THE CO-PARTNERSHIP OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES.—
“Husbands love your wives,” is the command in the Holy Writ. And I would like to add, Husbands, confide in your wives! Make them your confidential partners in all your business transactions. You, husband, have taken her from her father's house and placed her by your side in your own home, to direct your household, to be the mother of your children, and the partaker of your toils, your joys, and your sorrows. What is more natural and just, then, than that she should have your entire confidence? There are some women, perhaps, who do not care to know about their husband's business, whether he is in debt or not, only so he pays their bills and provides what is necessary for their comfort and convenience, without a thought or care as to whether they are living within their means, or far beyond it. There are many men, too, who think that woman's sphere does not extend beyond her household duties. He furnishes the material, and it is her duty to prepare it for use in the most economical way, to see that nothing is lost, and ask no questions. But the best way, to my mind, is a perfect understanding between husband and wife on all matters. Those cosy little chats in which the affairs of the farm and household, the plans for the future, the transactions of the past, the debts and credits, the profits and losses, are all talked over in a kind and confidential way, giving each an insight into the affairs of the other, these chats will go a great way towards strengthening the bond of union between the two persons whose interests are one. I believe there would be fewer bankrupt husbands and fewer misunderstandings which lead to estrangement and divorce, if wives knew their husbands' financial standing better. No woman with true womanly pride, or the welfare of her husband at heart, would be so reckless as to plunge him in debt if she knew his affairs were already in a crippled condition. I think the most peaceful and prosperous families are those where the members all work harmoniously together, and consult with each other at all times. *