Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 March 1880 — Coming of Age. [ARTICLE]

Coming of Age.

It is common to say that a young maa “ comes of age” at 21. This means that he is then old enough to manage his own property, to do business for himself, and to be made to do as he has agreed; also to vote. Before he is 21, if he has any property, his father or guardian manages it for him; he is not expected to do butiaees on his own account; and if he makes foolish bargains, he can say “ I have changed my mind.” There are several other ages which.are important; indeed, a person may be said to be “coining of age” for different purposes fit different times all through his life. From his very birth he is of age to be owner of property, and to be protected from violence and cheating. At 7 years he becomes of age to be punished for a crime, if it can be shown that he was a bright, intelligent lad, had been tanght somewhat, and knew that the thing he did was against the law and would be punished. These things are not taken for granted until he becomes 14. From and after 14 it is supposed that a youth knows enough to refrain from attacking people, or stealing, or setting houses or fire, or things of that kind. At 14, also, he is of ago to be asked, if his father should die, whom he will choose as guardian; and of age to marry; but, that if he does so, he cannot retract afterwards, and say he was too young. At 18 years he is of age to be a soldier. At 21 years he becomes independent of his father, and may vote; these things are so much more important than any of the others that reaching 21 years is commonly called “ coming of age,” as if it were a magic date for everything. At 25 years he is of age to be Representative in Congress ; that is, after that the people can elect him, if they choose; before that they cannot. After 30 years he can be elected Senator, and after 40 President. At 45 years he is of age to be excused from going as a soldier. —Christian Union. Lawyers Allen and Taylor, the latter an ex-Jndge, had a quarrel in court at Newark, Ohio. While Taylor was riding home, Allen invited him to dismount and have his bide tanned with a whip. Taylor got off his horee, took off hiß coat, and challenged Allen to attempt the job. Allen tried, but failed, and -was badly beaten by the ex-Judge. Spcjrgeon violently assails the foieign policy of the British Government.