A "HYGIENIC WIFE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5634, 6 December 1879, Page 3

A "HYGIENIC WIFE."

lTuriiJANlts who have obtained their wives l)y advertisement do not invariably meet in the hour of adveisity with tlie amount of comfort aud support from their helpmates they feel they have a right to expect. Such has been the fate of a minister of religion—the Rev. Mr. Jlunstu—whose troubles are now exciting much attention iu the United States. The reverend gentleman is at present in l; ao 1 on a charge of horse-stealing, and has, it is stated, " finally loat tho sympathy of his wife, formerly Miss Easton." '1 heir union was brought about under somewhat singular circumstances. The llev. Mr. Munsen, who lived in Missouri, wrote to the Dansville (New Yoik) Laws of Life that he wanted a " hygienic wife." The editor, in publishing' a notice of his correspondent's requirements, guarded himself from responsibility by the following comments :—" This gentleman wants to get married, wants a hygienic wife, and wants me to introduce him. Now, Ido not know the gentleman, except as he states his own case ; but, if there be any girl or woman who herself wants to get married, and would like to be addressed by a man who claims to be a good Christian, but does not want to marry one who has not a conscience towards and an intelligent love fur the laws of life and health, she can address this person as above. I give this notice at his request, and take it for granted that he is sincere in making it." The minister's appeal was answered by Miss Easton, a lady of the most amiable disposition and endowed with considerable personal attractions. On his first visit »he was rather repelled by his .ippearau; e and demeanour, but ultiinatily consented to cast her lot with hi 3. The marriage ceremony was performed l>y the Rev. Mr. Munsen himself, before an Adventist congregation at Worcester, Massachusetts ; aud all went well, until in a weak moment he stole a horse. This led to his imprisonment; and Mrs. Munsen now says that absence from him has broken tie " mesmeric spell" by which alone ho con. trolled her. The story shows that even "hygienic wives" are not always to be depended on.