Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1897 — Peculiar Russian Custom. [ARTICLE]

Peculiar Russian Custom.

It is said to-day that there is only one happy condition for women in Russia. “As happy as a priest’s wife” is a common saying there. Strange to relate, her husband's position depends upon her. If she dies he is deposed. He then becomes a layman, his property is taken from him and distributed half to the government and the other half among his children. This state of things makes the Russian priest very careful of his wife, and he takes great care of her, waiting upon her, looking after her, and keeping her in health, comfort and happiness. Although selfinterest rather than love underlies his motive of solicitude and consideration, the Russian woman gains the benefit of this curious law and it is not surprising to learn that to marry a priest is the highest ambition of a Russian girl. She even prefers him to a nobleman,—American Queen.