GENERAL BOOTH AND MARRIAGE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 330, 17 October 1908, Page 12

GENERAL BOOTH AND MARRIAGE.

ANOTHER MESSAGE. Following on General Booth's message, or manifesto, on "Woman," a "Final Message" from the General on the same subject was read in all Salvation Army places of worship iu England recently. As on the previous occasion, the officers were instructed to "read straight through without comment." The following are the principal pointß of - the message

"In my last message I explained the Army's view of the equality of woman with man. I have sought to act in harmony with that principle. But, notwithstanding, our lofty standard, and the position in which we place woman, there is scope for improvement in the treatment she receives amongst us. It is true ■ that some of the more remunerative forms of earthly labour are frequently closed to woman. But thanks to the Salvation Army, positions of respect, fields of boundless opportunities for usefulness, and the highest interests of the race, ar-3 now open. No girl possessed of ordinary ability need have any fear about earning her livelihood or of a happy future. Tho preparations for it are simple, and include the elements of a plain education and the ability to do the housework of a modest home. Other qualifications will be welcome, for they will be keys to additional spherea o. c usefulness. But possessing these, sho will not need to rush into a marriage or any other earthly alliance that may make her wretched for life in order to ensure her maintenance.

"A higher estimate and a more generous treatment of woman as a wife is needed. In seeking a partner I am afraid the requirements of many men are often far too low. Having found a wife, every husband should place her in the position and give her the treatment to which she is entitled. Let him begin by making her feel that ho regards her as a being of equal value with himself. She is so,'whether he admits it or not: The selfsacrificing work he expects her to perform for him must in importance be equal to anything he can do for her. Let the husband recognise this then, and act accordingly. Tie meanness displayed by some men in granting but a stinted allowanco to their wives is beyond contempt. "We want, also, a higher estimate of the value of woman as a mother. No wonder that the race is degenarate, vicious, and on its way to destruction when so little regard is paid to woman in this respect. The' development of a race depends on the way in which it is mothered. 0, yd mothers, how serious and difficult is your task, for on you rests the responsibility, for rearing healthy, useful, and godly children. To perform this task successfully, she must have her husband's sympathy, and must have equal authority in the home, so that in this respect the children shall feel that father and mother are one."