THE SCHEME OF THINGS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 96, 27 April 1929, Page 18

THE SCHEME OF THINGS

(By M.H.C.)

Some surprising statements have been made recently concerning the prevalence of child marriage in tho United States. It is stated that girls of. 12 years of ago may be legally married in eleven States, but the minimum age is increasing in the other States. "Hasty marriages, with their resultant evils, are still 'possible in many States," states a committee of the Bussell Sage Foundation. "The decision to marry, issuo of the license, and the actual ceremony may all take place in a few days, and only 24 of the 48 States require a ceremony to make the marriage valid. In three States a private agreement, without recorded promise, constitutes a marriage." The matter has been taken up by women's organisations, and investigation has been made. The result of inquiries shows that of 72 girls aged 15, who wero married in New York State two years ago, only a dozen are still living with their hu3- ---• bands. Half the number parted before the first year expired. Quite a number of. odd things were disclosed during the •investigations, none of, them inclining ' the investigators in their favour. In tho case of marriage licenses, it appeared that clerk^ were paid commission according to. the number they issued. Therefore, many of them did not investigate too closely as to whether there was any impediment to marriage. It was found also that assurance on this point was frequently given by taxi-drivers or lift attendants who had only known the prospective brides and bridegrooms a few minutes! The federal Council of the Churches of Christ, in a nation-wide survey and appeal, urges Americans to cheek the tendency of low ideals in marriage, and to return to the religious conceptions. ;This question of child marriage is one that has occupied the attention of ■women all over the world; America is only one of the many countries that have.,awakened to its many evils. The ■fact that marriage is one of the most' difficult contracts to make a success of, and that there are many qualities, be-, sides physical attraction, which,-are necessary for its continued hold on people, is beginning to bo generally recognised, • and in some small ways provided for by talks to women and girls about its sanctity, and the consequences of regarding it too lightly. But it takes two peo:;.ple to make, a successful marriage, and plenty of people can, in their own experience, think of cases in which a husband or a wife has gallantly struggled for years to make a happy situation in „ the home, while the other persistently , does the opposite. It would seem com- \ monsense to extend the teachings in the .widest possible manner, and give these lectures and talks (which are indeed valuable) to both sexes, to married and single folk. Then earlier teaching should -, be sought, and boys and girls taught to be so decent and self-sacrificing towards each other, that when, later in life, they make homes for themselves, they will know the way to be happy, and will realise that both must work together for the common cause—the good of the home and household.^ In New Zealand majriage is allowed as early as 14 years, and some feel that in order 1 to save legitimacy this is a wise thing. • But there are so many other considerations, that it is very doubtful if such . marriages are ever really in the least desirable.,' Isolated cases of success are not the'rule, and there is" a rather general opinion here that the age of permision should be raised at least to ife for both sexes. Interesting mention is made of the difference between the Jewish customs in divorce, and thoso which are recognised by the Gentiles. _It appears that a Jewish woman who has been granted a decree nisi at the Law Courts cannot ■ be remarried iv a synagogue unless she has received freedom from the religious Court for her own people. This can be obtained from, the rabbis, who go carefully into the matter; but this . can only be carried out with the consent of the husband, >who must promise to abide by the decision, whether or not ". he appears. It has been found, quite often, that when the civil divorce has been obtained the husband disappears, with the result that the woman cannot obtain a Jewish divorce, ;tnd therefore is debarred from remarriage. Tho Board of Deputies of British Jews decided recently to make public this fact, and to ask solicitors to advise husbands, .if the guilty parties, of the plight the wives will be left in with regard to remarriage unless they take the necessary steps for the religious divorce. It is stated that there was 1 much opposition by the "Liberal"-and Orthodox members. • The. Jewish people hold closely to the religious view of marriage, and their marriage vow or promise is, perhaps, the most beautiful N.than can be used. Other religions might well "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" their ideals and'customs, for they are worthy of much respect. . ■ ' ■ ■ ■ The psychology of women's dress is the subject of a < long descriptive talk by a well-known dress designer, but he does not touch on tho point that the new designs and fashions are made mostly by men-who do not have to wear the tilings themselves. Nor does he apeak of the influence of the manufacturers, who naturally, long for a lavish use of material-after the long "fast" from width, or length, or elaboration. Perhaps, from the standpoint of benefit ■ to trade, it is possible to look with patience on extravagance in the use of dolicate and expensive materials which are to trail at the heels of the girls ana women in the coming season, but all those who rejoice ever a more "feminine" style, must be prepared to pay largely and handsomely for it. It is not possible to bring within former prices yards and yards of tulle, net, ; chiffon, and what-not, all bespangled or embroidered, which are to bo added to an expensive foundation; wide and long ■ Victorian skirts of silk or satin must, ; of necessity, be extremely expensive. Another writer is dreadfully pleased ber cause the slim "sports girl" is to be replaced by tho roundabout and tubby one, as he likes curves —a very sufficient reason; but the curves are to be , gained by the card-player and indoor girl, and it is a question whether the health of the nation is going to be jmproved. It is all rather sad, but the saddest part of all is the willingness.of womenkind to be exploited for fashion without regard either to expense or health. The craze for something new and different seems so mindless and ■ weak in comparison with the real ■'. things that matter —health, sense, and real happiness, as against the whim- ■'. sies of fashion. Still,thereis no doubt ' that the power of fashion is both unaccountable and great, as instanced by 'the fact that Harold Lloyd, a film actor, who, for caprice, or to distinguish himself in some special way, appeared always with the unbecoming, owl-like ' glasses which now have spread all overthe world, thereby imposing the fash- ' ion on millions of people, regardless of its disfiguring possibilities. A most extraordinary thing! • '