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Show Dowry System Beats Suitors African Bachelors Stay Single for Lack of Funds BRAZZAVILLE, French Equatorial Equato-rial Africa A strong movement is afoot here and in the Belgian Congo to end the ancient and traditional "dowry" system which for centuries has proved the virtual ruination of poor young prospective husbands. Understandably, they are strongly strong-ly backed by the young native bachelors who, according to tribal custom, must pay out exorbitant amounts to the family of the girl of their choice before they can marry her. Opponents of the "dowry" say the price is so high that most of trie, healthy young working men would rather stay single than face the almost al-most certain financial ruin... They say it is virtually a system of bride selling. The system tends, they say, to make marriage the privilege of only rich old men, especially es-pecially where polygamy is still the practice. But the tribal chiefs and even some educated Africans favor continuation con-tinuation of the old system. They argue it seals the bond of alliance between clans and that to abolish it would break up the whole tribal system. In a still pagan society, say the supporters of the dowry, nothing would remain to instill the sense of responsibility and co-operation between be-tween husband and wife, or in-law clans, if the system disappears. |