Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 211, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 September 1910 — "OLD MAID” OFFENSIVE TERM [ARTICLE]

"OLD MAID” OFFENSIVE TERM

Women Hate the ' Appellation, but Philosophically Consider It is Dignified and Complimentary. It seems strange that an unmarried woman should object seriously to being called an old maid. But one of that blessed status in life took offense at the term in Long island and caused the man who applied it to her to be haled Into court, where ,he was sternly reprimanded by the magistrate and directed to expunge the word from his vocabulary. But it is not clear wherein lay his offense. The term is dig* Jiified and complimentary. There may linger a feminine objection of the adjective “old,” but that could be eliminated by a very slight application of philosophy. As for the noun, it is usually supplemented by terms of praise. Unmarried men do not rush into court when they are called bachelors, or even old bachelors. The bachelor uncle is normally a delight to nephews and nieces. The maiden aunt is beloved and cherished In every household blessed by her presence. She is not infrequently its most attractive member, even without the -charms of youth. For that she has substituted a golden glow of placid beiteficence. If there were in her early life a love affair, it is preserved in the lavender leaves of her memory. no occasion to brood, nor need melancholy cloud her brow. The geographical distribution of old maids in the United States has happily grown less uneaven. But it is probable that the number of old maids by their own choice is greater even than before the days of more money per capita and of readier transportation. Women has advanced in both education and independence. She can, when she will, set higher standards for her choice. The suitor has more difficulty in proving his case, provided the fair one Is endowed with discriminating judgment. There is less common need of marriage for a home.

Such emancipation of femininity would have inevitably an effect upon the census. It may have also Its influence upon the development of character. Within somewhat elastic sociological limits there cannot be too many old maids among the population. They have their peculiar mission to perform, and they usually meet its Yequirements with sweetness and light. Doubtless it was the intent of the Long island boor that consituted his offense. He might better wish that this maid may grow older and older.