ments, the costly stockings, satin garters
with golden clasps, ETC., etc., are almost
enough to set us women crazy, and we
find ourselves saddened by the recollection
that such presents were not made when we
we're married.


Within the circle of our own acquaintance
the engagement of some lovely young girl is
announced, and the first inquiry is
in regard to the financial status of
the expectant groom. Has he, or his
father before him, Struck OIL" or has for
| tune smiled upon either or both2 Has the
groom large bank deposit to his credit-if
SO, how much? All these questions being
off o1x1 ;o
| to congratulations from all parties as having
captured very "desirable catch.'' Her
good fortune is measured by the worldly
possessions with which her affianced is ex-
pected to endow her. The moral character
and habits Of the man are not considered.
A red nose, bloated and blotched face, al
though evidence against him in any court of
public opinion, a,e ignored, for he is rich
and therefore gentleman. The young in
nocent girl is attracted by the prospect of
abundance of worldly goods, and she is will
ing to sell herself for money. 1t would be
far better to marry some young, sober, in
dustrious mechanic or tradesman, than to
risk ones happiness for life with roue,
whose only recommendation Is his wealth in
money, but who is, so far as character and
all the noble traits of manhood, a bankrupt
without any assets whatever. But
women 'set their caps'' for such men now
a-days, and it has been so since Adm and
Eve carried on their Irritation in the garden
of Eden. The fact is, that old saying
"money makes the mare 60" is as true in
matrimonial as in business matters. Our
girls should learn, however, that money
alone, unaccompanied by good habits, pleas
ing manners, amiable disposition and un-
swerving integrity, cannot bring happiness
l % AL,o
ter of the man they are to associate with
during life, who is to be the father of their
children and to assist them in rearing the
dear little ones for happiness and heaven
must, and should be, closely scrutinized.
Money is not to he despised, but all the gold
of Ophir could not induce me to marry q
man did not love in my heart of hearts.
The happiness of feeble woman
depends, in great measure, upon
the character and disposition of
the man with wlom she unites herself.
When vessel is to be sent to sea it's owner is
very careful in regard to the character of the
man he places in charge of her. The appli-
cants are carefully examined. It is not
enough to say that he is man, but is he
sober and skillful in the management of q
vessel on tho trackless ocean. So woman,
when she embarks upon the uncertain sea of
life, should know beyond all doubt the char
acter of the man upon whom she is to rely
when the trials of life come, and when
storms and clouds gather around. The sun
will not always shine, for there are bleak
cold and dark days in store for every one.
It would be far better for you to remain
single all the days of your life than to marry
man beneath you-a fool, knave or q
drunkard.


I disagree entirely with Dora Forde, who
recommends woman to 60 forward and entel
into the trades and professions heretofore
considered the exclusive field for the opera
tions of man. The home circle is her especial
sphere, for it is the sphere in which God de-
signed her to move, and He has SO qualified
her for it that she has power here which
she can have no where else. The household
altar is her place of worship. The forum is
too angry for her. Home is her place the
scat of her power and her influence. Here
as faithful wife she rewards her loving
husband for all his labor, toll and sacriGce
and submission, strange to say, she makes
arbitress of the very fate of the man upo1
whom she leans for protection, provided ht
is reasonable man and one of sober habits
As a mother she is the centre of home in
fuence and home happiness. To her loving
arms the child instinctively comes in all it,
troubles and sorrows and disappointments
To her is the first expression of its tender
ness and love, and to her clings the last no
BILE sensibility that fingers still tender in tn
heart of the hardened and guilty criminal
This love for woman is due to the fact tha
she has sphere of her own, and her in
fuence for good would cease if she were t.


60 beyond its confines. Mrs. j. T. S.